The National Strategy for Gene and Cell-based Therapies Funds the University Hospital Regensburg and the Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy to Advance Cutting-Edge T Cell Therapy for Sarcoma Patients

Immunotherapy has already changed the way we treat cancer, especially for blood cancers. However, solid tumors present unique challenges, often resisting novel T cell therapies. The ESOSTEM155 project seeks to tackle this challenge by using a long-lasting type of immune cell known as stem-like memory T cells (T_SCM), which will be genetically engineered to enhance their ability to target and fight tumors more effectively.

Researchers at LIT will isolate T_SCM cells from patients’ blood and engineer them to recognize NY-ESO-1, a molecule commonly found in solid tumors such as synovial sarcoma and liposarcoma. Additionally, these cells will be genetically modified with a variant of the small RNA miR-155, which has been shown in preclinical studies to enhance cell proliferation and function and prevent premature cell aging.

“Our innovative approach combines stem-like T cells with the powerful enhancements of miR-155, offering new therapeutic possibilities for patients with solid tumors,” states Wolfgang Herr, director of the Hematology/Oncology department at the University Hospital Regensburg. “This funding permits a significant step forward in translating groundbreaking research into real-world applications.”

The funds are used to develop clinical-grade cell products and to perform all required functional and regulatory tests to secure approval from regulatory agencies. A key component of the ESOSTEM155 project is the production of such engineered T cells at the LIT GMP facility, the José Carreras Center, ensuring that the cells meet the necessary quality controls and regulatory standards for clinical application.

The ESOSTEM155 project is a collaborative effort that brings together leading experts in immunology, genetic engineering, and clinical oncology. With the expertise of Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Herr, a specialist in T cell immunotherapy and sarcoma; Prof. Dr. Luca Gattinoni, a pioneer in T cell-based therapies and microRNA therapeutics; Prof. Dr. Simone Thomas, an expert in cellular therapies and regulatory affairs, and Prof. Dr. Matthias Edinger, cell therapy clinician and manager of the GMP-facility, the project is primed to push the boundaries of innovative cancer treatments. Additionally, Dr. Dr. Roland Schelker, with his research on T cell stemness and memory formation, plays a vital role in ensuring that these innovations are translated into clinical practice.

“This project embodies the collaborative effort required to advance cancer immunotherapy,” says Luca Gattinoni, head of the Division of Functional Immune Cell Modulation at the LIT. “We are confident that the development of these functionally enhanced stem-like T cells will represent a pivotal step toward achieving longer-lasting and more effective responses for patients”

Following the completion of the grant milestones, the next step will be to launch a Phase 1 clinical study for patients with metastatic synovial sarcoma and liposarcoma.