Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZINext-generation sequencing
Together with our partners, we carry out projects in the fields of sequencing, immuno-oncology, and infectious disease pathology.
We are certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001 and work according to established SOPs. In our research projects, we implement individual solutions and expand our range of methods.
AI-CARs
Currently, every year, around 24,000 people in Germany are diagnosed with malignant melanoma, i.e. black skin cancer, an extremely aggressive tumour with high metastatic potential. In spite of modern treatment methods, the 10-year survival rate of patients in the metastasized stage is below 20 percent.
So far, considerable success has been achieved in treating malignant melanoma with antibodies (so-called immune checkpoint inhibitors) which inhibit the activity of tumour-masking proteins. This, in turn, reactivates the body’s immune response to the tumour. However, a majority of patients (60 percent) does not respond to these treatments and the recurrence rate is high.
The CAR-T cell treatment, which has already been established in haemato-oncological applications, now also provides new options for the treatment of solid tumours, such as malignant melanoma: For this treatment, the patients’ immune cells are equipped with a synthetic receptor which enables the immune cells to detect potential cancer cells and specifically eliminate them in future.
As part of the “AI-CARs” project, the partners first want to define new target structures for treating malignant melanoma using human tumour samples and to subsequently develop an effective CAR-T cell treatment during the pre-clinical phase.
To this end, Fraunhofer IZI will use state-of-the-art sequencing technologies (single cell sequencing and spatial sequencing) to define potential target structures first. This involves the collection of highly complex datasets reflecting the cells’ dynamic behaviour. In cooperation with Leipzig University, effective interacting molecule pairs and specific target structures will be identified from these data, e.g., using artificial intelligence methods and computer-assisted modelling.
The Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf will develop CAR-T cells specifically for these target structures on the basis of a RevCAR-T platform and then test these pre-clinically. Unlike conventional CAR-T cells, RevCAR-T cells cannot directly detect tumour cells. They need an additional tumour-specific target model. As a result, the activity of the RevCAR-T cells and, hence, side effects can be controlled via the target modules’ availability.
Partners
Leipzig University Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology; Leipzig University, Drug Development Department; Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf, Radio-Immunology Department
Duration
06/2024 – 05/2027
SaxoCell
SaxoCell is a consortium of regional research institutions, clinics, and companies that jointly aim to establish an internationally competitive research and business cluster in Saxony focused on cell and gene therapies. The goal is to develop novel gene and cell therapeutics, known as “living drugs.” SaxoCell is funded by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology, and Space through the innovation competition "Clusters4Future."
Duration
08/2024 – 07/2027
sc-RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics in multiple myeloma in collaboration with Leipzig University Medical Center and other partners
Functional control of therapeutic CARs (e.g., CAR-T cells, CAR-NK cells) and monitoring of therapy success in patient samples at various time points based on clinical samples.
Duration
2023–2026