Novel tri-specific T-cell activating antibodies for personalized graft-versus-leukemia therapy (A04)

• Subject Area: Hematology, Oncology ; Immunology
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 324392634

We develop novel tri-specific antibody constructs (called hemibodies) that address antigen combinations instead of single target molecules for high precision graft-versus leukemia immunotherapy. In the first funding period, we functionally characterized and optimized our hemibodies. In the second funding period, we will define the best antigen combination, in terms of efficacy and safety. We will investigate in detail the role of the donor immune cell compartment and the tumor microenvironment for the hemibody function, to eradicate leukemic cells and concurrently to allow the transplanted healthy donor stem cells to build a new hematopoiesis in the host.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 221: Modulation of graft-versus-host and graft-versus-leukemia immune responses after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
• Applicant Institution: Universität Regensburg
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Ralf C. Bargou, until 12/2021; Dr. Thomas Bumm; Zeinab Mokhtari, Ph.D., since 1/2022; Professor Dr. Gernot Stuhler, since 1/2022