Engineering of CAR-T cells that overcome MYC-dependent immunosuppression in a genetically engineered mouse model of pancreatic cancer (B05)

• Subject Area: Hematology, Oncology ; Gastroenterology
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 452881907

Amplification or increased expression of the MYC proto-oncogene or one of its paralogues is a hallmark of many tumors. Recent evidence argues that MYC conveys the ability of tumor cells to escape immune surveillance. T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) are an attractive concept for cancer therapy. Yet, their efficiency is often compromised in solid tumors. In this project, we will dissect how MYC-dependent tumor-intrinsic factors impair the functionality of CAR-T cells in a murine model of pancreatic carcinoma and we will explore T cell engineering strategies to shield the CAR-T cells from inhibitory factors coming from the tumor (niche).

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 338: LETSIMMUN - Lymphocyte Engineering for Therapeutic Synthetic Immunity
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität München (TUM)
• Project Heads: Dr. Sophia Danhof; Professor Dr. Martin Eilers