Next generation allogeneic CAR-NK cell platform for treatment of malignant diseases

Technology Description

The platform is based on a characterised and verified iPSC cell line with an integrated CAR vector to produce CAR-NK cells. CAR integration is performed by non-viral transfection, avoiding the high costs associated with the use of viral vectors. The current lead construct targets CD44v6 and incorporates an IL-15 superagonist as a strategy to enhance anti-tumor activity and a checkpoint inhibitor component since, like in T cells, PD-1 is a critical negative regulator of NK cells. CD44v6 has been implicated in tumorigenesis, tumor cell invasion, and metastasis. It is expressed in lymphomas, leukemias, solid tumors, and is present in the majority of breast cancers. The first indication for a clinical phase I/IIa will be Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). CD44v6-Specific CAR-NK cells have demonstrated effective cytotoxicity against CD44v6 expressing cell lines such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines. Efficacy is also shown in 3D spheroid models to demonstrate the potential for solid tumors. The pipeline of cell products from the platform includes products against pancreatic cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, and glioblastoma. The project is developed in the research group of Prof. Dr. Gabriele Pecher (Head of the Competence Center Immuno-Oncology and Translational Cell Therapy), embedded at the Charité University Hospital with infrastructure including laboratories, patient access, GMP facility, and a clinical study center. The project is seeking collaborations with industrial partners, including options for licensing.