Renowned cell therapy expert establishes new laboratory at Weill Cornell Medicine
Dr. George Coukos, a leading authority on tumor immunology and cellular immunotherapy, joins Weill Cornell Medicine to lead the Ludwig Laboratory for Cell Therapy.
T Cell Development
Articles tagged with T Cell Development
New phase of the immune response uncovered
Researchers at University of Würzburg unveil novel mechanisms in the immune system's defense cell proliferation and specialization. The findings reveal a cyclical activation process driving the immune response, with potential implications for immunotherapies targeting cancer and chronic infections.
New findings on T cell exhaustion: The body prepares early for mild to severe disease
A recent study by researchers at TUM has discovered that the body produces special T cells predisposed to exhaustion even in early infection phases of moderate diseases. This finding expands our understanding of immune response mechanisms and could help control the immune system in cancer patients or weaken excessive defenses.
New “smart” immune cells: a breakthrough for long-lasting tumor destruction
Researchers at USC Viterbi have developed a new type of immune cell that can sense and destroy cancer cells for extended periods using focused ultrasound. This technology could overcome obstacles in treating tumors with immunotherapy while keeping healthy tissue safe.
New research uncovers hidden rules of immune response, opening doors for better vaccines and immunotherapies
Scientists at the Institute for Systems Biology have discovered how T cells respond to infections like COVID-19, revealing a predictable pattern based on genetic interactions. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatments and vaccine strategies for diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders.
New research unlocks key to long-lasting immune response in cancer and chronic diseases
Researchers at the University of Melbourne have identified a rare type of immune cell, called stem-like T cells, that holds the key to maintaining powerful, long-term immune responses. ID3+ T cells have the remarkable ability to resist burnout and maintain a powerful immune response over time.
Flavonoid powerhouse: kaempferol's role in taming allergic responses
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science found that kaempferol increases RALDH2 levels in dendritic cells, promoting regulatory T-cell development and reducing inflammation. The study suggests that flavonoids like kaempferol may serve as natural remedies to alleviate allergic symptoms.
Physician-scientist receives NCI grant to advance cell-based cancer treatments
Dr. Christopher Seet has received a $2.9 million R37 MERIT Award from the National Cancer Institute to develop innovative T cell therapies for cancer. The grant will support research into iPSC-derived T cells, which can be engineered for enhanced tumor-fighting capabilities.
Immune T cells become exhausted in chronic fatigue syndrome patients
Chronic fatigue syndrome patients' immune T cells become exhausted, a condition well-studied in cancer. Researchers now explore potential treatments to reverse this state, which may benefit ME/CFS patients.
Enzyme identified as new therapeutic target for “cold” tumors
Researchers have identified UBA1 enzyme as key mediator for immune response to tumors, inhibiting its activity increases T-cell recruitment and lowers tumor resistance. Pairing UBA1 inhibitors with immune checkpoint blockade therapies may make immunotherapy more effective for patients with 'cold' tumors.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2024
Human immune system is ‘ready to go’ long before birth
Researchers created a spatial atlas of the developing human thymus, revealing key differences in immune cell development and function. The study's findings could inform new T cell engineering therapies for cancer treatments, autoimmune conditions, and regenerative immune therapies for older adults or those with compromised immune systems.
Novel CAR T-cell therapy demonstrates efficacy and safety in preclinical models of HER2-positive solid tumors
A novel CAR T-cell therapy targeting p95HER2-expressing cells demonstrates complete and durable antitumor responses in a subset of HER2+ tumors, raising hopes for improved cancer treatment. The therapy also activates immune cells within the tumor microenvironment, showing promising results.
University of Cincinnati research studies new technique to visualize CAR T-cells within the body
Researchers have created a method to track genetically modified immune cells using PET scans, providing real-time insights into their behavior and persistence in solid tumors. This technology has the potential to inform personalized treatment options and optimize therapy regimens.
Duke-NUS scientists develop novel plug-and-play test to evaluate T cell immunotherapy effectiveness
Researchers create a simple and innovative test that enables real-time monitoring of modified T cells in patients with cancer. The test, which requires only a small blood sample, helps clinicians track the function of these cancer-fighting cells over time.
Duke-NUS scientists develop novel plug-and-play test to evaluate T cell immunotherapy effectiveness
Researchers have developed a simple and innovative test to monitor the function of cancer-fighting T cells over time. The plug-and-play approach requires only a small blood sample and can be adapted for use in various viral infections and cancer therapies.
Promising cell therapy offers hope for relapsed or refractory T-cell leukaemia
A new CAR-T cell therapy targeting CD7 on leukaemia cells has shown promising results in treating T-ALL patients who have exhausted all standard treatment options. The therapy achieved complete remission in 16 out of 17 patients, with some remaining in remission for over five years.
SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 5, 2024
Programming cells to target brain tumors
Researchers at UNIGE and HUG have developed CAR-T cells capable of targeting malignant gliomas while sparing healthy tissue. The treatment uses a specific marker on tumour cells and appears to be effective in controlling tumour growth without signs of toxicity.
The curious immune cells caught between worlds
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered that innate-like T cells mature differently in humans than in mice, with age playing a critical role in their development. This finding has significant implications for the development of immunotherapeutics, highlighting the need to consider human-specific differences when te...
Distinct T-cell signatures observed at different stages of type 1 diabetes development
Researchers identified two distinct T-cell signatures in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes and those at risk of developing the disease. These signatures may serve as potential biomarkers and targets for preventive immunotherapy treatments.
Serendipity reveals new method to fight cancer with T cells
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new method to treat cancer using T cells, which was discovered by chance. The two-step process 'metabolically priming' enhances the ability of T cells to target tumors and survive longer in the body.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalMolecular Therapy — Methods & Clinical Development·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2024
New therapy strengthens the immune system's counterattack on skin cancer
Scientists have developed a new immunotherapy that can identify and fight cancer cells in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma. The treatment involves stimulating the immune system's T cells against specific elements of the virus involved in cancer formation.
Nanowires create elite warriors to enhance T cell therapy
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a method to improve adoptive T-cell therapy using nanowires to deliver therapeutic miRNA to naïve T-cells. This approach retains the cells' naïve state, making them more effective disease fighters when infused back into patients.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2024
Age is just a number: Immune cell ‘epigenetic clock’ ticks independently of organism lifespan
Researchers discovered that T-cell aging is not limited by organismal age, and healthy T cells can proliferate indefinitely. The epigenetic clock of T cells shows that death is not the end, and these cells do not plateau with age, defying traditional notions of cellular aging.
SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024
‘Artificial lymph node’ used to treat cancer in mice
Researchers created an artificial lymph node using hyaluronic acid, which connects with T-cells via a cell surface receptor. The noden acted as a learning hub, stimulating T-cells to recognize and kill cancer cells in mice with melanoma and colon cancers.
White blood cell “nets” could be early warning sign of major immunotherapy complication
A study from Michigan Medicine reveals a connection between neutrophil activation and severe cytokine release syndrome (CRS), a potentially life-threatening reaction to CAR T-Cell therapy. Researchers identified biomarkers of NETosis, a process in which neutrophils create webs that may contribute to CRS.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalBlood Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024
ASCO: New ‘Armored’ CAR produces significant responses in patients whose cancers don't respond to current CAR T cell therapies
A new 'armored' form of CAR T cell therapy, developed by University of Pennsylvania researchers, has shown significant responses in patients whose cancers don't respond to current CAR T cell therapies. The three-day manufacturing process also shortens treatment time for aggressive, fast-growing cancers.
‘Goldilocks’ binding strength determines anti-cancer T-cell efficacy and fate
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that a 'Goldilocks' binding strength between T-cell receptors and cancer proteins determines anti-cancer T-cell efficacy. The optimal middle-ground binding strength creates cancer-killing effector cells, while too little or too much stimulation leads to exhaustion.
SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024
Optimal cancer-killing t cells discovered
Researchers at the University of Houston have identified a subset of T cells called CD8-fit that show high motility and serial killing capabilities in patients with clinical responses. These cells were discovered using a patented approach called TIMING, which evaluates cell behavior and movement to identify potential cancer-killing cells.
How COVID-19 'breakthrough' infections alter your immune cells
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that people who experienced breakthrough COVID-19 infections develop T cells better equipped to recognize and target SARS-CoV-2. The study also discovered that B cells produce more diverse antibodies targeting common epitopes between the vaccine and variants.
SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2024
The price of hope: CAR-T therapy in pediatric leukemia
Researchers discuss the benefits of CAR-T therapy in treating B-cell lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) in children. The therapy, tisagenlecleucel, has shown promising results and is now priced at $508,250, a more manageable cost compared to other gene therapies.
Scientists develop new organoid model to study thymus function
Researchers have developed a new organoid model to study the thymus and its function in training T cells. The model enables long-term culture of TECs, which could lead to new insights into treating patients with impaired thymus function.
Tumor cells evade the immune system early on: Newly discovered mechanism could significantly improve cancer immunotherapies
Researchers at TUM have uncovered a mechanism by which tumor cells prevent the formation of immune responses, including cytotoxic T cells. This discovery provides rationales for new cancer immunotherapies and could enhance existing treatments.
Johns Hopkins investigators develop novel treatment for T-cell leukemias and lymphomas
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have developed a novel antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapy that effectively kills T-cell cancers in mice with human T-cell tumors. The treatment targets TRBC1 protein expressed on the surface of cancer cells while preserving normal T cells.
Researchers may have found key to deprogram cells that lead to transplant rejection
Researchers have identified a subset of T-cells that acts like stem cells and continuously generates effector T-cells that attack transplanted organs. Targeting the transcription factor IRF4 may lead to innovative therapies for patients with chronic infections, cancers, autoimmune diseases and transplanted organs.
Optimizing boosters: How COVID mRNA vaccines reshape immune memory after each dose
Researchers found that T cells can reshape their memory and maintain diversity against COVID-19 variants in response to successive mRNA vaccinations. The study revealed a shift among clonotypes, with a change from early responders to main responders after the second shot, suggesting a new dominant population of effector-memory T cells.
New immunotherapy for multiple myeloma proves in the lab to be more effective than CAR-T treatment already in use
Researchers have developed a new immunotherapy based on STAb cells that outperforms existing CAR-T treatment in laboratory trials. The new therapy recruits natural T cells to fight cancer cells and overcomes limitations of current treatments.
SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2024
Promising results in cancer treatment with immunotherapy and Danish technology
Researchers have developed a new treatment combining immunotherapy with lab-cultivated T-cells from patients' blood, which significantly inhibits triple-negative breast cancer growth and metastasis. The treatment has shown promising outcomes in animal models, but further testing in humans is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalMolecular Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 7, 2024
Common cold or COVID-19? Some T cells are ready to combat both
La Jolla Institute researchers discovered that prior exposure to a common cold coronavirus partially protects mice from lung damage during a subsequent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Harnessing 'cross-reactive' T cells may lead to novel vaccines with broad, pan-coronavirus protection.
SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2024
EMBARGOED UNTIL JAN. 8 @ 3 PM EST: UTHealth Houston study: EBV-specific T-cells play key role in development of multiple sclerosis
Researchers from UTHealth Houston discovered that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific T-cells are present in high numbers in the cerebrospinal fluid of people with multiple sclerosis at its earliest stages. The study suggests that these cells may be contributing to the disease's pathogenesis.
SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2024
NIH research identifies opportunities to improve future HIV vaccine candidates
A new study suggests that stronger responses from immune cells called CD8+ T cells may be key to increasing HIV immunity. Future HIV vaccine candidates may benefit from additional doses or longer persistence in the body to further stimulate the immune system.
Memory CD8 T cells promote pathogenic plaque buildup of the arteries in aged mice
Researchers identify memory CD8 T cells as potential therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis in aging. The study shows that these immune cells enhance plaque buildup in the arteries of aged mice, which could lead to heart attacks and strokes.
SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2023
SMART researchers pave the way for faster and safer T-cell therapy through novel contamination-detection method
A novel contamination-detection method enables faster and safer T-cell therapy production, reducing the risk for patients and speeding up treatment. The method uses cutting-edge technology to identify harmful microorganisms within 24 hours.
SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 27, 2023
Master regulator of the dark genome greatly improves cancer T-cell therapy
Researchers at Duke University developed a CRISPR-based platform to identify genes that improve T-cell therapies for cancer treatment. They discovered BATF3, a single master regulator of the genome, which reprograms thousands of genes in T cells and greatly enhances cancer cell killing.
Machine can quickly produce needed cells for cancer treatment
A new tool has been developed to rapidly grow cancer-killing white blood cells, called T cells, which could advance the availability of immunotherapy. The bioreactor is 30% faster than current technologies and can be self-contained in a sterile cabinet.
Immune system ageing can be revealed by CT scan
A new study from Linköping University has found that the appearance of the thymus gland in chest CT scans is linked to immune system ageing. The researchers examined over 1,000 Swedish individuals aged 50-64 and found that fatty degeneration of the thymus was more common in men and those with abdominal obesity. Lifestyle factors such a...
University of Ottawa research team finds window into mechanisms of rare disease
A University of Ottawa-led research team has made significant progress in understanding XLP-2, a genetic disorder that affects the immune system. The study reveals two underlying mechanisms: poor expression of Interleukin-6 and compromised T cell survival, which lead to immunodeficiency in patients.
Umbilical cord white blood cells developed to advance cancer treatment
Scientists have developed a platform to enhance the innate ability of white blood cells from umbilical cord blood to treat various types of solid and blood cancers. Pre-clinical studies showed that these cells, known as gamma delta T-cells (GDT), possess antiviral and antitumour properties.
A chance to design better vaccines?
Researchers developed a bioinformatic tool that selects parts of proteins to elicit strong immune responses. This approach, grounded in immunological theory, was four times more efficient than current methods, suggesting better vaccine protection against diseases.
SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalBiology Methods and Protocols·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2023
Unlocking the mystery of long-lasting cancer treatment
A team of researchers has identified a unique genetic signature in CAR T-cells that enables them to persist in the body for a longer time, leading to improved remission rates for children with leukaemia. This discovery provides a new understanding of why some CAR T-cells last longer and can help improve treatment outcomes.
Cartesian Therapeutics announces landmark study in The Lancet Neurology of first successful clinical trial of RNA cell therapy in autoimmunity
Cartesian Therapeutics has successfully treated patients with generalized myasthenia gravis using an RNA CAR-T therapy. The trial demonstrated marked and long-lasting clinical improvement, with three patients achieving complete or near-complete eradication of disease symptoms.
SourceCartesian Therapeutics·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 22, 2023
Targeting GITR in cancer immunotherapy – there is no perfect knowledge
Researchers discuss the potential of glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein (GITR) as a target for cancer immunotherapy. Preclinical studies have shown potent anti-tumor efficacy, but clinical trials have yielded inconsistent results due to complexities in immune responses and antibody structure.
Making immunotherapy safer
Researchers developed CrossDome, a tool that uses genetic and biochemical information to predict T-cell immunotherapy's impact on healthy cells. The tool identified high-risk candidates in cases where treatments mistakenly attacked heart cells.
Further hope for base-edited T-cell therapy to treat resistant leukaemia
Researchers at UCL have developed base-edited T-cells that can fight leukemia, showing promise in a NHS clinical trial. Three patients with relapsed T-cell leukaemia were treated with the cells, with one patient experiencing complete remission after just four weeks.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 14, 2023
Mapping the development of infection-fighting immune cells
Researchers discover cBAF protein complex plays crucial role in controlling T cell fate during infection. The study reveals how chromatin remodeling and genetic code accessibility influence the development of cytotoxic T cells into effector and memory subtypes.
Patient-specific cells generated from thymus organoids
The study successfully generated functional patient-specific T-cells and thymic epithelial cells from human pluripotent stem cells using thymus organoids. This breakthrough provides a new experimental model system to investigate thymic insufficiency and function, potentially leading to cell-based treatments for thymic defects.
Insights into causes of rare genetic immune disorders
A protein called PI3K plays a crucial role in immune cell function, and genetic variations disrupting its signalling have been identified as the root cause of two immunodeficiency disorders. The study reveals how minor disruptions in immune cell signalling can lead to immune deficiency or dysfunction.
SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2023
UCLA-led study uses base editing to correct mutation that causes rare immune deficiency
Researchers at UCLA successfully used base editing to correct a mutation causing rare immune deficiency CD3 delta SCID. The treatment corrected an average of 71% of patient stem cells and allowed them to produce fully functional T cells, suggesting long-term persistence of corrected blood stem cells.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023
Researchers reveal genetic predisposition to immunity against new variants of COVID-19
A study found that an allele of the HLA Class 1 gene may protect individuals from severe COVID-19. The researchers compared the immune systems of patients in different waves of the pandemic and discovered a link between the HLA-A*01:01 allele and effective T-cell immunity against new variants.
β-damascone: Aroma component of rose fragrance as a novel immunomodulator
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science discovered β-damascone, a natural aroma compound found in rose fragrance, modulates dendritic cell functions and reduces inflammatory cytokine production. The study showed β-damascone inhibits antigen-dependent activation and Th1 cell development, as well as ear inflammation in mice models.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023
Researchers reveal genetic predisposition to immunity against new variants of COVID-19
A study found that individuals with the HLA-A*01:01 allele have developed robust T-cell immunity to COVID-19, suggesting a genetic predisposition to severe forms of the disease. The allele is more common in patients with mild or asymptomatic COVID-19.