B Cell Engineering and Tertiary Lymphoid Structure Induction via Biomaterials for Cancer Immunotherapy

Información del proyecto

BeaT-IT

Identificador del acuerdo de subvención: 101040996

DOI

10.3030/101040996

Fecha de la firma de la CE 11 Febrero 2022

Fecha de inicio 1 Julio 2022

Fecha de finalización 30 Junio 2027

Financiado con arreglo a

• European Research Council (ERC)

Coste total

€ 1 488 762,50

Aportación de la UE

€ 1 488 762,50

Coordinado por

UNIVERSITAETSKLINIKUM AACHEN
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - BeaT-IT (B Cell Engineering and Tertiary Lymphoid Structure Induction via Biomaterials for Cancer Immunotherapy)

Período documentado: 2022-07-01 hasta 2024-12-31

Resumen del contexto y de los objetivos generales del proyecto

B lymphocytes exhibit diverse immunological functions, including antibody production and antigen presentation. Emerging evidence indicates that these cells also create niches known as B cell-associated tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) that sustain an immune response. The role of TLS in cancer is only beginning to emerge, and understanding it requires further insight into cellular and spatial composition. Funded by the European Research Council, the BeaT-IT project aims to determine the factors that stimulate B cells and induce TLS. Researchers will employ novel polymeric biomaterials and test different agents and cells for their capacity to stimulate TLS formation. The materials can be further combined with immunotherapy or chemotherapy as a synergistic anticancer strategy. We have successfully managed to develop and establish multiscale biomaterials to stimulate B cells via their intracellular and extracellular receptors to engineer their immunological functions such as antigen presentation and antibody production.

Trabajo realizado desde el comienzo del proyecto hasta el final del período abarcado por el informe y los principales resultados hasta la fecha

In the BeaT-IT project (101040996), a series of biomaterials ranging from the nano- to macroscale have been designed, synthesized, and characterized. These biomaterials have been utilized to engineer B cells and induce tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) in preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies.

Avances que van más allá del estado de la técnica e impacto potencial esperado (incluida la repercusión socioeconómica y las implicaciones sociales más amplias del proyecto hasta la fecha)

During the project, new phenomena regarding how B cells interact with nano- to macroscale biomaterials, as well as their response to clinically used modalities, have been observed. Currently, the mechanisms underlying these stimulation effects are under investigation.