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

Informations projet

BeaT-IT

N° de convention de subvention: 101040996

DOI

10.3030/101040996

Date de signature de la CE 11 Février 2022

Date de début 1 Juillet 2022

Date de fin 30 Juin 2027

Financé au titre de

• European Research Council (ERC)

Coût total

€ 1 488 762,50

Contribution de l’UE

€ 1 488 762,50

Coordonné par

UNIVERSITAETSKLINIKUM AACHEN
Germany

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

Période du rapport: 2022-07-01 au 2024-12-31

Résumé du contexte et des objectifs généraux du projet

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.

Travail effectué depuis le début du projet jusqu’à la fin de la période considérée dans le rapport et principaux résultats atteints jusqu’à présent

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.

Progrès au-delà de l’état des connaissances et impact potentiel prévu (y compris l’impact socio-économique et les conséquences sociétales plus larges du projet jusqu’à présent)

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.