Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ARTiDe (Autoantigen-specific adoptive regulatory T cell therapy against type 1 diabetes (ARTiDe))
Reporting period: 2023-07-01 to 2024-12-31
The ARTiDe project aims to develop an innovative therapy for type 1 diabetes (T1D) by engineering regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) to suppress autoimmunity. By integrating advanced immunological research, genetic engineering, and clinical translation, ARTiDe seeks to enhance personalized immunotherapy for T1D patients. The project involves characterizing T cell responses, evaluating the efficacy and safety of engineered Tregs, developing strategies to maintain their suppressive function, and advancing genetic modification processes for clinical application. Additionally, a comprehensive communication and effective management strategy is implemented to maximize the project's scientific and societal impact.
The consortium partners are actively collaborating to achieve the ARTiDe project's objectives, ensuring steady progress across all work packages. They have characterized Treg responses to β-cell antigens, developed insulin-specific TCRs, and established a humanized mouse model for testing. Additionally, partners are working on nanoparticles to stimulate regulatory T cells and optimizing clinical-grade processes for Treg modification. The project has also developed its identity and communication materials, established an Innovation Management Board for IP management, and ensured efficient project management and reporting. Through these efforts, ARTiDe is making significant strides toward developing a T cell-based therapy for T1D, integrating advanced immunological research, genetic engineering, and clinical translation.
At this stage of the ARTiDe project, significant milestones have been achieved. A breakthrough analysis pipeline has been developed to characterize Treg responses against β-cell antigens and identify related TCR sequences, providing a solid foundation for further validation and analysis. The project has the potential to establish a first of its kind highly targeted therapy for T1D, with a tailored preclinical model that could standardize antigen-specific immune therapies. Preliminary results also suggest that proinsulin-carrying nanoparticles selectively accumulate in pancreatic islets, attracting T lymphocytes and reducing islet inflammation.