Objective
I propose iRNA|CAR-T (integrating RNA-mediated CAR-T), a next-generation platform for the in vivo creation of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells using all-RNA genome editors delivered by lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). This approach directly addresses key limitations of current CAR-T therapies—complex ex vivo manufacturing and toxic lymphodepleting chemotherapy—by enabling CAR-T generation within the patient’s body, thereby simplifying manufacture, broadening patient access, and reducing treatment-related burden. Focusing initially on CD19-directed CARs for B-cell malignancies, iRNA|CAR-T will establish a scalable in vivo CAR-T production platform, that is generalizable to all CAR-T indications.
iRNA|CAR-T combines two all-RNA DNA-writing systems: R2 retrotransposons for inserting large gene fragments into genomic safe-harbour sites, and CRISPR prime editing (PE) for precise sequence modifications at the nucleotide level. Together, they transform transient RNA delivery into lasting genomic modifications enabling stable CAR integration, durable CAR-expression, and sustained CAR-T activity as well as selective expansion of CAR-T cells. To enable in vivo application, I will employ LNPs—a clinically proven and scalable system for selective T cell delivery. Integrating LNPs with all-RNA DNA-writing tools establishes a fully RNA-based strategy for in vivo T cell engineering, enabling clinically-scalable in vivo CAR-T generation.
During my postdoc, I provided the first demonstration of PE in primary human T cells gaining expertise in translating cutting-edge genome engineering technologies to primary T cell systems. I will leverage this expertise to develop the iRNA|CAR-T platform for in vivo CAR-T production. Its simplicity and scalability will expand CAR-T therapy to new indications and, more broadly, establish a platform for in vivo gene editing and addition applicable to a wide range of genetic diseases.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology genetic engineering gene therapy
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics genomes
You need to log in or register to use this function
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2026-STG
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
97080 WURZBURG
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.