GCC REACH Cohort 2
Chibawanye Ene, MD, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Project Summary: A macrophage-based cell therapy called MDA-iMacs that will be used to deliver T-cell activating cytokines, oncolytic viruses and antibodies to the tumor microenvironment
The development of a macrophage-based cell therapy for cancer has been impeded by inherent resistance of macrophages to stable genetic modification and limited yield associated with monocyte sources for macrophages. Our research focuses on developing strategies to produced patient specific macrophages (MDA-iMacs) at clinically relevant numbers that can be genetically modified to deliver anti-cancer agents including T-Cell activating cytokines, viruses and checkpoint antibodies. Our research is also focused on developing off the shelf donor MDA-iMacs that are readily available for use and less susceptible to immune mediated clearance following administration. We expect that our research will make macrophage-based cell therapies widely available for immunotherapy resistant cancers and non-cancer inflammatory conditions.
Aldona Spiegel, MD, Houston Methodist Hospital
Project Summary: 3D-printed soft tissue mesh that utilizes advanced materials and design to create a customized, natural breast shape tailored to each patient
Xiaotong Song, Texas A&M University
Project Summary: Metabolic reprogramming-driven CAR T cell therapy for solid tumors
The project is to develop an innovative CAR T cell therapy platform suitable for solid tumors. In solid tumors, the cancer cells use up all the nutrients for their own metabolism. As a result, T cells are starving. Human solid tumors are commonly classified as “cold tumors” with few infiltrating T cells. We were the first to identify an alternative energy source (Song et al. Nature Metabolism, 2020) and we now have designed an ingenious strategy for the T-cells to generate their own metabolic fuel allowing T cells to prosper in the tumor microenvironment (Song et al. Cell Reports Medicine, 2024). This platform technology, called MRCAR, can be used in combination with any existing T-cell therapy.
AJ Walters, Rice University
Project Summary: Metabolic reprogramming-driven CAR T cell therapy for solid tumors
AJ Walters is a bioengineer positioned at the nexus of synthetic biology, cell engineering, immunology, and cell therapy. His research in the labs of Dr. Caleb Bashor (Rice University Dept. of Bioengineering) and Dr. Scott Olson (UTHealth Houston McGovern Medical School Dept. of Pediatric Surgery) aims to make cell therapies more effective and accessible. He is working on bringing the advances in genetic engineering and synthetic biology to mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) based cell therapy with the ultimate goal of building an accessible allogeneic cell therapy that can be deployed in regenerative medicine across a wide range of inflammation disorders, starting with neuroinflammation associated with traumatic brain injury. Eventually this approach could be applied to other indications, such as cancer.
Han Xiao & Xiang Zhang, Rice University, Baylor College of Medicine
Project Summary: Bone-Targeting Drugs for inhibiting bone tumors
Han Xiao, Ph.D., Director of the SynthX Center at Rice University, and Xiang Zhang, Ph.D., Director of the Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center at Baylor College of Medicine, have collaborated extensively on targeting the bone microenvironment in metastatic cancer. Dr. Xiao pioneered antibody-bisphosphonate conjugates for treating bone metastases, while Dr. Zhang has over 12 years of experience studying bone colonization by breast cancer cells. Their joint efforts have led to the co-filing of multiple patents and the founding of OsteoLogic Therapeutics in 2022, advancing innovative therapeutic strategies in cancer research.