Γδt cells as antigen presenting cells for enhanced cancer immunotherapy
Harnessing γδT cells as antigen presenting cells can enhance cancer immunotherapy by promoting strong adaptive immune responses and epitope spreading, leading to improved anti-tumor immunity.
Overview
The use of gamma delta (γδ) T cells as antigen presenting cells (APCs) offers a novel approach in cancer immunotherapy. These cells uniquely combine innate and adaptive immune functions, directly responding to cellular stress and presenting antigens effectively. By engineering chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) γδT cells to enhance their APC functionality, they can uptake, process, and present tumor-associated neoantigens to alpha beta (αβ) T cells. This process stimulates a potent adaptive immune response, promoting epitope spreading and enhancing overall anti-tumor immunity.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- γδT cells can present antigens on both HLA class 1 and 2 molecules.
- They exhibit robust resistance to exhaustion compared to αβT cells and have superior antigen presentation capabilities.
- Engineered CAR-γδT cells can directly lyse tumor cells and induce activation and proliferation of CD8 T cells.
- These cells promote dendritic cell maturation, further enhancing antigen presentation.
Applications:
- Cellular immunotherapies targeting tumors with high γδT cell infiltration rates.
- Treatment approaches involving genetically engineered γδT cells to improve patient outcomes in cancer by enhancing immune response.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 3, this technology has undergone initial validation stages. Developed protocols for ex vivo manufacturing of γδT cells are in place. Future steps include testing the impact of genetic modifications and other factors on APC function, with promising candidates to be evaluated in vivo using humanized mouse models.
About University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is a flagship, comprehensive public research university spanning multiple campuses, with a large research enterprise and clinical integration. Industry engages through co-located labs on the Twin Cities campuses, access to an academic health system for clinical translation, and pilot and field-testing facilities that speed scale-up. A statewide extension network and outreach centers provide real-world sites and data partnerships across Minnesota, while proximity to a dense medtech and Fortune 500 corridor enables frequent collaboration. Research is supported by competitive federal funding, including NIH, NSF, DOE, USDA, and DoD. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, sponsored research agreements, and startup incubation to speed commercialization.
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