Development of advanced chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered immune cells for the treatment of hematological and non-hematological malignancies
Angebot: | Doktorarbeit |
Beginn: | möglich ab 01.07.2022 |
Institut: | Abteilung für Klinische Pharmakologie |
Arbeitsgruppe: | Immunpharmakologie |
Beschreibung
Background
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have revolutionized cancer therapy (June et al., 2018, Science). In chemotherapy-refractory, relapsed cancer patients, CAR T cells lead to sustained treatment responses and – for the first time – long term survival of patients suffering from different cancers (Maude et al., 2014 NEJM). Besides T cells, engineering of natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages has been deployed, showing promising results in preclinical research (Klichinsky et al., 2020, Nat. Biotech.). However, to date there are still several limitations to overcome (Stoiber et al., 2019, Cells). Our group focuses on the development of novel cellular therapies for the treatment of different cancer entities, aiming to address these obstacles. Recently, we could demonstrate the enhanced function of novel CAR T cells through combined expression of different chemokine receptors or fusion receptors on T cells (Lesch et al., 2021, Nat. Biomed. Eng.; Cadilha et al., 2021, Science Advances).
Objective
We aim to develop novel CAR-engineered immune cells and analyze their in vitro and in vivo efficacy in a variety of different models. Using state-of-the art gene engineering techniques, CARs will be introduced into different immune cells and the functionality of these novel receptors will be tested using cutting-edge analysis tools.
Milestones
• Acquire background in the field of immunotherapeutic research and CAR-engineering.
• Learn critical scientific thinking and good laboratory practice rules.
• Acquire expertise in all relevant research techniques used in biomedical research.
• Develop and test novel CAR receptors transduced into different immune cell subsets in vitro and in vivo.
Requirements
• Strong interest in biomedical research with a focus on immunotherapy of cancer.
• Excellent team working ability.
• At least 12 months of full-time research.
What we offer
• Well-structured medical dissertation.
• Affiliations with our national doctoral program: “i-Target: immunotargeting of cancer”.
• Friendly but ambitious work environment.
• State-of-the art research facilities with all necessary instruments in-house.
We are looking to fill a recently vacated position to start your medical dissertation in the summer of 2022. If you are interested, please feel free to reach out to us.
Dr. med. Adrian Gottschlich and Prof. Dr. med. Sebastian Kobold
Während des Projektes soll mit Tieren gearbeitet werden.
In vivo validation of the generated results is planned. Our group is specialized in training people in animal experiments and we regularly train medical students, PhD students, research assistants as well as postdocs in these techniques.
Für das Projekt ist die Arbeit mit Zellkulturen geplant.
During the experimental time you will be working with these cells:
- Cell lines
- Primary cells (primary immune cells, primary patient material)
Für den Zeitraum des Projektes stehen regelmäßige Event-Teilnahmen an.
Following meetings are reguarly held:
- Division meeting (once a week) - Division of Clinical Pharmacology
- Working group meeting (once a week)
- i-Target: immunotargeting of cancer doctoral program (once a week).
- Retreats of the doctoral program i-Target can be attended (about three times per year).
Furthermore, students can attend different congresses (e.g. ITOC - Immunotherapy of Cancer Conference).
Neben der Doktormutter/dem Doktorvater ist eine separate Person für die Betreuung zuständig.
Experimental supervision will be provided by scientifically experienced postdoctoral researchers. Our working groups consists of several postdoctoral researchers and physicians, PhD students, experienced medical students and research assistants, guaranteeing excellent supervision and expertise in all necessary techniques.
Über das Modul 6 hinaus sind weitere Freisemester nötig.
Due to the high scientific quality and the complexity of the proposed projects at least 12 months of full time research is required (Modul 6 + 1 Freisemester, e.g. August/ September - October).
Famulaturen can be carried out during semester breaks, details can be discussed after acceptance of the position.
Für die Arbeit an diesem Projekt stehen ggf. Fördermöglichkeiten zur Verfügung.
- LMU Promotionsstipendium
Furthermore, funding from different sources can be discussed upon acceptance of the position (e.g. Vertrag für studentische Hilfskräfte).