Three universities are launching a revolution in cancer treatment. Killer cells will help

Cooperation Press Release Science and research

A consortium of three universities (CiRT) will focus on new therapies against cancer, deadly infections and diseases of the immune system. It includes the University of Pennsylvania, Charles University and the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. The aim is to push the limits of cell therapy.

Leading scientists, physicians and other partners in the CiRT research consortium will focus on a new therapy based on iNKT cells, also named as natural killer. This promises to revolutionise the treatment of the most serious haemato-oncological diseases or help with complications after transplants. Natural killer cells are rightly in the spotlight. Monika Holubová from the Biomedical Centre of the Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen of Charles University (FM CU), described their superpowers: "Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which can be toxic and ineffective, iNKT cells can precisely target and eliminate resistant tumour cells."

In addition, iNKT cells can be used as live medication that continue to grow after administration and provide long-term protection against tumors. Their effect can be further enhanced by combining them with other treatments. "We are close to next-generation therapies and want to bring them from the lab to the clinic to the patients themselves. Not only should the therapies be more affordable, but we will also be able to tailor them to the needs of patients around the world," said consortium chair Antonia Rotolo of the University of Pennsylvania.

The CiRT consortium will be a pioneer in this area of research. "For the first time, leading experts in iNKT cells, clinical research and treatment will collaborate on a global scale. We want to give people new hope and ensure that state-of-the-art treatments reach patients faster," explained Lucie Houdová from the NTIS Research Centre of the Faculty of Applied Sciences of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (FAV UWB).

Scientists will also focus on promising cell variant options referred to as CAR iNKT. Currently approved therapies use the patient's own cells. And although this approach is effective, it unfortunately has its shortcomings. Patients are often weakened by previous chemotherapy or suppressed immunity. CAR iNKT therapies, however, can use cells from healthy donors, eliminating the need for difficult adjustments. The method will thus become the basis of a functional treatment available to every patient without fear of serious complications.

iNKT cells have the unique ability to restore normal immune function, making them highly effective not only in the treatment of cancer, but also in the fight against serious infectious diseases such as the severe course of COVID-19 or autoimmune disorders.