Combating COVID-19 using human PSC-derived NK cells

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Grant Award Details

Grant Type:
Quest – Discovery Stage Research Projects
Grant Number:
DISC2-12172
Investigator(s):
Name:
Professor Yanhong Shi
Institution:
City of Hope, Beckman Research Institute
Type:
PI

Disease Focus:
COVID-19, Infectious Disease
Human Stem Cell Use:
Embryonic Stem Cell, iPS Cell
Award Value:
$249,998
Status:
Closed

Progress Reports

Reporting Period:
Year 1 – NCE

Grant Application Details

Application Title:

Combating COVID-19 using human PSC-derived NK cells

Public Abstract:
Research Objective

We propose to generate NK cells with enhanced immunity from gene-edited human PSCs and use the resultant NK cells to kill SARS-CoV-2-infected cells to combat against COVID-19.

Impact

The use of gene-edited hPSCs as a source for genetically engineered NK cells will allow us to generate effective immunotherapy for COVID-19 that has no approved treatment thus far.

Major Proposed Activities

  • Generation of gene-edited hPSCs
  • Differentiation of hPSCs into NK cells
  • Characterization of hPSC-derived NK cells
  • Testing the effect of hPSC-derived NK cells on SARS-CoV-2-infected cells
Statement of Benefit to California:
Many confirmed cases of COVID-19 (>600,000) have been reported in California, which have resulted in substantial (>10,000) deaths. Besides the tremendous emotional and physical pain that this disease inflicts on families, it produces a huge medical and fiscal burden and halts economic growth in California. Thus, there is a real need to develop a strategy of treatment for this disease. Our study will address the needs by developing a highly effective hPSC-based cell therapy for COVID-19.

Publications