Genetic Enhancement of the Immune Response to Melanoma via hESC-derived T cells

The overall goal of the proposed studies is to utilize human gene therapy approach using human embryonic stem cells to direct our body’s defenses to specifically attack melanoma tumor cells. Current technologies try to accomplish this by genetically manipulating certain circulating T lymphocytes, such that they will target tumor cells. T lymphocytes are the major cell type of our body’s immune system. However it is likely that this type of approach will not result in the presence of stable, lifelong genetically modified T cells. In contrast, a potentially more long-lasting approach would be to genetically modify human embryonic stem cells with the same therapeutic gene. Stem cells have the ability to form any type of blood cell, including T cells. Importantly, stem cells can persist for the life of the individual, and thus have the potential to produce genetically modified T cells for many years. In addition, these new tumor specific cells should expand in the body in response to the presence of the tumor, thus a large supply of tumor-fighting cells should be available as long as needed. This project proposes to develop novel means to introduce the anti-cancer gene into human embryonic stem cells. These stem cells will then be differentiated to generate tumor specific T cells utilizing animal model systems. We will then use several laboratory and mouse models to determine if the T cells derived from these genetically modified stem cells have anti-tumor activity. If successful, we will have provided proof-of principle that long-lived stem cells have the potential be utilized as a means of producing anti-cancer T cells. In the long run, these results could provide important information for design of future clinical trials designed to produce life-long improved anti-cancer immune responses.