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Grant: Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives

University of Ottawa

$200,000.00

CAR-NK optimization through delivery of CRISPRa to safe harbours that enable persistent transgene expression during iPSCs differentiation

FY 2022-23 · 2023-03-23

Summary
Specialized cells called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are derived from mature tissue, such as the skin, and have accelerated the development of cell-based therapies for neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and other hard-to-treat diseases. However, the processes used to convert cells taken from a patient into a therapeutic product could be more efficient and easier to control. The project focuses on iPSC-derived CAR-NK immune cells, an upcoming anticancer therapy technology in which cells from a patient are modified and reintroduced to stimulate the patient's anticancer immune defences. Previous studies show that current production methods yield a low number of CAR-NK cells and that these cells rapidly lose their therapeutic attributes. The project investigates if new genome engineering strategies can improve the production of iPSC-derived CAR-NK immune cells. It has the potential to set new standards for stem cell manipulation and iPSC-derived therapy production that will bring CAR-NK anticancer therapies closer to the clinic.
Program
Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives
Location
Ottawa|Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Business Number
119278877
Type
Grant
Source
Proactive Disclosure - Grants and Contributions

Amendments

Each version of the agreement as published, oldest first, with its total as of that version. The amount above is the latest.

AmendmentDateFiscal YearTotal
02023-03-232022-23$200,000.00
12023-03-232022-23$200,000.00

As published

Additional Information
This agreement has been amended 1 time(s). The end date of this agreement has been modified by 365 days.
Additional Information (French)
Cet accord a été modifié 1 fois. La date de fin du présent accord a été changé de 365 jours.
Agreement End Date
2026-03-31
Agreement Number
1000903
Agreement Start Date
2023-03-23
Agreement Title
CAR-NK optimization through delivery of CRISPRa to safe harbours that enable persistent transgene expression during iPSCs differentiation
Agreement Title (French)
Optimisation des cellules CAR-NK par transfert des CRISPRa dans des « refuges » permettant une expression transgénique persistante pendant la différenciation des CSPi
Agreement Type
Grant
Agreement Value
$200,000.00
Amendment Date
2025-04-10
Amendment Number
1
Description
Specialized cells called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are derived from mature tissue, such as the skin, and have accelerated the development of cell-based therapies for neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and other hard-to-treat diseases. However, the processes used to convert cells taken from a patient into a therapeutic product could be more efficient and easier to control. The project focuses on iPSC-derived CAR-NK immune cells, an upcoming anticancer therapy technology in which cells from a patient are modified and reintroduced to stimulate the patient's anticancer immune defences. Previous studies show that current production methods yield a low number of CAR-NK cells and that these cells rapidly lose their therapeutic attributes. The project investigates if new genome engineering strategies can improve the production of iPSC-derived CAR-NK immune cells. It has the potential to set new standards for stem cell manipulation and iPSC-derived therapy production that will bring CAR-NK anticancer therapies closer to the clinic.
Description (French)
Les cellules spécialisées appelées « cellules souches pluripotentes induites » (CSPi), dérivées de tissus matures, comme l’épiderme, ont accéléré la création de thérapies à base de cellules souches pour traiter des maladies neurodégénératives, des cancers et d’autres maladies difficiles à soigner. Cependant, le processus utilisé pour convertir en produit thérapeutique les cellules prélevées chez un patient gagnerait à être plus efficace et plus facile à maîtriser. Ce projet met l’accent sur les cellules CAR-NK immunes dérivées des CSPi. Il s’appuie sur une technologie thérapeutique novatrice dans le cadre de laquelle des cellules prélevées chez le patient sont modifiées puis réintroduites dans celui-ci pour renforcer sa défense immunologique. Des études antérieures ont montré que les méthodes de production actuelles fournissent un nombre limité de cellules CAR-NK dont le pouvoir thérapeutique diminue rapidement. Le projet cherche à déterminer s’il est possible, grâce à de nouvelles stratégies de génie génomique, d’améliorer la production de cellules immunes CAR-NK dérivées des CSPi. Il pourrait permettre d’établir de nouvelles normes de manipulation des cellules souches et d’élaboration de thérapies dérivées des CSPi qui ouvriront la voie à l’application clinique des thérapies anticancéreuses fondées sur les cellules CAR-NK.
Expected Results
In the short term, anticipated outcomes will be strengthened collaborations across industry, academia, and government to support research excellence. In the medium term, anticipated outcomes will be the development of new and potentially disruptive technologies with collaborators. In the long term, find collaborative solutions to public policy challenges and create stronger innovation systems.
Expected Results (French)
À court terme, les résultats prévus seront des collaborations renforcées entre l'industrie, le milieu universitaire et le gouvernement pour soutenir l'excellence en recherche. À moyen terme, les résultats attendus seront le développement de nouvelles technologies potentiellement perturbatrices avec des collaborateurs. À long terme, trouver des solutions collaboratives aux défis des politiques publiques et créer des systèmes d'innovation plus solides.
Federal Riding
Ottawa--Vanier--Gloucester
Federal Riding (French)
Ottawa--Vanier--Gloucester
Federal Riding Number
35081
NAICS Code
541710
Organization Code
nrc-cnrc
Organization
National Research Council Canada | Conseil national de recherches Canada
Program Name
Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives
Program Name (French)
Programme de collaboration en science, en technologie et en innovation - Initiatives de collaboration en R-D
Program Purpose
Collaborate on multiparty research and development programs to catalyze transformative, high-risk, high-reward research with the potential for game-changing scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs in priority areas.
Program Purpose (French)
Collaborer à des programmes multipartites de recherche-développement dans le but de profiter de la synergie entre la recherche transformatrice à haut risque et à haut rendement et le potentiel de découvertes scientifiques et de percées technologiques révolutionnaires dans des secteurs d’intervention prioritaires.
Recipient Business Number
119278877
Recipient City
Ottawa|Ottawa
Recipient Country
CA
Recipient Legal Name
University of Ottawa
Recipient Postal Code
K1N 6N5
Recipient Province or Territory
ON
Recipient Type
S
Reference Number
172-2022-2023-Q4-1000903
University of Ottawa - $200,000 Grant (2022-23) | Canada Spends