Grant: Project Grant

Immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment over the past two decades. The foundation of cancer immunotherapy lies in harnessing the body's own immune system. A key player in the immune response are T-cells, which are critical for recognizing and eliminating tumors. Among these, gamma delta (gd) T cells have recently emerged as a unique and promising subset with potent anti-tumor capabilities. Our research aims to advance the understanding of gd T cell biology to develop enhanced strategies for utilizing these cells in cancer treatment. gd T cells offer remarkable advantages, including their rapid expansion and ability to target cancer cells without requiring donor-patient compatibility. However, current approaches primarily focus on a subset of expanded gd T cells, which have shown limited efficacy in clinical settings. Our research has uncovered a diverse and specialized pool of gd T cells, abundant in the blood of healthy individuals who have encountered a common virus known as cytomegalovirus (CMV) during their lifetime. These cells exhibit heightened cytotoxic potential, positioning them as an excellent source for developing cancer immunotherapies with broad applicability. Our goal is to bridge the gap in knowledge about gd T cells to develop more effective strategies for utilizing them in cancer therapies. By harnessing the specialized pool of gd T cells enriched in CMV-exposed individuals, we aim to create treatments that are not only more efficient but also accessible to a broader range of patients, ultimately reducing the burden on both patients and healthcare systems.