First year of REPRESSIT

In the complex world of cancer, immune cells called T cells are a critical part of our bodies’ arsenal to combat tumor cells. They play a crucial role in “finishing the job” when patients are treated for cancer with chemotherapy or radiation. Unfortunately, in some patients, these cells are often ‘shut down’ by inhibitory immune receptors (IRs), leading to treatment resistance. Current therapies aiming to interfere with this off-switch, known as “checkpoint blockade,” offer relief for some but leave many patients without effective options, particularly those whose tumors lack the necessary ligands for these therapies. 

In this context, the REPRESSIT consortium aims to revolutionize cancer immunotherapy by developing ligand-independent checkpoint therapeutics. This innovative approach inhibits surface receptors by recruiting phosphatases to reactivate exhausted T and NK cells, providing new hope for patients facing ineffective treatments. With a consortium of experts in IR biology, tumor immunology, protein engineering, biophysics, and proteomics, REPRESSIT is poised to design and optimize these groundbreaking therapeutic molecules. 

Work performed and main achievements 

In its first year, the consortium has successfully generated potential candidate molecules for ligand-independent checkpoint therapeutics. Additionally, we have established all necessary platforms to enhance these molecules and test their efficacy in counteracting IR-mediated T cell shutdown. 

Results beyond the state of the art 

We are in the process of protecting the intellectual property (IP) related to the generated candidate molecules and their design principles. This step is crucial for advancing our innovative therapeutic solutions. 

Policy relevant evidence of your project 

Despite significant advancements, there remains a substantial unmet need in cancer therapeutics. REPRESSIT’s contributions, while important, highlight the ongoing necessity for continuous funding in cancer research. Continued support is essential to develop and refine treatments, ensuring that more patients can benefit from these cutting-edge therapies