Microsphere-based immuno-therapy of HCC (C05)

• Subject Area: Gastroenterology
• Term: from 2017 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 314905040

Project C05 (Wirth; Microsphere-based immuno-therapy of HCC) aims to enhance the efficacy of tumor vaccination and improve prediction of immunotherapy response in HCC patients. The project has developed a new patented prime-boost strategy based on priming with a liposomal-encapsulated antigen followed by a costimulatory boost. In addition, they have identified novel regulators of T cell exhaustion. In the next funding period the project will test these newly identified T cell markers in HCC patient blood and will further focus on the identification of suitable HCC antigens, the functional validation in their established autochthonous HCC model and the combination of the approach with immune checkpoint inhibition and anti-angiogenic treatment.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 209: Liver Cancer - New mechanistic and therapeutic concepts in a solid tumor model
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Project Head: Privatdozent Dr. Thomas Wirth