Focus of Research Program

Novel lentiviral vector modalities for immune therapy after leukemia and stem cell
transplantation (Funding: Rebirth Excellence Cluster, Unit 6.4).
Lentiviral vectors have
been extensively tested in gene replacement clinical trials and are highly effective and
safe, but they have not been much explored for cancer immune therapy development.
Through designed genetic expression of several complementary cytokines and
immune-dominant antigens, new multicistronic integrase-defective lentiviral vectors
(IDLVs) designs and packaging systems were developed. These IDLVs were used to reprogram
monocytes into induced dendritic cells (iDCs), incorporating cancer antigens which can
be customized for individualized cellular products to improve the immune reconstitution
after leukemia or transplantation. The production of ID-LVs and generation of iDCs were
validated under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions and are in the translation
to the clinics.
Humanized mouse models with adaptive immune responses to evaluate potency and efficacy
of new biotechnological products against Epstein Barr virus (EBV) (Funding: German
Center for Infections Research DZIF, TTU IICH).
EBV Mice transplanted with human
hematopoietic stem cells are used as proof-of-concept pharm-tox models to test
genetically modified human cell products, vaccines and monoclonal antibodies against
EBV.
Genetically modified cell therapies against human cytomegalovirus HCMV (Funding:
Collaborative Research Center 738, SFB738, Unit A06).
HCMV is one of the most
problematic viral infections for immune compromised hosts. We established humanized
mouse models to recreate HCMV infection in vivo. These models are being used to test
induced dendritic cells and T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors targeted
against HCMV antigens.

Prof. Dr. Renata Stripecke
stripecke.renata[at]mh-hannover.de
www.mh-hannover.de/30453.html
Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation
Hannover Medical School Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1 - OE6862 Hans Borst Zentrum Room 6100 D-30625 Hannover – GERMANY |
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