Objective
Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) with cytotoxic lymphocytes, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, is a powerful immunotherapy already demonstrating remarkable success against certain blood cancers. However, its efficacy in treating solid tumors remains limited, with durable responses being rare. Current strategies to improve ACT therapy focus predominantly on biochemical interactions between immune cells and cancer cells. Yet, emerging evidence highlights the significant influence of biomechanical cues in shaping immune responses and therapeutic outcomes. For instance, the mechanical properties of cancer cells, such as cellular softness, can confer resistance to immune cell-mediated killing, while rigidifying cancer cells can sensitize them toward immune attack leading to enhanced immunotherapy.
MechanoCAR explores a novel, under-explored approach: mechanical reprogramming of cytotoxic lymphocytes, including CAR-T and CAR natural killer (NK) cells. We hypothesize that enhancing the mechano-sensitivity of the lymphocytes could overcome some of the key limitations of ACT therapies, particularly against resistant tumors. First, we aim to uncover and characterize the mechano-sensing and mechano-transduction mechanisms of CARs. Next, we will develop and test innovative mechanical reprogramming strategies to enhance the cytotoxic potential of CAR-T/NK cells in advanced tumor models and further explore the therapeutic potential using patient-derived organoids.
This ambitious and high-reward research has the potential to transform ACT cancer immunotherapy. It addresses significant gaps in current biochemical-centric approaches by introducing a new paradigm focusing on mechanical modulation. If successful, it will provide groundbreaking insights into mechano-immunology, offer a blueprint for designing the next-generation ACT immunotherapies, and ultimately improve treatment outcomes for patients with challenging cancers.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-COG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
1015 LAUSANNE
Switzerland
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.