Objective
CAR T cells are clinically effective in hematological malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Marketed therapies rely on ex vivo T cell engineering, performed in specialized centres only. In vivo T cell engineering may profoundly reduce timelines and expenses. Most current methods for in vivo T cell engineering use either promiscuously integrating vectors, bearing risk of insertional mutagenesis, or CAR mRNA in LNPs, conferring a transient effect only. Here, we establish in vivo gene targeting in T cells by co-delivering a CAR homologous recombination cassette in a single vector together with a site-specific meganuclease specifically designed to cleave the human TRAC locus. We further develop a dual vector approach utilizing CRISPR/Cas9. In addition, we incorporate in the capsid of our AAV, designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) targeting the human CD3, CD4 or CD8 receptors. We present preliminary supporting results and outline the development plan for engineering T cells in vivo using a single injection of a CD8-directed AAV. We aim to provide the first demonstration of in vivo CAR T cell engineering by site-specific gene targeting, a paradigm shift for cellular immunotherapies, with fast translation into the clinic and the market. We plan to show tumor eradication in both immunocompetent animals and humanized mice. Our studies will include safety evaluations, such as mice vital signs monitoring tracking of AAV biodistribution, off-target cleavage and chromosomal aberrations. We will pursue a protect-then-partner route, filing priority and PCT patents, obtaining an FTO opinion, and assembling a diligence-ready data room. We will engage cell/gene-therapy sponsors and CDMOs for field-of-use licensing, keeping a spin-out option for broad exclusivity. We will seek regulatory advice to align on nonclinical and CMC expectations. Milestones include priority filing, FTO opinion, ≥5 BD meetings with ≥2 LoIs/LoSs, and a partnering term sheet/option by project end.
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.
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- medical and health sciences basic medicine immunology autoimmune diseases
- medical and health sciences basic medicine immunology immunotherapy
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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-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept 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-2026-POC
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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.
69978 Tel Aviv
Israel
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.