Projects & Grants
The HRS4R human resources management strategy for the scientific sector was funded through the project „HR Excellence in Research na Ostravské univerzitě“, Reg. No.: CZ.02.2.69/0.0/0.0/16_028/0006225.
| Uncovering NK Cell Immune Escape in Multiple Myeloma by Leveraging Bone Marrow Organoids to Develop Efficient Off-the-Shelf iPSC-Derived NK Cell Therapy | |
|---|---|
| Project Id | NW27-03-00358 |
| Main solver | Julio Rodriguez Bago |
| Period | 1/2027 - 12/2030 |
| Provider | Agentura zdravotnického výzkumu ČR |
| State | solved |
| Anotation | Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell disorder that remains largely incurable despite significant therapeutic advances, with most patients eventually experiencing relapse. Cellular immunotherapies have transformed cancer treatment; however, current approaches such as CAR-T cells are limited by toxicity, manufacturing complexity, high costs, and, in some patients, reduced efficacy due to tumor immune evasion. Natural killer (NK) cells represent a promising alternative due to their strong antitumor activity, favorable safety profile, and potential for allogeneic use, but primary NK cell therapies are limited by donor variability and poor scalability. In this project, we propose the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) as a renewable and genetically modifiable source of NK cells, enabling standardized production, early-stage genetic engineering, and large-scale manufacturing. In parallel, we will investigate mechanisms of immune evasion in multiple myeloma using bone marrow organoid models that mimic the tumor microenvironment, a key driver of immune resistance. The acquired knowledge will be used to guide targeted genetic modifications of iPSC and to enhance the antitumor function of iPSC-derived NK (iNK) cells. The overall goal of the project is to develop an effective, accessible, and scalable iPSC-derived NK cell-based immunotherapy for multiple myeloma. |
| Total Costs | 14 538 000 CZK |
