Technology

Since 2015 we are systematically exploring the TIL-repertoires of various solid cancers. Based on more than 100 surgical samples we can clearly say that the presence of tumor-specific T-cells in human tumors is more the rule than an exception. Why not send the best T-cells to fight cancer?

Our approach is based on natural tumor-specific T-cell receptors (tsTCRs) in individual patients with solid cancers. These T-cells had escaped negative selection in the thymus and after their encounter with tumor antigens have evolved into dominant tumor specific T-cell clones. 

Employing proprietary technologies of special tissue handling and immune-sequencing, TheryCell is able to decipher complex T-cell repertoires in the tumor (TILs) and to identify the ones being most relevant:  The tumor reactive T-cells. 

Sequencing of the alpha/beta TCRs of these cells provides us with the basis for a truly tumor-specific personalized TCR-gene therapy.

We use state-of-the-art non-viral technologies for the genetic engineering of T cells with the identified tumor-specific TCRs. This is an essential step to bring manufacturing costs for therapeutic TCR-T cells into an affordable range.

For such treatment a high safety and efficacy can be expected as the TCRs have been selected in vivo and patient selection criteria such as HLA compatibility and antigen expression can be omitted.

Cancer therapy with T-cells and pipette - © CI Photos / Shutterstock.com