A protocol to facilitate the collection of blood samples for research
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Study Of Process Development, Optimization and Validation For Culture-Expansion And Characterization Of γδ T Lymphocytes In Blood Cancer Patients And Healthy Volunteers
IRAS ID
226989
Contact name
Tomasz Zaremba
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
TC BioPharm Ltd.
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Gamma delta T cells, are a family of rare white blood cells that form an integral part of the human immune system and play an important role in the recognition of diseased cells. These cells carry recognition molecules called receptors which allow them to distinguish healthy cells from diseased cells. Recognition of diseased cells by gamma delta T cells results in killing of the diseased cells. Moreover, this subset of T cells are able to organise and stimulate the function of other immune cells. This process is a vital part of the natural defence against cancer and infections. Gamma delta T cells isolated from human blood can be expanded in culture and can be used to develop cell therapies to fight diseases such as cancer and viral infection. The method of the cell expansion can significantly affect the functional properties of these cells that allow their use in different type of diseases. In addition, the expanded gamma delta T cells can be engineered in various ways to attach themselves to tumour cells, to be more effectively activated by diseased cells or to survive better close to tumour cells. This may in turn lead to new safer and more effective treatments against cancer and infections. Furthermore, these cells need to be extensively characterised so we can choose the best cells for treating patients. Finally, to be able to develop therapies we need to develop and optimise the assays and processes required to culture, test the function, safety, quality and efficacy of these cells. This study is designed to ensure that an adequate supply of gamma delta T cells is available to support the research into potential new treatments for cancer and infectious diseases.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
17/NI/0190
Date of REC Opinion
24 Oct 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion