White blood cells for analysing immunotherapeutic drugs (V1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Use of human white blood cells to evaluate the effects on the immune system of candidate drugs
IRAS ID
258130
Contact name
Emmanuel Briend
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Agenus Ltd
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Agenus is conducting R&D activities in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Our goal is to identify and deliver new drugs or combinations of drugs to patients; enhancing the immune response against tumour cells. To identify such drugs, we generate panels of molecules able to modulate the activity of specific targets present on immune cells. In order to select the best molecule among the candidates, we need to test their activity on various subsets of human blood cells. In the present study we will access anonymised blood samples or blood -derived products (e.g. cones, isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells) from NHS Blood & Transplant or commercial suppliers. These samples will be surplus or existing tissue stored by the supplier. Relevant blood cell subsets will be isolated and used in assays in vitro to evaluate the activity of our candidate drugs. We will evaluate the response of the
cells using different biochemical and molecular biology techniques measuring changes in their activity e.g gene expression, or production of certain mediators. The cells might be kept in culture for up to four weeks. Cells from a donor might be aliquoted in small vials and stored frozen in a dedicated space prior to being used in assays. They will then be discarded according to HTA guidelines. The data generated will be analysed by Agenus scientists and reported in our internal electronic lab note book. A database will also be used to track sample storage and use.REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/SW/0136
Date of REC Opinion
4 Jul 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion