Mapping the antigenic landscape of Multiple Myeloma to inform the development of precision cancer immunotherapies

This project aims to use RNASeq, whole exome and whole genome sequencing (WES and WGS) data from
MM patients to predict neoantigens from common fusion events/sequences and test putative peptides in co-culture assays of autologous T cells to provide proof of principle to target fusion-derived neoantigens
for MM treatment.
To achieve this, we will pursue the following objectives:
1. Identify distribution of shared fusion events amongst patients to create a comprehensive map of
potential personal/shared tumour neoantigens;
2. Validate presence of neoantigen-reactive T cells in patients with MM and SMM, characterise them
phenotypically and validate their cytotoxic capability;
3. Provide proof of concept (PoC) of expansion and activity of neoantigen-reactive T cells for
potential clinical development.
Importance. This project is the first comprehensive study of MM neoantigens, potentially leading to the
discovery of new targets for MM treatment. Following this project, these neoantigens could be used for
the development of off the shelf T cell therapy-based treatments and/or prophylactic vaccines for patients
with SMM. The collaboration with Achilles, a leading company developing neoantigen-based T cell
therapies, guarantees a clear translational outcome.