Antibodies that redirect T cells to kill aggressive lymphomas

Whilst most patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are cured with immunochemotherapy, patients who fail to respond or who relapse early die from uncontrolled disease within months. Monoclonal antibodies are widely used in the treatment of cancer, including DLBCL. Recent developments in technology and understanding of the immune system, have enabled the generation of bispecific antibodies, that can simultaneously bind to different antigens and redirect the immune system towards targeted killing of tumour cells. Such bispecific antibodies have shown remarkable activity in preliminary clinical trials. In combination with Isogenica (Cambridge) we are developing and assessing novel bispecific and trispecific antibodies for therapy of DLBCL.
This project provides an exciting opportunity to be involved in cutting edge research at the cancer immunology interface, incorporating research in advanced therapeutics, precision medicines and diagnostics discovery. You will be working on a unique platform developed by Isogenica, gaining experience in antibody discovery in haematological malignancies utilising cutting edge techniques, and characterise these with Isogenica's state of the art facilities. Studies of the biological function of these antibodies will be undertaken and you will have the opportunity to learn a diverse set of laboratory and bio-informatics skills, through cross functional working, gaining experience in cell culture, flow cytometry, cell viability assays, CyTOF and single cell sequencing.
Throughout the studentship, you will be embedded within the Ernest and Helen Scott Haematological Research Institute, at the UoL, which has existing research strengths in B cell malignancies and understanding of the role of the immune system in the treatment of DLBCL