The Headcase Trustees have just approved a new £177,000 Grant for Nottingham Trent University (NTU). The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre at the Clifton Campus will be starting a ground-breaking piece of research in June 2026. The project is still in the area of immunotherapy and builds upon some of the concepts established in our previous work with them. The 2 year project will investigate the use of BiTEs (Bispecific T-Cell Engagers), using an approach not yet utilised for targeting Glioblastoma.
Like our previous work with NTU the project will focus on target antigens to direct T-Cells to the tumour with a view to the killing the tumour. BiTes work by providing a bridge attaching itself to both the T-Cells and the antigen in the tumour, guiding the T-Cells directly to the tumour. One end of the BiTE sticks to the cancer cells, and the other end grabs onto T-cells, guiding them to attack the tumour more accurately. Since BiTEs can be made ready-to-use like a medicine, they could be a quicker and easier option compared to other treatments.
The project has 3 aims –
- Identify suitable target antigens for BiTE technology and develop new and specific BiTEs to target the antigens
- Test T-Cell response and activity against Glioblastoma cell lines in the lab
- Test the efficacy and safety of the BiTEs in a pre-clinical model
More to follow soon!