We develop a lentivirus ex-vivo gene transfer strategy into autologous hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) to target interferon-αexpression to tumor-infiltrating monocytes/macrophages (Tie2 Expressing Monocytes - TEMs). As a result, a recruitment of tumor-specific cytotoxic Tcells is added to the interferon-α effect.
In contrast to antigen-restricted Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells (CAR-T), TEMferon generates immune responses to any TEMs positive tumors.
Using a combination of transcriptional and microRNA-mediated control, TEMs become capable to selectively express interferon-αlimited to the tumor micro environment. Based on these mechanisms, TEMs are armed with a specific drug and can systematically break the tumor immune-tolerance reprogramming the micro environment and generate an immune response.
Genenta has been authorized to enter in a Ph I/II clinical trials in early Multiple Myeloma relapsing and newly diagnosed Glioblastoma tumor patients. The demonstration of TEMferon safety and of the molecular and biological readouts at the base of the predicted clinical efficacy in these two indications should support the potential development of TEMferon against a broad range of tumors both as first line and as combination therapy.