A phase II multi-center clinical trial to study the efficacy and in vivo trafficking of autologous adoptively transferred ex vivo expanded regulatory T cells in patients with ulcerative colitis

Project Summary

Adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells (Tregs) has been successfully employed to block experimental colitis in vivo; however, their use for treating patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) remains poorly explored. The homing of these Tregs to the gut and their effects on the intestinal epithelium are crucial for suppressing gut-specific inflammation. In this project, we aim to further delineate the molecular mechanisms governing mucosal trafficking and retention of Tregs in ulcerative colitis. We will combine the clinical evaluation of our current GMP-approved Treg product in a Phase II clinical trial with in-depth studies on their gut functionality. These investigations will inform future efforts to refine and optimize the existing GMP-grade Treg therapy.

Selected project-relevant publications