On January 27, 2016 ImmunoCellular Therapeutics, Ltd. ("ImmunoCellular") (NYSE MKT: IMUC) reported it has entered into a sponsored research agreement with Eduardo Davila, PhD, Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore (Press release, ImmunoCellular Therapeutics, JAN 27, 2016, View Source [SID:1234508866]). The agreement includes three projects, which together have the potential to improve the efficacy of dendritic cell, T-cell, and combination immunotherapies for cancer and lead to enhancements to both of ImmunoCellular’s dendritic cell and Stem-to-T-cell platforms.

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The first of three projects evaluates certain immune modulators that could enhance T-cell killing of tumor cells. These small molecule modulators have been shown preclinically to be capable of increasing tumor antigen expression while simultaneously decreasing expression of ligands, such as PD-L1 and PDL2, which decrease T-cell activity. This technology applies directly to both ImmunoCellular platforms.

The second project explores the combination of engineered killer T-cells and dendritic cell immunotherapies on tumor killing. These T-cells embody a novel engineering technology that potentially amplifies their cytotoxic, proliferative, and cytokine-producing properties toward tumor antigens. Combining these engineered T-cells with ImmunoCellular’s dendritic cell immunotherapies could lead to enhanced tumor cell killing.

The third project tests novel peptide configurations for use with dendritic cell immunotherapies to potentially induce enhanced T-cell responses.

Dr. Davila is the Program Leader for the Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Program within the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center Program. As such, he collaborates with both basic and clinical research investigators to understand the immune regulation of malignant disease and translate this knowledge into the development of novel diagnostic, preventative and treatment regimens.

"ImmunoCellular’s research and early development strategy is to complement and enhance our dendritic cell and Stem-to-T-cell technology platforms and create potent cell-based cancer immunotherapeutic clinical candidates and combinations," said Steven Swanson, PhD, ImmunoCellular Senior Vice President, Research. "The research projects we are undertaking with Dr. Davila align well with this strategy and have the potential to lead to platform technology enhancements and new clinical programs."

"With this agreement and with other related research underway, we are systematically delivering on our goal to build a leading cancer immunotherapy company. We are pleased with the enhanced position we are establishing in the dendritic cell and T-cell cancer immunotherapy space," said Andrew Gengos, ImmunoCellular Chief Executive Officer.