We are excited to share a study published in Nature Communications, in which we had the pleasure to participate. This research introduces a novel HLA-A*02-restricted PTPRZ1-reactive T-cell receptor (TCR) retrieved from a vaccinated glioblastoma patient. ARDitox, our in silico AI-based prediction tool, played a key role in evaluating off-target toxicity.
Key Findings:
✅ Identifying a New Target: PTPRZ1, a glioblastoma-associated antigen linked to tumor stemness, was identified as a clinically relevant target.
✅ Vaccine-Induced TCR Therapy: A therapeutic HLA-A*02-restricted TCR was retrieved from a vaccinated glioblastoma patient, enabling precise tumor targeting.
✅ Selective Tumor Elimination: PTPRZ1-specific TCR-T cells demonstrated potent cytotoxicity against glioblastoma cells, particularly glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) and astrocyte-like tumor cells.
✅ In Vivo Efficacy: A combination of intravenous and intracerebroventricular administration significantly improved tumor control in preclinical brain tumor models.
✅ Ensuring Safety: The identified TCR showed no off-target cross-reactivity, reinforcing its potential as a safe and effective immunotherapy.
Why It Matters:
Glioblastoma remains one of the most difficult-to-treat brain tumors, with limited therapeutic options. This study establishes a proof for using TCR therapy to target glioblastoma stem cells, offering a potential new tool for future treatment strategies.
🔗 Read the full article here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56547-w
A huge thank you to all collaborators involved in this important work!
