Designing CAR T-cells to combat cancer

Is this project suitable for me?

This project is designed to be a one-year project for a pre-graduate medical student or M.Sc. student with an interest in immunology and cancer. The majority of the work will consist of laboratory experiments, so an interest in laboratory research is required, but experience is not needed. You need to be bright and hardworking, because lab work is time consuming but rewarding.

Background

CAR T cells are a new promising technology were T cells from cancer patients genetically modified in the laboratory to express receptors that target cancer cells. When the cells are given back to the patient they expand and kill the cancer cells, sometimes curing otherwise incurable patients. Read more here and see a video here. A huge work remains to extend this treatment to all forms of cancer and to cope with adverse effects and risks. In our group we focus on developing new ways to improve CAR T cell therapy.

Aim

To cure cancer when other treatments fail.

Methods

Methods comprise general molecular biology techniques (cloning, sequencing etc.) as well as cell culture and flow cytometry. Training will be given, so no prior laboratory experience is needed.

Principal investigator

Professor Torben Barington
Department of Clinical Research, SDU
Department of Clinical Immunology
Odense University Hospital
J. B. Winsløws Vej 4, DK-5000 Odense C
Contact: Torben Barington