Combating COVID-19 using human PSC-derived NK cells
Grant Award Details
Grant Type:
Grant Number:
DISC2-12172
Investigator(s):
Disease Focus:
Human Stem Cell Use:
Award Value:
$249,998
Status:
Closed
Progress Reports
Reporting Period:
Year 1 – NCE
Grant Application Details
Application Title:
Combating COVID-19 using human PSC-derived NK cells
Public Abstract:
Research Objective
We propose to generate NK cells with enhanced immunity from gene-edited human PSCs and use the resultant NK cells to kill SARS-CoV-2-infected cells to combat against COVID-19.
Impact
The use of gene-edited hPSCs as a source for genetically engineered NK cells will allow us to generate effective immunotherapy for COVID-19 that has no approved treatment thus far.
Major Proposed Activities
We propose to generate NK cells with enhanced immunity from gene-edited human PSCs and use the resultant NK cells to kill SARS-CoV-2-infected cells to combat against COVID-19.
Impact
The use of gene-edited hPSCs as a source for genetically engineered NK cells will allow us to generate effective immunotherapy for COVID-19 that has no approved treatment thus far.
Major Proposed Activities
- Generation of gene-edited hPSCs
- Differentiation of hPSCs into NK cells
- Characterization of hPSC-derived NK cells
- Testing the effect of hPSC-derived NK cells on SARS-CoV-2-infected cells
Statement of Benefit to California:
Many confirmed cases of COVID-19 (>600,000) have been reported in California, which have resulted in substantial (>10,000) deaths. Besides the tremendous emotional and physical pain that this disease inflicts on families, it produces a huge medical and fiscal burden and halts economic growth in California. Thus, there is a real need to develop a strategy of treatment for this disease. Our study will address the needs by developing a highly effective hPSC-based cell therapy for COVID-19.
Publications
- Cell Stem Cell (2021): ApoE-Isoform-Dependent SARS-CoV-2 Neurotropism and Cellular Response. (PubMed: 33450186)
- Sci Rep (2021): Comparative transcriptomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 infected cell model systems reveals differential innate immune responses. (PubMed: 34433867)
