Allogenic Viral Specific Engineered T Cell for treatment of PML

Project Summary/Abstract: The goal of this application is to train Dr. Sasha Gupta, a physician scientist, with the skills necessary to become an independently funded investigator studying cellular therapeutics for the treatment of autoimmune and infectious neurologic conditions. In this research proposal, she proposes to identify, isolate and sequence clonally restricted T cell receptors from patients with diverse genetic backgrounds that are highly specific for JC virus VP1 antigens and have anti-viral activity in vitro and in vivo. These findings can advance the development of anti-JC virus T cell therapies that could revolutionize the treatment of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. This research is accompanied by a career development and training plan that will build on Dr. Gupta’s clinical training in neuroimmunology and her postdoctoral training in in vivo testing of experimental cellular therapies. Her training will focus on 1) virology, 2) immunology, 3) bioinformatics, and 4) clinical implementation of cellular therapies. This career development and training plan will include a combination of formal coursework; mentored practical training; conference, meeting, and workshop attendance; and guidance from an exceptional team of mentors and advisors/collaborators. Altogether, this award will help prepare Dr. Gupta for an independent research career focused on developing cellular therapies for treatment of autoimmune and infectious neurologic conditions.