Next generation of Immune Therapy: HLA-independent T-cell receptors against the Urokinase Receptor

Next generation of Immune Therapy:
HLA-independent T-cell receptors against the Urokinase Receptor

We are currently seeking partners for:

-Collaborative development

-Technology licensing or assignment

For Contact:

 Technology Transfer:
 INNOVECTIS GmbH
 Altenhöferallee 5
 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
 Phone: +49 69 25 61 632-0
  Kirstin.schilling@innovectis.de

Technology

HLA-independent T-cell receptors (TCRs) with specific reactivity against the urokinase receptor (uPAR) provide a novel approach for targeted immunotherapy.

Unlike conventional TCRs, these receptors directly recognize uPAR on the cell surface and do not require HLA presentation or antigen processing, which may enable broader applicability across patient populations.

The anti-uPAR TCRs were isolated from healthy blood donors and include candidates recognizing both cell-surface forms of uPAR. They are functional in both CD4 and CD8 T cells, show avidity comparable to neoantigen-specific HLA-restricted TCRs, and demonstrate robust cytolytic activity against target cells.

Applications

-The technology is intended for the development of new treatment strategies for uPAR-overexpressing malignancies and senescence-associated diseases.

-Because uPAR is overexpressed in many solid and hematologic cancers and is also linked to senescent cells involved in therapy resistance and tissue damage, the platform has potential across several disease settings.

-Potential applications include adoptive TCR-T cell therapies, soluble multispecific constructs containing uPAR-specific binding sites, and vaccination approaches designed to induce natural HLA-independent anti-uPAR T-cell responses.

-This creates opportunities in oncology as well as in indications where senescent cells contribute to disease progression.

Technology stage

-The modified T cells have already been comprehensively characterized, indicating that the technology has progressed beyond an initial concept stage.

-Further preclinical studies are planned to validate the therapeutic potential and support continued development toward translational use.

Patents

-The technology is protected by  EP23198276, filed on September 19, 2023.

-A corresponding international patent application, PCT/EP2024/076097, is also pending.