SciLifeLab DDD supports new projects in cancer immunotherapy and antimicrobial resistance

In late 2024, the national SciLifeLab Drug Discovery and Development platform (DDD) steering group approved new projects for support by the SciLifeLab DDD infrastructure. Two of these projects are led by Niels-Bjarne Woods (Lund University) and Johan Bylund (Gothenburg University). From tackling antibiotic resistance to enhancing immunotherapy, these projects aim to develop new treatment strategies.

The two projects below were approved late 2024 by the national DDD steering group. With the help of the platform, they hope to move closer to reaching the clinic. Without revealing too much, we reached out to the project leaders to get a short description of what they aim to do.

Hyper-Targeting Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived CAR Natural Killer Cells for Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Niels-Bjarne Woods
Some cancers evade detection, leading to recurrence after treatment. This project focuses on genetically modifying natural killer (NK) cells to better recognize and destroy hidden tumor and tumor stem cells, improving treatment outcomes for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). 

Led by Niels-Bjarne Woods at Lund Stem Cell Center, the research group has developed a system to generate NK cells from induced pluripotent stem cells. By manipulating metabolic processes during their development, they can direct lymphoid lineage immune cell production and improve their function, making them potently cytotoxic against numerous cancer cell types.  

In this project, Woods and his team are fine-tuning the NK cell differentiation system and evaluating its potential for clinical applications. In collaboration with SciLifeLab DDD, Woods’ team are also developing a novel tumor stem cell targeting, chimeric antigen receptors (CAR). The aim is to integrate these technologies into a novel cancer treatment to reduce relapse rates and improve survival for AML.

Boosting the Immune System to Tackle Antibiotic Resistance

Johan Bylund
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing health threat, with resistant infections causing over 100,000 deaths annually in Europe and the US. As antibiotics become less effective, new treatment strategies are needed.

Professor Johan Bylund at the University of Gothenburg, together with Dr. Peter Olofsson-Sahl at University West, is developing small molecule FPR1 agonists that improve the immune system’s ability to fight bacterial infections. Unlike antibiotics, these compounds boost immune defences rather than attacking bacteria directly, which lower the risk of resistance.

The lead candidates have shown strong potential, particularly for severe infections like chronic urinary tract and lung infections.With the help of DDD, they will focus on optimizing these compounds to meet industry standards. Bringing them closer to clinical use as a much-needed alternative for life-threatening infections.

Upcoming SciLifeLab Science Summit explores the cutting-edge for the future of drug discovery

On October 1, the SciLifeLab Science Summit, Disruptive Technologies for Drugging the Undruggable, will bring together experts to explore new approaches in drug discovery. The event is expected to gather more than 600 participants, with the majority coming from academia and industry, in Stockholm. Stay tuned for updates.