Project description
Cells that can suppress immunity and inflammation are important targets for cell therapies
Myeloid cells are a critical part of the immune system, protecting against infection through regulation of T-cells. In contrast to their natural immunity role, myeloid cells can have the opposite effect in autoimmunity, inflammatory diseases and transplantation. So-called myeloid regulatory cells (MRCs) suppress the immune system response and inflammation to promote tolerance. MRCs are of particular interest as targets for cell therapies and the focus of the INsTRuCT training network. Emphasis on effective communication, data sharing and critical transferable skills will complement young researchers' intensive theoretical and experimental science training with education covering the entire European drug development process. Quick launch of successful careers focused on MRC-based cell therapies could have important impact on medicine and the European economy.
Objective
Cell therapy is an active area of immunological research and represents a highly innovative and rapidly expanding sector of pharmaceutical industry. The INsTRuCT Consortium answers an unmet need in the field for postdoctoral researchers experienced in scientifically excellent research and cell therapy development. INsTRuCT draws upon complementary expertise of its academic and industrial partners to offer a unique research and training programme. INsTRuCT proposes 15 distinctive research projects based at European companies or universities recognized for their scientific achievements and innovation. INsTRuCT is structured to promote interdisciplinary and intersectoral cooperation between partners, thereby accelerating pharmaceutical development and clinical application of novel myeloid regulatory cell (MRC)-based therapies. INsTRuCT is a primarily research-based training programme, which will be complemented by theoretical and practical training opportunities. INsTRuCT will encourage a translational view of research, which will be reinforced by intersectoral secondments. Teaching transferrable and communication skills is a high priority for INsTRuCT. ESR will gain a comprehensive overview of the drug development process in Europe as it applies to cell-based therapies; hence, INsTRuCT’s graduates will be fitted for future roles as innovative leaders in the field. INsTRuCT will strengthen interactions between cooperating research groups at junior and senior levels, thereby promoting dissemination of standardized research approaches and data-sharing. Overall, INsTRuCT constitutes an original research and training concept that responds to the specific needs of a growing sector for postdoctoral scientists trained in Basic Immunology and cell therapy development. Consequently, INsTRuCT has a very high impact potential, both in terms of its scientific and technical advancements, and its future contribution to innovation and economic development within the European Union.
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Coordinator
93053 Regensburg
Germany