CBC Innovation Breakfast: Dr Michael Jones, Cell Guidance Systems
Going viral: How silkworms may enable CAR-T cell therapy
Low-cost, non-viral reprogramming of monocytes for immunotherapy
- When: 8.30-9.30am, Thurs 12th June 2025
- Where: University of Cambridge Clinical School, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Rd, Cambridge CB2 0SP (Find it on What3Words)
- Pastries and refreshments provided
Guest speaker
Dr Michael Jones, CEO of Cell Guidance Systems
Michael’s career has spanned the UK and Japan, the fields of cancer, exosomes, and drug delivery, as well as academia, big pharma and small biotech. He is striving to bring a novel approach to the clinic which has the potential to transform cancer care.
Going viral: How silkworms may enable CAR-T cell therapy
How we are reprogramming monocytes for immunotherapy
CAR-T cell therapy has provided a beacon of hope, showing how immune cell reprogramming can be used to treat disease. The challenge is to extend this pioneering medical treatment from liquid to solid cancers, and other diseases.
Michael will cover some of the science behind his company’s aims to meet this challenge.
A team of scientists at Cell Guidance Systems collaborating with Stanford University and CRUK is exploiting the phagocytic behaviour of monocytes and the potential to use this to reprogram these cells more efficiently than with viral strategies. To do this, they have used solid, micron-scale protein blocks which are efficeintly ingested by the monocytes. The ingested protein blocks then slowly release bioactive protein effectively reprogramming the monocytes to CYT-M cells which constitutively secrete the pro-inflammatory cytokines which can support CAR-T cells.
They have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of IL-2-secreting CYT-M cells in mouse models of melanoma. Emerging evidence suggests that used in combination, CYT-M therapy may also make CAR-T cell therapy effective in solid cancers.
Michael will discuss his innovation journey and what he hopes to achieve next.
About our innovation breakfasts
Our Innovation Breakfast series brings together aspiring innovators and clinicians with expert speakers to explore what it takes to turn a great idea into something that can make a difference for patients.
From industry partners and technical specialists to those who have been successful entrepreneurs with a story to share, join us to network, learn and enjoy a pastry.
Who Should Come?
We encourage attendance from:
- Staff across our partner organisations
- Professionals focused on service improvement
- Leaders in strategy, policy, and partnerships
- Colleagues working on public and patient involvement and engagement (PPIE)
If you would like to be involved in a future Innovation Breakfast, contact comms@cuhp.org.uk.
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