Funded project
IP-NFT
ApoptoSENS - Senolytic CAR-NK Cells

ApoptoSENS - Senolytic CAR-NK Cells

Senescence
CAR-NK Cells
Ageing
SENS Research Foundation researcher Dr. Amit Sharma has identified senescence-specific cell surface biomarkers, leading to the development of Chimeric Antigen Receptor Natural Killer (CAR-NK) cells that can eliminate senescent cells in vivo. This innovative approach holds promise for combating age-related diseases and extending lifespan.
Funding
$ 253,000
Initiated
25.4.2022
Approval
100% Voted Yes
Lab Website
Dr. Amit Sharma
Research Lead
Géraldine Vilmen
Post-Doctoral Fellow
Anna C. Smith
Graduate Student
AT A GLANCE

Stage
Early stage preclinical discovery

Area
Chimeric Antigen Receptor Natural Killer (CAR-NK) cells

Status
Ongoing

Patent Status
Pending

PROJECT LINKS

Background

Cellular senescence is the irreversible arrest of proliferation associated with a proinflammatory phenotype that can lead to tissue dysfunction and is implicated in numerous diseases. Natural Killer cells have an innate ability to remove senescent cells, however immune evasion can occur, which contributes to an accumulation of senescent cells with age. Several genetic and pharmacological studies have shown that elimination of senescent cells can ameliorate hallmarks of aging in both mice and humans, however more specific therapeutic interventions are required.

Aims, Hypothesis & Results

Dr. Amit Sharma is developing Chimeric Antigen Receptor Natural Killer (CAR-NK) cells to precisely and safely eliminate senescent cells in vivo. The team have identified a number of senescence-specific surface markers which could be targeted for senescence removal. They will focus on their most promising candidate senescent cell markers which will be more extensively validated using additional cell model paradigms (stressors), as well as in mouse models (cross-species validation). Validated surface markers will be used to generate monoclonal antibodies, which will then be confirmed for specificity against the target antigen. Appropriate CAR-NK cells will be created to further establish proof-of-concept for their approach of selective removal of senescent cells in their various model systems.

Timeline

The Sharma Lab will target the senescent cells they have identified by generating monoclonal antibodies against their senescence-specific surface markers. These monoclonal antibodies will then be used to create CAR-NK cells that can selectively eliminate senescent cells.

Pre-clinical studies
Required Funding: $430,000
Duration: 24 Months

VitaDAO Board Evaluation Writeup

Dr. Amit Sharma has a strong scientific background in senescence and is based at the SENS Research Foundation, which provides strong support with a track record of successful spin-outs (e.g. Underdog Pharma 1). The removal of senescence cells is an attractive therapeutic approach to combat aging and promote longevity. Data from Dr. Sharma’s team and others showing NK cell cytotoxicity towards senescent cells provides proof-of-concept that using CAR-NK cells is a feasible strategy to eliminate senescent cells. The team’s identification of senescence-specific cell surface markers in vitro is extremely promising and if these markers are also expressed in senescent cells in vivo, this has the potential to be an effective senolytic therapy.

Projects supported
No items found.

Latest Project Updates

13
September
2022
13
September
2022
VitaDAO IP-NFT Transfer Ceremony with Molecule & ApoptoSENS

The vote has passed, the decision is made: ApoptoSENS will be the 5th research organisation to fund their longevity research via an IP-NFT.

25
April
2022
Project Initiated!

Discover more projects & initiatives

The Longevity Prize

Initiative

The Longevity Prize is a series of prizes to award and accelerate progress in longevity and rejuvenation research. It was initiated by VitaDAO and funded through donations through our gitcoin quadratic donation round and partnered with Foresight Institute, Methuselah Foundation and Lifespan.

$ 24,000
allocated
View Project

The VitaDAO Longevity Fellowship

Initiative

The VitaDAO Longevity Fellowship is aimed at distributing need-based micro grants to help students and early career stage individuals with interest in longevity get more deeply involved in longevity. This is aimed at activities ranging from short term research to attending a conference, or joining a program such as the Longevity Biotech Fellowship.

$ 20,000
allocated
View Project

Humanity - Proprietary Aging Score App

Equity

Humanity is a quantified-self app that connects wearables and activity apps to monitor digital biomarkers. The app generates a proprietary aging score, helping users understand activities that slow down or reverse their aging rate. The company uses behavior modification tools and develops biomarkers to guide users toward better healthspan interventions.

$ 50,000
allocated
View Project

Matrix Bio - Long-lived Species Inspired Longevity Biotech

IP-NFT

VitaDAO and the Gorbunova Lab are launching Matrix Bio, a cutting-edge research venture leveraging the anti-cancer and pro-longevity effects of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid from naked mole rats to humans.

$ 300,000
allocated
View Project

Are you working on the next longevity science breakthrough?

Click here to explore the VitaDAO Project Funding FAQ.