Pre-Conference Workshop Day
9:00 Workshop A
Optimizing Cryopreservation of NK Cells to Maximize Cell Viability & Efficacy
Synopsis
As NK cell therapies gain momentum again, optimizing cryopreservation is crucial to preserving cell viability and efficacy. This workshop dives into cutting-edge techniques to enhance NK cell storage, ensuring they remain potent and ready to revolutionize treatment outcomes.
- Explore the latest advancements in cell media and cryoprotectants to ensure you’re equipped with the best tools
- Troubleshoot key hurdles such as release of NK granules, cytotoxicity after thawing, and poor recovery
- Optimize the activation and proliferation of NK cells post thaw with the use of IL-2 among other reagents to recover lost cells
- Assess logistical solutions to reduce time between cell manufacture and administration to patients
- Understand how to assess NK cell recovery rates and viability post thaw by implementing cutting edge analytics
12:00 pm Lunch Break & Networking
1:00 Workshop B
Evaluating Donor-Derived Versus iPSC-Derived NK Therapies to Understand Advantages & Drawbacks of Each
Synopsis
Dive into the source of NK cell therapies in this dynamic workshop, where we debate donor-derived versus iPSC-derived NK cells. Uncover the distinct advantages and challenges of each approach, from clinical effectiveness, editing efficiency to scalability. Gain the insights needed to make strategic decisions in sourcing NK cells.
- Comparing and contrasting different sources of NK cells to understand which is most appropriate for a certain application
- Evaluate challenges such as inconsistent gene editing in donor-derived cells, concerns in lack of thymic education in iPSC-derived cells, donor-to-donor variation, and drawbacks in homogenous iPSC populations
- Uncover the manufacturing challenges associated with producing donor-derived versus iPSC-derived NK therapies, including cost, complexity, and scalability
- Learn how to optimize the selection of NK cell sources based on specific patient needs, disease types, and treatment goals
4:00 pm End of Workshop Day
Applications of NK Biology in Autoimmunity Focus Day
8:55 am Chair’s Opening Remarks
Evaluating the NK in Autoimmune Disease Landscape to Understand the Future of NK Therapy
9:00 am Panel Discussion: Exploring Current & Future Opportunities in Entering the Autoimmune Field as an NK Developer
Synopsis
- What makes NK applications to the autoimmune space so exciting?
- Discussing recent advancements that showcase the promise of NK based therapy in autoimmune disease
- Evaluating the main hurdles in expanding NKs to the autoimmune space
- Why is there more funding in autoimmunity than oncology?
10:00 am Why NK Cells Versus Other Modalities in Autoimmune Disease?
Synopsis
- Comparing and contrasting NK cell therapy as a modality to treat autoimmune disease as opposed to other cell therapies
- Evaluating NK cell therapy for autoimmune diseases versus oncology
10:30 am Leveraging a Bi-CAR iNK Approach for Targeted B-Cell Depletion in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Synopsis
- Preliminary data on the activity of a bi-CAR construct with demonstrated B-cell depletion
- Rationale of using a bispecific CAR design with insights into characterization
11:00 am Roundtable Discussion: Discussing the Persistence of NK Cells in an Autoimmune Context
Synopsis
- Is short lived persistence advantageous in an autoimmune setting as opposed to oncology?
- Evaluating if NKs are efficacious in eradicating autoimmune cells and whether patients need re-dosing
- Based on our understanding of NK biology can we predict what long term outcomes would look like in autoimmune patients?
12:00 pm Lunch Break & Networking
Highlighting the Advantages & Challenges NK Cell Biology Presents Against Autoimmune Disease
1:00 pm Understanding What NKs Look Like in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Synopsis
- Sharing positive clinical data on NK therapies in autoimmune disease
- Analyzing the evidence of NK therapeutic outcomes in patients
1:30 pm Understanding Mechanisms Behind NK Targeting of Autoimmune Cells
Synopsis
- Sharing our current knowledge on the approaches to NK cell targeting of tumorigenic and pathogenic B-cell
- ADCC enhancement as an effective mechanism in the clinic
2:00 pm The Role of CD38 in Autoimmune Disease when Using Bispecific Engagers
Synopsis
- Sharing preliminary results of using a CD38 bispecific NK engager in autoimmune diseases
2:30 pm Afternoon Break & Networking
Delving into Clinical Perspectives of NK Therapy to Prepare for Autoimmune Patient Treatment
3:15 pm Panel Discussion: Evaluating NK Treatment Regiments in Autoimmune Patients to Maximize Treatment Outcomes
Synopsis
- Discussing patient treatment regiments and pre-treatment procedures in an autoimmune setting
- Do the same measures such as lymphodepletion need to be applied to autoimmune patients?
- What dosing regiment may be most beneficial for autoimmune patients?
- Is it feasible to dose autoimmune patients several times?