Laboratory of Translational Hematology

Marta Coscia - PI

Biographical sketch

2020-2023 Director of the Postgradute School of Hematology, University of Torino
2019 Associate Professor of Hematology, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino

Clinical Team

Candida Vitale MD PhD - Tenure track researcher
Francesca Perutelli MD - Hematology fellow
Maria Chiara Montalbano MD - Hematology fellow
Velleda Zorzetto, MS Clinical Study Coordinator

Laboratory Team

Valentina Griggio PhD - Postdoctoral fellow
Rebecca Jones MS - PhD student
Giorgia Mancin MS - Research fellow
Giacomo Ortone medical school student (MD/PhD program)
Giulia Bondielli MS - Clinical Study Coordinator

Research activity

The research activity of the Laboratory of Translational Hematology is focused on:

The evaluation of immune dysfunctions occurring in patients with lymphoproliferative diseases, with a special interest in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).(Fig.1)
The impact of conventional and novel targeted therapies on the immune system of patients with lymphoproliferative diseases and CLL. (Fig. 2)
The study of intrinsic, microenvironment-related or immune-mediated mechanisms favouring tumor progression and inducing resistance to apoptosis and to drug-induced cell death in CLL cells.
Evaluation of vaccine response in patients afected by lymphoproliferative diseases and impact of targeted treatment on vaccine response (Fig3).
Development of novel strategies of adoptive immunotherapy, with the aim of improving anti-tumor eficacy and reducing side efects in lymphoproliferative diseases. Study of the impact of targeted drugs on the generation and anti-tumor potency of CAR-T cells in CLL

Figure 1

CLL is characterized by a wide range of tumor-induced alterations, which progressively accumulate during disease evolution. Reviewed in Griggio V et al. Front Immunol.2021

Figure 2

Schematic representation of immunophenotypcal and functional assays on patients afected by CLL and treated with target therapies

Figure 3

Humoral and T cell response evaluation in patients afected by lymphoproliferative diseases

Figure 4

Anti-CD19 CAR-T cell production workfow applied in our laborator

FUTURE RESEARCH PLANS

To extend currently ongoing projects:
1. Immune reconstitution in patients undergoing treatment with new targeted agents;
2. Impact of targeted drugs treatment on CAR T-cell generation and functionality and on the metabolic profle of pre-manufacturing T cells and post-manufacturing CAR T cells;
Optimization of the CAR T generation process in CLL To evaluate the impact of incorporation of immune cell modifers in the CAR T-cell manufacturing process.
To study the polymorphisms of transmembrane transporters and metabolic enzymes in primary cells from patients with CLL treated with target therapies and to evaluate the impact of polymorphisms on clinical parameters, response to therapy and drug resistance.

FUNDINGS

Projects funded from competitive calls:

Fondazione GIMEMA Onlus: “Impact of treatment with targeted therapies on the generation of efective CAR T CELLS in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (2020 – present). Role: Principal Investigator.
PRIN call 2022, “Overcoming T cell impairment in CLL to bust CAR-T cell function”. Role: Head of research unit

Research contract with Foundations and Private Companies:

Research contract with Abbvie S.r.l.: “Immunomodulatory efects of venetoclax treatment in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia”, Role: Principal Investigator (2021 – present).
Research contract with Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc., a Delaware corporation: “In vivo evaluation of the activity of Selinexor (KPT-330) in combination with bendamustine or idelalisib in chronic lymphocytic leukemia”, Role: Principal Investigator (2018 – present).
Research contract with Janssen Research & Development, LLC: “Immunomodulatory efects of single-agent ibrutinib treatment in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients”, Role: Principal Investigator (2016 – present)

PUBBLICATIONS

Salvetti C et al. Front Oncol. 2022. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2022.917115.
Vitale C et al. Cancers (Basel). 2021. doi: 10.3390/cancers13122883.
Vitale C et al. Salvetti Blood 2021. doi: 10.1182/blood.2020008201.
Griggio V et al. Haematologica. 2020. doi: 10.3324/haematol.2019.217430.
Griggio V et al. Oncotarget. 2017; 8:3274-3288.
Coscia M et al. Blood. 2012; 120:3271-9.
Coscia M et al. Leukemia. 2011; 25:828-37.
Coscia M et al. J Cell Mol Med. 2010; 14:2803-15.
Coscia M et al. Leukemia. 2004; 18:139-45

Last update: 30/10/2024