Instead of suppressing the immune system across the board, the researchers specifically treat the donor T cells with an antibody against the surface molecule CD4 prior to transfer. This unique modification outside the body is intended to slow down those immune cells that can trigger a harmful reaction without paralysing the overall defence system.
In preclinical models, the approach significantly reduced acute graft-versus-host disease over the entire observation period. Significant parts of the study were co-financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of the "4Future SaxoCell" cluster. The strategy for a clinical phase I/II trial is now being prepared. If translation is successful, this could sustainably improve the safety and efficacy of a key cancer therapy.
Press release from the "Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI" dated 27 January 2026