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Targeting CC-Chemokine Receptor 7 (CCR7) with fully human anti-CCR7 antibodies for the prevention of graft-versus-host disease.

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James Coghill, MD

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has awarded a three-year $600,000 grant to UNC Lineberger member and Assistant Professor Hematology and Oncology James Coghill, MD, to study whether a particular antibody can be used in the prevention and treatment of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potentially curative therapy for blood cancers. But its effectiveness is greatly limited by GVHD, an auto-immune like complication that affects about 50% of HSCT patients.

Dr. Coghill’s research focuses on understanding the immune mechanisms which drive GVHD and finding new therapies to treat the disease. His previous research has demonstrated that the expression of CC-Chemokine Receptor 7 (CCR7) by donor T cells is critical for the development of GVHD. This project will examine whether and how CCR7 can be targeted as a means for preventing GVHD without sacrificing anti-cancer immunity.

The funds are being awarded through LLS’s Translational Research Program (TRP), which aims to accelerate encouraging discoveries from the laboratory to clinical application. This marks the 20th anniversary of the prestigious program which this year awarded a total of $15.6 million.

“LLS has invested more than $1 billion in lifesaving blood cancer research over the past 65 years and funded many of today’s most promising advances,” said Lee Greenberger, Ph.D., LLS chief scientific officer. “With this program, we are strategically setting out a research agenda that directs the resources to areas we have identified as most in need as well as other work that will provide the most promising benefit to patients. Our ultimate goal is to jump-start clinical work we believe has the greatest potential to transfer to clinical applications.”

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org.