Genetically modifying diseases for eliminate infection

At Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, a groundbreaking research project named AGEnTS is underway, aiming to revolutionise the treatment of infectious diseases that are difficult to tackle with conventional drugs. The project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research from 2021 to 2026, is led by Dr. Kilian Schober, head of the AGEnTS research project at the Institute of Microbiology - Clinical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene at Universitätsklinikum Erlangen.

The focus of the AGEnTS project is on genetically engineering T-cells, a key component of the immune system, to make them more effective against drug-resistant pathogens. The modified T-cells are designed to resemble natural cells, making them easier to integrate into the human body.

The team, led by Dr. Schober, is particularly interested in helping immunosuppressed patients who are suffering from potentially fatal infections with herpes viruses. The goal is to use innovative genetic engineering methods, including gene scissors technology, to modify T-cells in a way that makes them suitable for a wide range of patients.

The researchers hope that these physiologically modified T-cells will strengthen the immune system and help it combat herpes viruses that have become resistant to medication. By doing so, they aim to make T-cell treatment more efficient and cost-effective by reducing its tailoring for individual patients.

The long-term goal is to use this treatment method for various infectious diseases with drug-resistant pathogens. The AGEnTS project continues to focus on finding solutions for infectious diseases, with the hope of making a significant impact on global health.

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research is providing 2,162,188 euros in funding for the research project AGEnTS at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg from 2021 to 2026. The project is being conducted at the university, a renowned institution known for its commitment to scientific advancement and medical innovation.

While the specific immunosuppressed patients targeted by Dr. Schober's research group are not explicitly detailed in the available sources, the potential impact of the AGEnTS project on these patients' lives is profound. The project represents a step forward in the battle against drug-resistant pathogens, offering hope for those who currently have few treatment options.

In summary, the AGEnTS project at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg is a significant step forward in the field of infectious disease research. By genetically engineering T-cells to combat drug-resistant pathogens, the project offers a potential solution for immunosuppressed patients suffering from herpes viruses and other infectious diseases. With the support of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, this project promises to make a significant impact on global health in the coming years.