Researchers and physician-scientists are increasingly using precision medicine to develop new cell- and gene-based therapeutical options for diseases, building on the idea that the most effective defense against health issues is the body’s natural immune system.
At the University of Arizona Health Sciences, the Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies, or CAMI, is being developed to advance knowledge of the immunology of cancers, infectious diseases and autoimmune conditions to develop novel strategies for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases.
Changing the way doctors treat disease
Immunotherapy is one of the most promising approaches to cancer treatment, as it has the potential to sidestep the effects of therapies that can compromise patients’ long-term health and wellness. But cancer isn’t the only target researchers, including bioengineer Michael Kuhns, PhD, have in their sights.
“Bioengineers solve fundamental problems with technologies that can have many applications,” said Kuhns, professor in the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson and member of the BIO5 Institute. “If you can make something run more efficiently in certain circumstances – for example, make T cells in the immune system more effective at combating a particular disease – then the only limit to immunotherapy is your imagination.”
“If you can make something run more efficiently in certain circumstances – for example, make T cells in the immune system more effective at combating a particular disease – then the only limit to immunotherapy is your imagination.”
Kuhns’ research focuses on engineering chimeric antigen receptors, or CARs, a relatively new type of gene therapy. He built a biomimetic five-module chimeric antigen receptor, or 5MCAR, to direct killer T cells to target and destroy autoimmune T cells. When tested in a non-obese diabetic mouse model, the 5MCAR T cells recognized and destroyed pathogenic T cells, effectively preventing Type 1 diabetes.
“This technology has clear implications for autoimmune disease, but also for cancer,” said Kuhns, who serves on the 21-member CAMI Advisory Committee. “This technology emerged from basic science, is taking hold in the laboratory and is showing promise to go to the clinic. This is a prime example of what we can do.”
CAMI will build on UArizona Health Sciences’ expertise in basic science, translational medicine and investigator-initiated clinical trials to advance immunotherapies research in four areas: cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases and real-time immune system monitoring.
The scope of work CAMI will do has already drawn the support of state and Maricopa County leaders, as well as private donors:
- $150 million for the Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies
Former Arizona governor Doug Ducey designated $150 million for the Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies. “It is not often that an opportunity to benefit Arizonans in such diverse ways presents itself, as it has with CAMI,” said Gov. Doug Ducey. “As it grows, CAMI is poised to bring new jobs and businesses to Arizona, bolstering the economy not only in Maricopa County, but also across the state. More importantly, the research CAMI will advance and bring to fruition offers Arizona residents the hope of new treatments that will positively impact their health and well-being. My thanks to President Robbins and the University of Arizona for their dedication to building a healthier Arizona.” - George A. Vanderheiden Endowed Chair in Cancer Immunological Research at CAMI
A $3 million gift from Bruce and Patricia Bartlett creates the George A. Vanderheiden Endowed Chair in Cancer Immunological Research at CAMI. The chair is named in honor of Bruce Bartlett’s cousin, who died Oct. 13, 2022, of pancreatic cancer at age 76. The person who holds the chair will lead the center’s cancer division. “Pat and I are very excited about the wonderful research center that the University of Arizona and Dr. Michael Dake are undertaking with the CAMI project in Phoenix. CAMI research will improve and extend the quality of life for the benefit of people, their families and their friends,” Bruce Bartlett said. “We are honored and proud to support the Endowed George Ambrose Vanderheiden Distinguished Endowed Chair for Excellence in Cancer Immunological Research. My cousin George Vanderheiden enriched so many lives.” - $2 Million support of CAMI by The Steele Foundation
The Steele Foundation’s $10 million gift to the University of Arizona to create the Daniel Cracchiolo Institute for Pediatric Autoimmune Disease Research at the Steele Children’s Research Center includes $2 million in support of CAMI. Cracchiolo started the Steele Foundation; today, his daughter, Marianne Cracchiolo Mago, is the CEO. When asked for advice, Cracchiolo was clear in his conviction – take care of the children. “He lived that,” Mago said. “And what we’ve tried to do with this gift is honor that – honor my dad – and elevate his work and our work with kids.” - $4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to support research to prevent and treat diseases
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors designated $4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to support research to prevent and treat diseases such as long COVID. “There is a great need to expand research of new immunotherapies to combat ongoing COVID-19 effects, especially among our most vulnerable residents,” said Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Clint Hickman, District 4. “Our investment in the University of Arizona Health Sciences and CAMI aligns with our commitment to improving the health of Arizona’s residents while also offering significant tangible fiscal benefits to Maricopa County and the state. We are proud to help welcome CAMI to Phoenix.”
CAMI will serve as the anchor for an innovation district that aims to differentiate Phoenix from other emerging life sciences hubs, establishing the Phoenix Bioscience Core as a center of cell and gene therapy research, startup activity and corporate engagement. Its location is expected to facilitate strong connections with partners such as Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, the Mayo Clinic and the Translational Genomics Research Institute, among others.
“We expect CAMI to be nothing short of a national biomedical research hub,” said Michael D. Dake, MD, senior vice president for the University of Arizona Health Sciences. “CAMI will be a beacon for people who are involved in this type of research to work, collaborate and engage on the Phoenix Bioscience Core.
“There is not a field with more explosive growth than immunotherapy. There is rapid growth in research investment and increased formation of academic and industry partnerships around the world,” Dake said. “My hopes are that CAMI is going to provide opportunities to accelerate the development and delivery of revolutionary treatments for the management of cancer, autoimmune and infectious diseases.”
