Research we fund

Follicular lymphomas (FL) are a diverse group of B-cell cancers with unpredictable clinical outcomes. Current treatment strategies are hindered by the heterogeneity of FL, which stems from differences in genetic mutations, immune microenvironments (MEs), and stepwise progression, as well as a lack of preclinical models that accurately reflect the human disease. The "ERADICATE Follicular Lymphoma" (E-FL) Consortium brings together world-leading experts in artificial intelligence (AI), therapeutic modeling, experimental therapeutics, and immunology to address these challenges. Preliminary studies indicate that FL arises from distinct clonal precursor cells that create unique immunological niches, evolve through diverse trajectories, and exhibit specific biological dependencies. The E-FL Consortium’s integrated projects aim to identify and characterize these CPCs, their MEs, and the genetic and immune factors driving FL progression. Four projects will investigate the origins of FL CPCs, the role of clonal evolution in tumor heterogeneity, novel therapeutic targets, and mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance. Supported by two scientific hubs for data integration and biomarker development, the consortium will generate actionable insights to guide precision therapies and early intervention strategies. Deliverables include publicly available FL datasets, predictive biomarkers, novel experimental models, and therapeutic tools to improve outcomes and quality of life for FL patients.

We have discovered that the tumor cells of the vast majority of follicular lymphoma cases have a unique tumor-specific feature in their major receptor. This is an essential modification that allows lymphoma cells to capture local support from tissue cells. Our investigation will add diagnostic and prognostic value and provide a new target for therapy. We will develop a new antibody approach which will improve the potency of existing treatments.

Follicular lymphoma (FL) affects ~110,000 Americans and is, unfortunately, frequently referred to as incurable, however, that may change in the near future.  Newer immune-based therapies induce remission in a majority of FL patients and the goal of FL therapy in 2024 should be durable remission or cure.  Immune therapies are, generally, more elegant than chemotherapies as they target specific proteins or ‘antigens’ expressed on tumor cells, e.g. the CD19 and CD20 antigens; however, these therapies thus share a common limitation: ‘antigen escape’ whereby rare tumor cells lacking the targeted antigen evade attack and cause relapse.