TRANS-NET scientific research training network objectives aim to:-

• Improve tissue matching/donor selection in matched unrelated donor (MUD) transplants, by use of novel functional non-HLA immunogenomics.
• Develop methods for the assessment of acute and chronic graft versus host disease (GvHD) and transplant related complications by predicting outcome on an individual patient basis.
• Improve the understanding of the immuno-pathophysiology of chronic GvHD.
• Improve the assessment of chimerism and mechanisms of tolerance.
• Improve the understanding of the natural killer (NK) cell repertoire reconstitution and NK cell-mediated GvL effects in HSCT.
• Improve the understanding of the mechanism and potential of new therapies for GvHD, such as extracorporeal phototherapy (ECP).
• Investigate the role of receptor polymorphisms in the non-adaptive immune system in predicting GvH and GvL responses
• Develop early diagnostic markers of GvHD, viral infection and adverse drug reactions, via gene expression profiling and testing of markers for histopathological damage, eg apoptosis, heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) expression and dendritic cell chimerism.
• Use MHC gene expression profiling to identify new genes associated with GvHD and GvL responses which can then be used in the overall assessment of patient and donor genotype for occurrence of GvHD and relapse.
• Identify novel peptides and use currently patented peptides, e.g. WO02/022656 heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) peptide, of value in diagnosis, with future potential for vaccination therapies; characterisation of Heat shock protein peptides via expression on patient blasts and eliciting a GvL response and expressed on GvHD patient biopsies and in vitro patient skin explants. In comparative studies heat shock protein associated peptides will be analysed in a specific autoimmune disease and following UVA exposure during extracorporeal phototherapy (ECP) for GvHD via studies on allorecognition.
• Assess the role of individual NK cell repertoires, measured at the level of genetic polymorphism and NK cell receptor reconstitution kinetics, for anti-leukaemic responses in killer inhibitory receptor (KIR) epitope-matched as well as mismatched transplant settings

How it will be achieved

In-depth training in selected methods and a combination of methods including mRNA expression profiling, peptide isolation and immunopathology will be taught across HSCT centres with emphasis on standardisation of technology and interpretation of results.

Experienced researchers will be trained in the management of complex projects in this HSCT field , which will be of use to both University research institutes and future industrial employers. The researchers will be trained in an interdisciplinary approach to research as well as in the application of their knowledge towards, for example, the future development of diagnostic kits.

The proposed network provides a response to an urgent need to train scientists in aspects of stem cell biology involved in HSCT and subsequent GvHD and GvL responses and the basis of immunotherapy. All of the teams are established and have proven experience in training both young scientists and post-doctoral fellows. The training in science and technology will be complemented by training in scientific writing and communication and particularly by encouraging young researchers to present their work at National and International meetings as well as meetings of the network.

The objective of this RTN is to provide training in the multidisciplinary setting of a project focussed on stem cell transplant research with potential application into the solid organ transplant setting. Each participating team has specialist expertise such that the researchers will have access to different expertises assembled within the network.

TRANS-NET Training Objectives can be summarised as -

• Defining the means whereby research te ams of international stature can interlink and collaborate within the well defined context of TRANS-NET.
• Implementation of a well structured training programme for early and experienced researchers.
• Provision of a cohesive flexible (multidisciplinary) framework for training and professional development.
• Development of a critical mass of q ualified researchers of value to the European community at large both within and outwith the field of HSCT.
• Development of extended links to Associate Candidate countries and encourage participation of less-favoured regions of the EU especially via links with University of Pargue
• , Management and Training

TRANS-NET training network will benefit from the current interlinking FPV projects ( EUROBANK and TRANSEUROPE ) which will run, for a short time, concurrently.. These projects will allow a full retrospective DNA and clinical HSCT data set of 700 + patient/donor pairs to be available to TRANS-NET researcher s for immediate analysis of new SNP's or new analyses of known SNP's of potential relevance to transplantation. The tissue bank currently being built up within TRANSEUROPE will be available for gene expression profiling, Hsp70 analysis and early diagnostic studies. The objectives of the TRANS-NET will be achieved by interaction, training and exchange of personnel and results . The FPV projects have formed the basis of pilot research studies now at a stage for further development through TRANS-NET with integrated training programmes and novel research workpackages.

Details of the Training plan are available in a PDF file