Dinner Short Courses*

Tuesday, January 9 | 5:45 - 8:45 pm

SC1: Introduction to CAR-T Engineering for Protein Scientists

This course presents advances in CAR design with an eye toward clinical development. Topics include 1) screening and selection of active binding domains, 2) additional design steps needed to confer activity, 3) roles of linker and structural domain in CAR activity, 4) role of tumor-expressed cellular targets in regulating activity, 5) combining binding domains to create multi-targeting CARs that may prevent disease escape, and 6) novel structural domains that regulate association of binding to signaling domains to confer therapeutic control of CAR activity.

Instructor:
Rimas J. Orentas, PhD, Director, Scientific Integration, Immunotherapy Integration Hub, CureWorks, Seattle Children's Research Institute

SC2: Selection, Screening and Engineering for Affinity Reagents

Biologics such as recombinant antibodies and alternative binding scaffolds are routinely used in various applications. This success has led to the development of numerous selection, screening and engineering technologies for these molecules. This course gives a comprehensive overview on different display technologies and screening approaches for the selection of specific binders, engineering strategies including affinity maturation, and how to implement these strategies. Classical antibodies and antibody fragments and alternative binding scaffolds such as DARPins will be covered.

Instructors:
Julia Neugebauer, Ph.D., Associate Director, Lead Discovery Programs R&D, MorphoSys AG

Jonas V. Schaefer, Ph.D., Head, High-Throughput Binder Selection Facility, Biochemistry, University of Zurich

SC3: Protein Aggregation: Mechanism, Characterization and Consequences

Protein aggregation is recognized by regulatory agencies and the biopharmaceutical industry as a key quality attribute of biotherapeutics. Various aggregates hold the potential for adversely impacting production and patients in a variety of ways. This in-depth course reviews the origins and consequences of aggregation in biotherapeutics, and then examines strategies for predicting and quantifying aggregation in biopharmaceuticals. It benefits scientists engaged in development, production, analytical characterization and approval of biotherapeutics and who require a good working knowledge of protein aggregation.

Instructors:
Thomas Laue, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire

Kevin Mattison, Principal Scientist, Bioscience, Malvern PANalytical

SC5: Optimizing Cell Line Development and Engineering

One key aspect in biotechnology is to understand the basic science of molecular cell biology. This short course on Cell Line Development and Engineering will highlight mammalian cells structure / function as well as isolation, propagation & genetic engineering, and is designed for cell biologists, molecular biologists, microbiologists, biochemists, biotechnologist, bio engineers and managers working in the field biotechnology/ biopharma.

Instructor:
Osama O. Ibrahim, Ph.D., Consultant, Bio Innovation USA

* Separate registration required