A Franco-Brazilian chair awarded to CellAction to accelerate innovation in cell therapy

" It is with great honor that we welcome this Franco-British chair, a symbol of our shared commitment to innovation in cellular therapy. This project unites the excellence and resources of both nations to jointly address the major challenges of modern medicine. It paves the way for new advances in the development of personalized and innovative treatments, by combining complementary expertise at the service of research and patients, " explains Dr. Marion Alcantara, hematologist, researcher at Institut Curie and Medical Director of CellAction, the platform dedicated to cell and gene therapies of the Paris-Saclay Cancer Cluster (PSCC) at Institut Curie. 

Signed by PSL University, the University of Sao Paulo and the Consulate General of France in Sao Paulo, the Franco-Brazilian CellAction chair symbolizes a strong dynamic of bilateral scientific cooperation, in a context of strategic rapprochement between France and Brazil.

The creation of this chair marks a new stage in the strengthening of this cooperation, initiated a few weeks ago with the conclusion of a four-year framework agreement between the same institutions. This aims to highlight existing scientific collaborations in the fields of health and engineering, while paving the way for new partnerships in the circular economy.

A major partnership on the way to a clinical trial in 2026

Led by Dr. Marion Alcantara, the research project targeted by this chair focuses on epigenetic reprogramming of CAR-T cells (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cells) via the inhibition of SUV39H1, a key enzyme in histone methylation. The objective: to improve the persistence, memory and efficiency of these cells in the treatment of oculocerebral lymphomas, a rare pathology for which there is currently no authorized CAR-T therapy.

This work is part of the extension of the university hospital research program RHU EpCART, co-directed by Dr. Sebastian Amigorena, Research Director at the CNRS and team leader in the Immunity and Cancer Unit (Institut Curie, Inserm) and Dr. Marion Alcantara. An international Phase I/II clinical trial is planned for 2026, with the management of 30 patients divided between France and Brazil. The CAR-T cells will be developed within CellAction in partnership with the bioproduction unit of MEARY (AP-HP), while the NUTERA center will ensure the manufacturing for Brazil.

The CellAction Chair provides for annual scientific mobility between France and Brazil, as well as a joint doctoral scholarship. 

By bringing together expertise in immunology, cell production and translational biology, this international initiative aims to offer equitable access to therapeutic innovation. It reflects the joint desire of the partners to build sustainable and innovative cooperation that will shape the medicine of tomorrow.