SeromYx Systems Announces Strategic Collaboration with University of Pittsburgh to Advance CAR-T Therapy for Solid Tumors

Abigail Harris • September 3, 2025

SeromYx Systems, inc. a global leader in antibody functional profiling services and Systems Serology, is proud to announce a research collaboration with the lab of Dr. Jason Lohmueller, a synthetic biologist at the University of Pittsburgh, aimed at advancing the development of CAR-T therapies for solid tumors.

While CAR-T cell therapy has shown remarkable success in achieving durable remissions in hematologic malignancies, the broader application of this approach including treatment of solid tumors faces substantial limitations due to challenges such as therapeutic resistance from antigen heterogeneity and toxicities.

The Lohmueller lab, located at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, is at the forefront of addressing these obstacles through innovative synthetic biology approaches. His team has pioneered the development of “universal” SNAP adaptor CAR and synthetic Notch (synNotch) T cells, offering a modular and programmable platform for more precise and effective targeting of multiple solid tumor antigens with co-administered engineered antibodies (Ruffo et al., Nat Commun, 2023). These cutting-edge technologies promise to overcome many of the barriers that have historically limited the success of adoptive T cell therapy in solid tumors and are licensed for clinical development by Coeptis Therapeutics.

As part of this collaboration, SeromYx is conducting comprehensive biophysical and cellular Fc function profiling of several engineered adaptor antibodies directed against clinically validated solid tumor targets. The company’s Systems Serology platform is being leveraged to evaluate critical immune effector functions and identify optimal antibody-CAR adaptor configurations.

“This collaboration marks an exciting step forward in the pursuit of more effective and accessible CAR-T therapies,” said Lenny Moise, VP, Research at SeromYx Systems. “Dr. Lohmueller’s groundbreaking work in synthetic receptor design is opening entirely new avenues for modular and tunable T cell therapies. By combining our deep expertise in immune profiling with his innovative CAR-T constructs, we aim to generate critical insights that can accelerate the development of next-generation treatments for solid tumors.”

Dr. Lohmueller added, “SeromYx’s cutting-edge immune profiling platform and antibody expertise has already yielded valuable insights into the immunological functions of our adaptor candidates beyond their CAR T activity. These findings are key to guiding our development efforts, and it has been fantastic working with the SeromYx team.”

This partnership exemplifies SeromYx Systems’ ongoing commitment to applying its advanced Systems Serology technologies to enable breakthroughs in translational immunology and the company anticipates that this joint research will contribute to meaningful advances in the field of cancer immunotherapy.

For more information about SeromYx Systems and its pioneering work in Systems Serology services, visit https://www.seromyx.com/.

About SeromYx Systems:

SeromYx Systems is a global leader in providing high-throughput antibody characterization services and Systems Serology, offering advanced solutions for the comprehensive analysis of immune responses. With a dedication to innovation and excellence, and GCLP-accreditation, SeromYx is at the forefront of revolutionizing the fields of translational and clinical immunology through its cutting-edge technologies and strategic collaborations.

Contact:

Abigail Harris

Business Development Manager

abigail.harris@seromyx.com

Immune correlates of protection against RSV following Ad26.RSV.preF–RSV preF vaccination of adults aged >60 years

August 31, 2026
Abstract: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of respiratory illness and there is no universally accepted serological correlate of protection (CoP). We evaluated serum pre-fusion immunoglobulin G binding (preF-IgG) and RSV-A2 neutralizing antibodies (RSV-nAb) in adults aged >60 years following vaccination with investigational Ad26.RSV.preF–RSV preF vaccine. PreF-IgG and RSV-nAb measured pre-vaccination (Day 1) and Day 15 post-vaccination were assessed as CoPs against RSV-mediated acute respiratory infection (ARI) and lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD). An increase in both preF-IgG and RSV-nAb at Day 15 was significantly associated with reduced occurrence of RSV-mediated ARI and LRTD during follow-up. Based on controlled vaccine-efficacy curves and Prentice criteria, both markers were identified as CoPs for RSV-mediated ARI and LRTD. These results were validated using samples from a second randomized, phase 3 efficacy trial. Comprehensive profiling of preF-specific antibody responses showed that preF IgG3 and IgG2 may also contribute to protection from RSV.

Fc-optimized GITR antibody enhances a CD4 T cell–dendritic cell crosstalk to promote antitumor immunity

August 13, 2026
The Fc Review: When you engineer the Fc to enhance one mechanism, what else changes? A recent Nature Cancer study takes a closer look at that question using an agonistic anti-GITR antibody, showing how Fc optimization can influence not only FcγR engagement and Treg depletion, but other immune pathways contributing to antitumor activity. Background: GITR is a stimulatory immune checkpoint receptor being explored as a target for cancer immunotherapy. While agonistic anti-GITR antibodies have shown promise preclinically, clinical efficacy has been limited. Because FcγR engagement can contribute to the activity of these antibodies, the authors used Fc protein engineering and glycoengineering to alter interactions with different human FcγRs and examine how those changes affected antitumor activity. The study highlights: Fc variants with enhanced engagement of activating FcγRIIa or FcγRIIIa increased antitumor activity, while preferentially enhancing engagement of inhibitory FcγRIIb did not improve tumor control. Combining G236A with reduced fucosylation enhanced engagement of both activating FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIa, without enhanced binding to FcγRIIb. This combined variant showed greater antitumor activity than variants enhancing either activating receptor individually in the tested model. Fc-active variants depleted Tregs within the tumor. However, the optimized variant and IgG1 produced similar Treg depletion despite differences in therapeutic activity, pointing to an additional FcγR-mediated mechanism. The Fc-optimized antibody also increased dendritic cell activation, and the authors found that conventional DCs, particularly cDC1s, were required for the Fc-mediated antitumor effect in their models. Further experiments connected this activity to CD4 T cell–DC engagement, with downstream CD4 T cell cytotoxicity and enhanced CD8 T cell activity

C1q and immunoglobulins mediate activity-dependent synapse loss in the adult brain

July 30, 2026
The Fc Review: Stepping a little outside therapeutic antibody and vaccine development this week to highlight a fascinating piece of fundamental antibody biology. A recent Science study uncovers an unexpected role for antibody-mediated complement activity in the adult mouse brain, showing that locally produced IgM and C1q work together to drive activity-dependent synapse elimination.  While this work is still early and was performed in mice, it offers an interesting look at how #antibody effector mechanisms may extend beyond the roles we typically think about. Background: Antibodies are typically viewed through the lens of infection, vaccination, or therapeutic development. Their effector functions, including complement activation, are well established as key mechanisms for eliminating pathogens and diseased cells. This study asks whether antibody-mediated complement activity also contributes to normal brain physiology. Using mouse models, the authors investigated how neuronal activity influences complement-mediated synapse remodeling and whether adaptive immune components participate in this process. The study highlights: Increased neuronal activity triggered localized C1q deposition and complement-dependent synapse loss in the adult mouse hippocampus. Activity-dependent recruitment of antibody-secreting B-lineage cells led to local production of antigen-specific IgM, which contributed to C1q deposition at synapses. Reducing neuronal hyperactivity in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease decreased C1q deposition and partially restored synaptic density. The findings identify a previously unrecognized interaction between adaptive immunity, complement biology, and neuronal circuit remodeling in the adult brain.

Overview of antibody-drug conjugates nonclinical and clinical toxicities and related contributing factors

June 26, 2026
The Fc Review: Can better antibody engineering improve safety, not just efficacy? A recent review in Antibody Therapeutics examines how the molecular design of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) influences both nonclinical and clinical toxicities, highlighting that safety is determined by far more than the payload alone. Background: ADCs are often discussed in terms of target selection and payload potency, but their safety profile is shaped by the combined properties of the antibody, linker, payload, conjugation strategy, and target biology. This review examines data from marketed ADCs and explores how each component contributes to toxicity, providing a useful framework for designing safer next-generation therapeutics. The study highlights: ADC toxicity is influenced by the combined effects of target antigen expression, antibody structure, linker stability, payload properties, and conjugation technology rather than any single design feature. The Fc region can contribute to off-target toxicity through receptor-mediated uptake. The review discusses roles for Fcγ receptors, FcRn, and C-type lectin receptors in nonspecific internalization that may influence safety. Site-specific conjugation technologies can improve homogeneity, produce more consistent drug-to-antibody ratios (DAR), and enhance stability compared with earlier random conjugation approaches. Properties such as linker stability, payload hydrophobicity, charge, and DAR all influence biodistribution, payload release, and toxicity, underscoring the importance of considering these design variables together.

The double-edged nature of antibody bivalency: mathematical and experimental analysis of cell surface antigen occupancy and opsonization

June 4, 2026
The Fc Review: When does antibody bivalency help, and when can it work against you? A recent mAbs study explores the impact of antibody bivalency on antigen occupancy and cell surface opsonization, revealing that the same property can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on the intended mechanism of action (MoA). Background: Most therapeutic antibodies are bivalent, meaning they can bind two target antigens simultaneously. This avidity effect is often viewed as beneficial because it increases apparent binding strength and can improve target engagement. However, therapeutic success is not always driven by target occupancy alone. For mechanisms that rely on Fc-mediated effector function, the number of antibodies decorating the target cell surface may be just as important. The study highlights: Bivalent antibodies achieved higher antigen occupancy than comparable monovalent antibodies across a range of affinities and antigen densities. At the same time, bivalency reduced the total number of antibodies bound per cell because a single antibody could occupy two antigens simultaneously. The authors describe an "avidity barrier," where achieving equivalent levels of cell surface opsonization requires substantially higher concentrations of a bivalent antibody. The optimal balance between occupancy and opsonization depended on factors including antibody affinity, valency, and target antigen density.

11th International Filovirus Symposium

May 30, 2026
Type: Symposium Dates: September 13th-16th, 2026 Location: Atlanta, GA

4th Annual Dengue Endgame Summit

By Abigail Harris • May 29, 2026
Type: Conference Dates: September 15th-17th, 2026 Location: Saranac Lake, NY

Food Allergy Science Initiative (FASI)

May 28, 2026
Type: Conference Dates: October 6th-7th, 2026 Location: Boston, MA

A causal link between autoantibodies and neurological symptoms in long COVID

May 28, 2026
Abstract: Acute SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers the de novo production of diverse, functional autoantibodies (AABs) that remain elevated in Long COVID (LC), but their pathogenic role remains unclear. Using tissue-based immunofluorescence, ELISA, human protein array, and mass spectrometry assays, we identified a broad range of AAB targets among individuals with LC. Individuals with neurocognitive symptoms showed increased AABs against central and peripheral nervous system proteins. Purified IgG reacted with human locus coeruleus, thalamus, adrenal gland, thyroid, and cross-reacted with mouse sciatic nerve and meninges. CNS-reactive AABs correlated with several neurological symptoms. MED20-targeting IgG from patients with LC showed enhanced antibody-dependent phagocytosis. Passive transfer of IgG from individuals with LC into mice induced fatigue-like behavior, loss of balance/coordination, thermal hyperalgesia, small fiber nerve damage, and increased pain-related neuronal activity, recapitulating patients’ symptoms. These findings suggest that targeting AABs might offer therapeutic benefits for this LC subgroup. 

ISV Annual Congress 2026

May 27, 2026
Type: Conference Dates: October 12th-14th, 2026 Location: Antwerp, Belgium
More Posts →