Immutep and Monash University Receive Grant Funding for LAG-3 Project

Rhea-AI Summary

Immutep Limited (ASX: IMM; NASDAQ: IMMP) has received a A$671,427 grant from the Australian Research Council to continue its research collaboration with Monash University focused on Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 (LAG-3). This funding, awarded under the ARC’s Linkage Project scheme, will support ongoing studies into LAG-3's structure and its impact on T cell function over the next three years. The collaboration, which began in 2017, aims to uncover insights that may lead to innovative treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Positive

• A$671,427 grant awarded for continued research into LAG-3.
• Collaboration with Monash University enhances Immutep's research capabilities.
• Focus on LAG-3 may lead to new treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Negative

• None.

SYDNEY, Australia, Aug. 31, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Immutep Limited (ASX: IMM; NASDAQ: IMMP) is pleased to announce that the Australian Research Council (ARC) has awarded Immutep and research partner Monash University a A$671,427 grant under the ARC‘s Linkage Project scheme to support their research collaboration into Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 (LAG-3) for a further three years.

The collaboration between Immutep and Monash University’s Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) commenced in 2017 and the parties have been investigating the structure of LAG-3 and how it binds to its main ligand, MHC Class II. This new funding will allow further investigation and provide insights into the way LAG-3 controls T cell function, and may ultimately lead to the development of a new generation of innovative medicines for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases or infectious diseases.

ARC Laureate Fellow at the Monash BDI, Professor Jamie Rossjohn, said: “We thank the ARC for the continued funding to support our collaboration with Immutep. Through the partnership, we are able to combine the state-of-the-art structural biology facilities we have here at the BDI with the expertise of Dr Triebel, who is the pioneer of the LAG-3 immune checkpoint. This is important work and we look foward to furthering our understanding of LAG-3 structure and function.”

Immutep‘s CSO and CMO, Dr Frederic Triebel, also welcomed the grant and said: “We have been very pleased to collaborate on this project alongside one of the leading international groups in structural immunology led by Professor Rossjohn. We look foward to continuing our studies into LAG-3 and are most grateful, of course, for the support of the ARC.”

The title of the new grant is “Investigating the atomic structure of an immune cell inhibitory receptor” and will be conducted over a three year period. Professor Rossjohn will have overall oversight of the project and will be responsible for resources management of the grant. As the leading global authority on LAG-3, Dr Triebel will provide his expertise and facilitate access to relevant LAG-3 specific constructs, reagents and antibodies directed against LAG-3. Immutep will also make a financial contribution towards the study.

About the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute
Committed to making the discoveries that will relieve the future burden of disease, the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute at Monash University brings together more than 120 internationally-renowned research teams. The research teams are supported by world-class technology and infrastructure, and partner with industry, clinicians and researchers internationally to enhance lives through discovery.

Professor Jamie Rossjohn FAA FLSW FMedSci
Professor Jamie Rossjohn is an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow at Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University and Professor in Structural Immunology at Cardiff University.  Professor Rossjohn is recognized for his contributions to understanding molecular bases of immunity.

Further information can be found on the Company’s website www.immutep.com or by contacting:

Australian Investors/Media:
Catherine Strong, Citadel-MAGNUS
+61 (0)406 759 268; cstrong@citadelmagnus.com

U.S. Media:
Tim McCarthy, LifeSci Advisors
+1 (212) 915.2564; tim@lifesciadvisors.com

FAQ

What is the significance of the A$671,427 grant for Immutep (IMMP)?

The A$671,427 grant allows Immutep to advance research into LAG-3, potentially leading to innovative treatments for serious diseases.

How long will the research collaboration with Monash University last?

The research collaboration is set to continue for an additional three years.

What is LAG-3, and why is it important?

LAG-3 is an immune checkpoint that regulates T cell function, and understanding it could lead to new therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Who is overseeing the new grant project at Monash University?

Professor Jamie Rossjohn will oversee the project and manage resources for the grant.