Science
OVERVIEW
CAR T-cell immunotherapy – Arming T-cells to target and destroy cancer cells
Over the past decade, immunotherapy has become an important treatment option for patients in the fight against cancer. One specialized approach within the field of cancer immunotherapy harnesses the power of a specific white blood cell, or immune cell, known as the T-cell to create adoptive cell therapies.
In healthy individuals, T-cells identify and destroy infected or abnormal cells, including cancer cells. Building upon these benefits, T-cells can be genetically engineered to express a receptor designed to aid in the recognition of the cancer cell by binding a specific antigen or ligand(s) present on the surface of the cancer cell. These cancer immunotherapies are typically referred to as Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies, or CAR T therapies.
At Celyad Oncology, we are developing technologies and platforms for CAR T-cell therapies
There are two main approaches to manufacture CAR T-cells: either they will be derived from autologous (personalized) or allogeneic (off-the-shelf) T-cells.
Autologous CAR T-cell therapy involves the collection of a patient’s T-cells and genetically engineering of the T-cells to administer back to the patient. On the other hand, an allogeneic CAR T-cell therapy is created from T-cells from healthy donors and not the patient. Similar to the autologous approach, these donor-derived cells are genetically engineered to express the CAR. In addition to the CAR, the cells are also engineered with an additional technology used to limit the potential for a graft versus host reaction that may occur when donor cells are administered to patients different from the donor. They can be administered at any time when a patient needs them.
To date, several autologous CAR T-cell therapies have demonstrated clinical benefit in patients with limited treatment options for the treatment of relapsed/refractory hematological malignancies. Allogeneic CAR T-cell therapies are currently at various stages of development including early clinical trials.
