Streamlining CAR-T Therapy with mRNA Innovation: A Game-Changer in Cancer Treatment
Scientists at Sirius have achieved a groundbreaking development in cancer therapy.
The scientific community at Sirius Science and Technology University has unveiled a groundbreaking CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T-cell) therapy method, promising to revolutionize how oncological diseases are treated. This innovation focuses on directly modifying T-lymphocytes, vital cells of the immune system, within the patient's body, bypassing complicated lab stages.
Instead of extracting and modifying cells in a lab, scientists propose infusing mRNA instructions into T-lymphocytes that train them to recognize and eliminate cancer cells based on specific markers. These mRNA instructions result in T-lymphocytes producing unique receptors that target tumor cells.
Preliminary lab research demonstrates the high efficiency of this innovative method. If clinical trials succeed, this development could mark a turning point in personalized oncotherapy, while fostering the widespread use of affordable, precise, and gentle cancer treatment techniques.
Earlier, we discussed researchers in China unearthing a plant-based remedy for brain health and memory enhancement in neurobiology.
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Author: Varvara Potapova
Insight: The Mechanism of mRNA-Based CAR-T Therapy
- mRNA Delivery to Immune Cells: Unlike traditional CAR-T, this method uses messenger RNA (mRNA) instead of modifying T cells genetically. The mRNA is encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for protection and efficient delivery into immune cells.
- In Vivo Formation of CAR-Equipped Cells: The LNPs are designed to target specific immune cell populations, such as myeloid cells or T cells. The mRNA, when translated, generates the CAR protein temporarily, reducing the risk of insertional mutagenesis.
- Immune Activation and Tumor Killing: Once expressed on the immune cells' surface, the CAR enables them to recognize tumor-specific antigens and initiate a cytotoxic response that relies on perforin and granzymes to destroy cancer cells.
- Advantages Over Traditional CAR-T: The use of mRNA avoids permanent genetic changes, lowers the risk of uncontrolled cell proliferation, offers more flexibility in manufacturing, and has potential for in vivo therapy.
Summary Table
| Feature | Traditional CAR-T Therapy | mRNA-Based CAR-T Therapy ||----------------------|---------------------------|-------------------------------------|| Cell Engineering | Ex vivo (outside the body) | In vivo (inside the body, potential)|| Gene Insertion | Permanent (DNA-based) | Transient (mRNA-based) || Manufacturing Time | Weeks | Days to hours || Risk of Mutagenesis | Present | Reduced || Flexibility | Lower | High || Clinical Applicability | Solid tumors more challenging | Potential for solid tumors |
Conclusion
mRNA-based CAR-T therapy represents a significant advancement by enabling rapid, safer, and potentially more flexible engineering of immune cells directly inside the patient to combat cancer. This approach minimizes risks associated with permanent genetic modification and opens new avenues for treating a broad range of oncological diseases.
- This mRNA-based CAR-T therapy approach differs from traditional methods as it uses messenger RNA (mRNA) in lieu of genetic modification of T cells.
- The advantages of mRNA-based CAR-T therapy include reduced risk of mutagenesis, lower manufacturing time, and increased flexibility, which could potentially extend its applicability to diverse medical conditions such as various types of cancer.
