CAR (Chimeric Antigen Receptor) T-cells work by leveraging engineered receptors to target and destroy cancer cells. Here's a breakdown:
CAR T-cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy that uses specially altered T cells (a type of immune cell) to fight cancer. In essence, the "car cells" are T cells that have been genetically engineered to express a CAR on their surface. These CARs allow the T cells to recognize and bind to specific proteins, or antigens, on the surface of cancer cells. According to Carl June, M.D., of the University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center, these CARs are "synthetic molecules, they don't exist naturally."
The CAR T-Cell Process:
- T-Cell Extraction: T-cells are extracted from the patient's blood.
- Genetic Engineering: In a lab, a gene for a specific CAR is introduced into the T-cells. This CAR is designed to recognize a specific antigen found on the surface of the patient's cancer cells.
- CAR T-Cell Expansion: The modified T-cells, now called CAR T-cells, are multiplied in the lab.
- Infusion: The CAR T-cells are infused back into the patient's bloodstream.
- Targeting and Destruction: The CAR T-cells circulate in the body, recognize the cancer cells expressing the target antigen, bind to them, and initiate a targeted attack to destroy the cancer cells.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Extraction | T-cells are removed from the patient. |
| 2. Engineering | A CAR gene is inserted into the T-cells, enabling them to recognize cancer cell antigens. |
| 3. Expansion | The modified CAR T-cells are grown in large numbers. |
| 4. Infusion | The expanded CAR T-cells are returned to the patient's bloodstream. |
| 5. Target & Kill | CAR T-cells identify and eliminate cancer cells by binding to specific antigens on the cancer cell surface. |
CAR T-cell therapy represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, offering a highly personalized approach that harnesses the power of the immune system to selectively target and destroy cancer cells.
