Innovative Gene-Edited Immune Cells Pave the Way for Universal 'Off-the-Shelf' Cancer Treatments
Scientists have developed a universal, off-the-shelf CAR-T cell therapy using gene editing to enhance immune evasion, promising faster and more accessible cancer treatment options.
Researchers at Peking University have made a significant breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy by developing a universal, ready-to-use treatment option. Led by Professor Wei Wensheng and in collaboration with the PLA General Hospital and biotech firm EdiGene Inc., the team has engineered a form of CAR-T cell therapy that can be administered to any patient without the need for custom preparation. This groundbreaking approach could dramatically increase accessibility and reduce costs associated with traditional CAR-T therapies.
CAR-T therapy, which involves reprogramming a patient's own immune cells to target cancer, has shown remarkable success against certain blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. However, its application has been limited due to the lengthy, expensive, and personalized manufacturing process, as well as challenges related to immune rejection when using donor cells.
To overcome these obstacles, the scientists focused on modifying donor CAR-T cells by removing a specific gene that acts as a marker for immune rejection. They then applied a glycan shielding technique, which adds a protective coating to the cells, allowing them to evade the host’s immune defenses. This 'armor' ensures the donor cells can survive longer within the patient's body.
Laboratory tests and initial patient trials demonstrated that these gene-edited, 'shielded' CAR-T cells maintain comparable cancer-killing effectiveness to traditional CAR-T cells. Importantly, they exhibited a longer persistence in the body without triggering severe side effects, showcasing their safety and potential as a universal therapy.
This innovative approach signifies a major step toward creating off-the-shelf CAR-T treatments that are quicker to deploy, more affordable, and widely available, offering renewed hope for cancer patients who previously lacked options. If further clinical trials confirm these findings, it could revolutionize cancer immunotherapy by making life-saving treatments accessible to all.
For more details, see the original study published in "Cell": Zeguang Wu et al, Glycan shielding enables TCR-sufficient allogeneic CAR-T therapy, 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.07.046
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-gene-immune-cells-universal-shelf.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Study Finds Recycled Plastics Can Disrupt Hormone Systems and Metabolism
New research shows that recycled plastics can leach chemicals that disrupt hormone systems and metabolism, posing risks to aquatic life and human health. The study highlights the need for stricter regulation of hazardous chemicals in plastics.
Evolocumab Shows No Benefit in Preventing Vein Graft Disease After Coronary Bypass Surgery, Major Trial Finds
A recent trial reveals that evolocumab, despite significantly lowering LDL cholesterol, does not reduce vein graft disease rates after coronary artery bypass surgery, pointing to the need for novel treatment strategies.
Maternal Selenium Levels During Pregnancy May Lower Risk of Childhood Streptococcal Infections
Higher selenium levels during pregnancy may help protect children from streptococcal infections, supporting immune development. Learn more about this significant study from Japan.
Updated Guidelines for Diagnosing and Managing Gastroparesis
The American Gastroenterological Association has issued updated guidelines for diagnosing and managing gastroparesis, emphasizing accurate testing and tailored treatments to improve patient care.