Innovative Modified CAR-T Cells Target Common Protein in Multiple Cancers

Researchers at Nagoya University in Japan have developed a new form of CAR-T cell therapy that targets the Eva1 protein, a molecule found abundantly on the surface of various cancer cells, including those in lung, pancreatic, and liver tumors. Unlike traditional CAR-T treatments that have been primarily effective against blood cancers, this breakthrough aims to combat solid tumors, which have historically been more difficult to treat. The team engineered immune cells by modifying a mouse-derived antibody to recognize Eva1, then optimized its design by adjusting structural components like spacers and intracellular domains to enhance immune response and tumor cell destruction.

This new approach demonstrated promising results in lab mice, effectively eliminating tumors with high Eva1 expression while sparing normal cells that express low levels of the protein. This specificity suggests it could be both effective and safe for human therapies. The researchers are now working on validating safety profiles in preclinical models by creating mouse versions of the therapy to assess potential toxicity caused by targeting Eva1 in normal tissues.

The significance of this development lies in its potential to expand CAR-T cell therapy beyond blood cancers to treat a broader range of malignancies. As Dr. Seitaro Terakura from Nagoya University explains, this represents a vital step toward new treatments for hard-to-treat cancers, with ongoing efforts to ensure safety before clinical trials begin.

The study underscores the importance of targeted immunotherapy and opens doors to more personalized and effective cancer treatments in the future. For more details, see the original publication in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-car-cells-widespread-protein-multiple.html