Researchers at UCSF have created a switch to control CAR T cells

T cells are well known for their powerful ability to fight off pathogens and tumor cells. T cells’ ability to destroy tumor cells has been studied for the last two decades regarding the cell-surface sensors known as chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). By inserting CARs into T cells, which is now called CAR T cells, CAR T cells are guided to target and destroy the tumor cells in the patient’s body. The mechanism of action includes the releasing of cytokines to attract other T cells to the site and binding to the tumor cell’s surfaces to destroy them. Despite the promising ability to destroy tumor cells, T cells also exert a powerful side effect that could be lethal to the patients. For example, once administered, CAR T cells randomly destroy organs on their way such as the lungs and heart. This detrimental side effect renders CAR T cells to be impractical. To combat this, researchers from the University of California-San Francisco created an on switch for CAR T cells. CAR T cells will be administered in inactivated form by default. Delivering a drug that serves as an on switch will allow a delayed time necessary for CAR T cells to pass through vulnerable organs, i.e. heart and lungs, and become activated when they encounter the tumor cells. This controller drug offers a means to regulate CAR T cells activities. Additionally, based on the dosage of the drug, the amount of toxic waste, which is produced from the lysing of tumor cells, can be controlled. Although the controller drug is still under investigation, it sheds light on other researches such as using light or inserting multiple CARs into T cells to gain control on CAR T cells.

Reference

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/299952.php