City of Hope develops adaptive plug-and-play CAR T technology to attack tumors

Summary

City of Hope researchers report a preclinical CAR T-cell platform called meCAR T that uses a meditope docking system to add molecular “plug-ins” after the cells are administered. In laboratory and experimental models, the system allowed researchers to track the cells, promote their growth, and redirect cancer recognition, potentially addressing tumor mutation and immune escape. The findings were published in Cancer Immunology Research. The technology has not yet been shown safe or effective in humans; City of Hope says it is preparing Phase I trials for solid tumors and acute myeloid leukemia.