Treatment with Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells, or CAR-T Cells, is a revolution in cancer treatment worldwide. Resulting from significant advancements in biotechnology, this therapy is an effective alternative, being less invasive and debilitating than traditional approaches such as surgeries, and cycles of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In this advanced immunotherapy, genetically modified T cells are used to enhance anti-tumor activity. But what exactly is this therapy, and how does the Chimeric Antigen Receptor of T Cells work in combating cancer?
Before addressing this question, it’s crucial to understand the engineering of this technique, which begins with the extraction of T cells from the patient’s blood through leukapheresis. These cells are then genetically modified in a laboratory to express the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), a protein that binds to an antigen found on the surface of cancer cells. After this process, the modified cells are cultured in a lab, selected, multiplied, and finally reinfused into the patient undergoing treatment.
So, how do CAR-T cells function in combating cancer?
Playing a pivotal role in the immune system
T cells, essential components of the immune system, play a critical role in defending the body against pathogens. These cells are specialized in recognizing and combating specific threats, contributing to adaptive immunity.
The primary functions of T cells include the recognition of antigens, molecules that trigger an immune response. This process occurs through T cell receptors, which are highly specialized to identify specific antigens. When a T cell encounters a corresponding antigen, it initiates a cascade of events that trigger a targeted immune response.
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Targeting only tumor cells
It’s essential to note that studies from the 1960s demonstrated that the growth of cancer cells could be recognized and combated by the patient’s immune system due to the presence of tumor antigens capable of triggering an immune response. T cells are one of the main leukocytes responsible for this mechanism.
Genetically modifying T cells is a revolutionary technique, as it allows for more precise targeting, reducing damage to healthy cells and maximizing efficacy against cancer cells.
The process starts with cytotoxic T lymphocytes of the CD8+ lineage, responsible for producing cytokines, such as granzymes and perforins, which play an essential role in defense against microorganisms and tumor eradication.
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Preventing immune evasion
Malignant cells can evade the immune system through various mechanisms that circumvent immune surveillance. By enhancing the patient’s immune system, therapies like CAR-T cell treatment surpass tumor evasion capabilities and allow for the recognition and elimination of cancer cells without compromising the body’s balance.
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Long-term action
T cells can generate immunological memory, and therefore, the body remains on constant surveillance against new tumor cells, making a disease relapse more challenging.
Revolutionizing cancer treatment
Chimeric antigen receptor therapy is currently one of the most promising immunotherapeutic options in oncology. The use of genetically modified lymphocytes in cell transfer for cancer treatment has shown positive clinical outcomes in leukemias and lymphomas.
Pioneering in CAR-T technology
Specialized in cellular therapy, Celluris was the first company to develop CAR-T technology in Brazil. Even today, it is the most dedicated to this field of study, working to offer personalized therapies to patients. To learn more about this therapy, visit the website.
