Combatting Cancer Using Own Immune Cells
The immune system is composed of different types of cells that perform various tasks to protect the body against foreign pathogens and invaders. Among these are T-cells, which play a crucial role in identifying and eliminating abnormal or infected cells. They bind to these cells using receptors to execute their killing function.
Types of Immune Cells
What are CAR T-Cells?
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cells are T-cells that are genetically modified to enhance their abilities to eradicate cancer cells. CARs are artificially engineered in the laboratory to carry two proteins with specific functions:
| • Protein 1: | An antibody that enables CARs to identify targets on the surface of cancer cells. |
| • Protein 2: | Generate signals that quickly and effectively activate T cells to combat cancer cells. |
Different CAR T-cells target specific surface protein that are uniquely expressed by cancer cells.
Surface Proteins Expressed by Cancer Cells
Specific surface proteins expressed by cancer cells include:
| Type of Protein | Disease |
|---|---|
| CD30 | Hodgkin Lymphoma |
| BCMA | Multiple Myeloma |
| SALMF7 | Multiple Myeloma |
| CD19 | B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia and B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma |
Treatable Diseases with CAR T-Cell Therapy
Currently, CAR T-cell therapy is used to to effectively treat with the following indications:
- B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
- B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Multiple Myeloma
- Mantle Cell Lymphoma
- Follicular Lymphoma