Recent advances in CAR T-cell engineering using synthetic biology: Paving the way for next-generation cancer treatment

Adv Protein Chem Struct Biol. 2024:140:91-156. doi: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2024.02.003. Epub 2024 Feb 24.

Abstract

This book chapter highlights a comprehensive exploration of the transformative innovations in the field of cancer immunotherapy. CAR (Chimeric Antigen Receptor) T-cell therapy represents a groundbreaking approach to treat cancer by reprogramming a patient immune cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells. This chapter underscores the critical role of synthetic biology in enhancing the safety and effectiveness of CAR T-cell therapies. It begins by emphasizing the growing importance of personalized medicine in cancer treatment, emphasizing the shift from one-size-fits-all approaches to patient-specific solutions. Synthetic biology, a multidisciplinary field, has been instrumental in customizing CAR T-cell therapies, allowing for fine-tuned precision and minimizing unwanted side effects. The chapter highlights recent advances in gene editing, synthetic gene circuits, and molecular engineering, showcasing how these technologies are optimizing CAR T-cell function. In summary, this book chapter sheds light on the remarkable progress made in the development of CAR T-cell therapies using synthetic biology, providing hope for cancer patients and hinting at a future where highly personalized and effective cancer treatments are the norm.

Keywords: CAR T-Cell; Cancer; Synthetic biology; Therapy; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Engineering
  • Gene Editing
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive / methods
  • Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Neoplasms* / immunology
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen* / genetics
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen* / immunology
  • Synthetic Biology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism