What Happens When CAR-T Cells Enter the Body?
CAR-T cells are a type of genetically engineered T cell that has been modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). CARs are designed to recognize and bind to a specific antigen on the surface of cancer cells. When a CAR-T cell binds to its target antigen, it triggers a series of events that lead to the destruction of the cancer cell.
How CAR-T Cells Are Made
CAR-T cells are made by taking T cells from a patient’s blood and genetically modifying them to express a CAR. The CAR is typically designed to target a specific antigen that is expressed on the surface of cancer cells. Once the T cells have been modified, they are expanded in culture and then infused back into the patient’s body.
How CAR-T Cells Work
When CAR-T cells enter the body, they begin to search for their target antigen. Once they find a cancer cell that expresses the target antigen, they bind to it and release cytotoxic molecules that kill the cancer cell. CAR-T cells also produce cytokines, which are proteins that help to activate other immune cells and promote the destruction of cancer cells.
The Different Types of CAR-T Cells
There are different types of CAR-T cells, each of which is designed to target a specific antigen. Some of the most common types of CAR-T cells include:
- CD19-CAR-T cells: These CAR-T cells are designed to target the CD19 antigen, which is expressed on the surface of B cells. CD19-CAR-T cells are used to treat B cell malignancies, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
- BCMA-CAR-T cells: These CAR-T cells are designed to target the BCMA antigen, which is expressed on the surface of multiple myeloma cells. BCMA-CAR-T cells are used to treat multiple myeloma.
- CD20-CAR-T cells: These CAR-T cells are designed to target the CD20 antigen, which is expressed on the surface of B cells. CD20-CAR-T cells are used to treat B cell malignancies, such as ALL and NHL.
The Clinical Trials of CAR-T Cells
CAR-T cells are currently being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of a variety of cancers. The results of these trials have been very promising, and CAR-T cells are now approved for the treatment of certain types of cancer, such as ALL and NHL.
The Side Effects of CAR-T Cells
CAR-T cells can cause side effects, which can range from mild to severe. Some of the most common side effects of CAR-T cells include:
- Cytokine release syndrome (CRS): CRS is a condition that is caused by the release of cytokines by CAR-T cells. Symptoms of CRS can include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Neurotoxicity: Neurotoxicity is a condition that is caused by the damage to the nervous system by CAR-T cells. Symptoms of neurotoxicity can include headache, confusion, seizures, and coma.
- Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD): GVHD is a condition that is caused by the attack of the patient’s immune system on the patient’s own tissues. Symptoms of GVHD can include skin rash, diarrhea, and liver damage.
The Future of CAR-T Cells
CAR-T cells are a promising new therapy for the treatment of cancer. The results of clinical trials have been very promising, and CAR-T cells are now approved for the treatment of certain types of cancer. However, there is still much that we do not know about CAR-T cells, and more research is needed to understand how they work and how to use them most effectively.
With continued research, CAR-T cells have the potential to become a cure for cancer.
