We use the power of CRISPR-based gene editing technologies to decode and rewrite DNA programs that govern cells in the human immune system. Human immune cells, especially T cells, can be genetically engineered to target various cancers. Despite their utility for the treatment of hematological malignancies, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have significant limitations, which are especially clear in the context of solid tumors. Mounting evidence suggests that for many clinical applications, engineering the T cell to recognize the target cancer cells will not be sufficient to cure disease. Major challenges to the utility of immunotherapy in cancer include overcoming immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments and maintaining the therapeutic cells’ functionality in the tumor over time. We are working to accelerate the design of genome modifications and synthetic DNA sequences that can be introduced into human T cells to program the enhanced functionality necessary to overcome these challenges.
CROI Conference
