- Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has emerged as an exciting immunotherapy approach for cancer that does not require pre-existing anti-tumor immunity. CAR-T cells are autologous. T cells engineered to express a CAR specific for a defined tumor antigen that signals via canonical T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathways to promote T cell expansion and activation. CAR-T cells targeting the B cell transmembrane protein CD19 have revolutionized the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). With clinical response rates of up to 90% in pediatric B cell ALL (B-ALL) patients; however, the high cost and limited effectiveness in solid tumors are two key limitations that prohibit the widespread use of CAR-T cells for cancer treatment.
- The KRIBB research team led by Ji-Yoon Noh, have identified XX2A as a negative regulator of CAR signaling. The team has generated data supporting XX2A inhibition as an approach to enhancing CAR-T cell formation and function. Genetic deficiency of XX2A enhanced the generation and cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells.