UCI Health clinical trial tests promising CAR T-cell therapy for lupus

Researchers at UCI Health have begun the world's first clinical trial for Huntington’s disease using neural stem cells. The phase 1b/2a trial aims to evaluate the safety and potential benefits of this innovative therapy, which could slow disease progression and reduce long-term care costs.

The KIR-CAR T cell therapy has shown promising results in a Phase I clinical trial, demonstrating safety and increasing efficacy with higher doses. The treatment targets mesothelin, widely expressed on several solid tumor cancers, and limits side effects through its natural 'on-off' mechanism.

A USC team has developed an advanced platform to analyze chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, revealing how their manufacturing conditions impact effectiveness. The tool uses laser technology to analyze 36 characteristics of a single cell, providing a clearer view of CAR T cell behavior.

A new strategy for treating B-cell lymphoma has shown promising results with a next-generation CAR T cell therapy that incorporates IL18. The treatment achieved high remission rates of 81% and complete remission in 52%, with some patients experiencing durable responses lasting two years or more.

Researchers at USC's Keck School of Medicine have developed a new type of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell that elicits a more controlled immune response to cancer. The engineered CAR T cells may offer a way to more safely treat blood cancers and reduce the chance of relapse.

Researchers investigated how two CAR T cells kill cancer with distinct signaling domains. CD28.ζ-CAR molecules work quickly and efficiently, while 4-1BB.ζ-CAR molecules linger in lipid rafts for sustained collaborative killing of tumor cells. This study aims to design CAR molecules maximizing antitumor activity beyond B cell malignancies.