Evaluation of switch-mediated costimulation in trans on universal CAR-T cells (UniCAR) targeting CD123-positive AML.

Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) targeting CD19 have achieved significant success in patients with B cell malignancies. To date, implementation of CAR-T in other indications remains challenging due to the lack of truly tumor-specific antigens as well as control of CAR-T activity in patients. CD123 is highly expressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts including leukemia-initiating cells making it an attractive immunotherapeutic target.

Rapidly Switchable Universal CAR-T Cells for Treatment of CD123-Positive Leukemia.

Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) targeting CD19 or B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) are highly effective against B cell malignancies. However, application of CAR-T to less differentially expressed targets remains a challenge due to lack of tumor-specific antigens and CAR-T controllability. CD123, a highly promising leukemia target, is expressed not only by leukemic and leukemia-initiating cells, but also by myeloid, hematopoietic progenitor, and certain endothelial cells.

TraFo-CRISPR: Enhanced Genome Engineering by Transient Foamy Virus Vector-Mediated Delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 Components.

The adaptation of CRISPR/Cas technology for use in mammals has revolutionized genome engineering. In particular with regard to clinical application, efficient expression of Cas9 within a narrow time frame is highly desirable to minimize the accumulation of off-target editing. We developed an effective, aptamer-independent retroviral delivery system for Cas9 mRNAs that takes advantage of a unique foamy virus (FV) capability: the efficient encapsidation and transfer of non-viral RNAs.