Important therapies for the future of immunotherapy
Oct 26, 2023
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Explore important topics in immunotherapy including the development of CAR T cell therapy, the significance of LAG-3 in future treatments, and the use of water oil emulsion technology in PCR techniques. Discover how CAR T cells target cancer cells and the challenges in their manufacturing process. Learn about the role of LAG-3 in regulating the immune system and its potential as a target for cancer treatment through immune checkpoint inhibition. Dive into the development of anti-LAG-3 antibodies and soluble LAG-3 proteins for immunotherapy.
Using droplet-digital PCR technology can improve the development and activity of CAR T cell therapies by accurately quantifying copy number variation, detecting replication-competent viruses, and monitoring CAR T cell persistence in patients' blood.
Inhibition of the immune checkpoint target LAG-3 shows promise in revitalizing tumor-specific memory T cells and enhancing tumor cell killing, with big pharma companies developing anti-LAG-3 monoclonal antibodies and positive results seen in studies with anti-LAG-3 MAB Relatlimab.
Deep dives
Improving Quality Control for CAR T Cell Therapies
CAR T cell therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, providing a targeted approach that harnesses the power of the immune system. However, ensuring the safety and efficacy of CAR T cell therapies requires a new approach to quality control. From the development of the first CAR T cell therapy to the identification of the right target and the challenges of manufacturing, researchers are focused on addressing these critical issues. By using droplet-digital PCR (DD-PCR) technology, scientists can accurately quantify copy number variation, detect replication-competent viruses, and monitor CAR T cell persistence in patients' blood, ultimately enhancing the development and activity of CAR T cell therapies.
The Importance of Lag3 to the Future of Immunotherapy
Lymphocyte activation gene 3 (Lag3) is a crucial protein in regulating the immune system and shows promise as a new immune checkpoint target. Its inhibition could revitalize tumor-specific memory T cells and enhance tumor cell killing. Big pharma is recognizing its importance, with companies such as Merck, Boehringer Ingelheim, Regeneron, and Novartis developing anti-Lag3 monoclonal antibodies. The recent positive results from Bristol-Myers Squibb's Phase 3 study with anti-Lag3 MAB, Relatlimab, demonstrate the potential effectiveness of simultaneous blockade of Lag3 and PD1 in metastatic melanoma. Immuteep is at the forefront of Lag3 development, with their lead product candidate, FT-LAGAMAD alpha, showing promise in activating immune responses and fighting tumor growth.
The Future of CAR-T Cell Therapy
CAR-T cell therapy has already shown tremendous success in treating cancer, and ongoing research aims to further enhance its potential. Researchers are exploring the development of off-the-shelf CAR-T cells, which could significantly reduce treatment turnaround time and provide benefits to a broader range of patients. Allogeneic CAR-NK cells, which utilize natural killer cells instead of T cells, offer a safer alternative with potential off-the-shelf applications. Serial monitoring of CAR-T cell kinetics using techniques like droplet-digital PCR (DD-PCR) can help optimize dosing, predict outcomes, and ensure safety and efficacy in the clinic. With continuous advancements, a deeper understanding of the immune system, and support from regulators, the possibilities for CAR-T cell therapy over the next 25 years are limitless.
The first article includes insight from Mark White, Associate Director of Biopharma Product Marketing at Bio-Rad and Marwan Alsarraj, Biopharma Segment Manager, Digital Biology Group. The second article is an interview between Lu Rahman and Frederic Triebel, CSO, Immutep, who also discovered LAG-3.
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