CAR Technology
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy modifies the function of T cells or NK cells for highly specific killing of target cells. These T cells or NK cells may be obtained through the collection of blood from the patient through apheresis, or from a suitable donor. This personalized treatment modifies the patient’s own immune cells to be reintroduced to kill disease causing cells. CAR treatment approaches are individualized to maximize safety and minimize side effects.
“CAR” therapy uses modified white blood cells to fight cancer or autoimmune conditions. A physician collects a donor or a patient’s cells through a process called apheresis, genetically modifies them to express the “chimeric antigen receptor” (CAR) protein on its surface, then reintroduces the newly modified CAR T cells or Natural Killer (NK) cells into the patient where it binds to a target protein on the patient’s cancer. Upon binding the target protein, the CAR protein will send a signal across the cell membrane to the interior of the white blood cell to set in motion the mechanisms needed to kill the targeted cells.
