New CAR-T Therapy Targets Cancer Cells Without Immune Suppression
Researchers have developed a new CAR-T-cell therapy, known as CART4-34, which effectively targets cancer cells without the severe side effect of immune system suppression. This therapy focuses on B cell receptors carrying the IGHV4-34 gene, which is prevalent in cancer cells but rare in healthy cells. Unlike conventional CD19 CAR-T therapies that destroy all cells carrying the CD19 molecule, leading to immune suppression, CART4-34 spares healthy B cells. This advancement was demonstrated in genetically modified mice with diffuse large B cell lymphoma, where CART4-34 was as effective as CD19 CAR-T therapy in destroying cancer cells. The therapy also holds potential for treating autoimmune conditions like lupus, where antibodies targeting IGHV4-34 are linked to more aggressive disease forms. 
