Cellectis

When T-Cells Fail: The Struggle Against Cancer 🔍   T-cells are a key component of the body's natural defense against cancer.   But in this gripping video, we observe T-cells trying and failing to attack cancer cells. Despite their best efforts, the T-cells are outmatched. Tumors have evolved cunning ways to escape T-cell mediated killing. They've developed mechanisms to evade detection, such as downregulating tumor antigens or releasing immunosuppressive factors. This allows cancers to grow unchecked by the immune system.   Exhausted, the T-cells are forced to retreat, losing their ability to effectively kill cancer cells.   Harnessing and enhancing the anti-tumor activity of T-cells is a major focus of cancer immunotherapy research and treatment.   Immunotherapy works by blocking the inhibitory signals that cancer cells use to suppress T-cell activity, thereby reinvigorating the T-cell response against the tumor.   What do you think is the most promising approach to cancer immunotherapy? Share your thoughts below ⤵ Thanks to the team at Nanolive SA for sharing this video, which was captured label-free using a Nanolive holotomographic microscope. #cancer #celltherapy

The promise of universal CAR T-cells is to make personalized cancer treatments available off-the-shelf.   But there's been one hurdle: graft-versus-host disease. Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD) occurs when the donor T cells (the graft) recognize the recipient's body (the host) as foreign and attack it. This can lead to severe complications, such as skin damage, liver failure or immune system suppression.   Researchers are developing innovative strategies to prevent GvHD, such as:   ✅ TCR Elimination: The most widely used approach is to genetically remove or inactivate the T cell receptor (TCR) from allogeneic T cells. This prevents the donor T cells from recognizing host tissues as foreign and initiating a GvH response. Gene editing tool like TALEN® is used to disrupt the TCR gene. ✅ Specialized T Cell Subsets: Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived T cells: CAR T cells generated from iPSCs lack endogenous TCRs, eliminating the risk of GvHD.   ✅ iPSC-Derived T Cells: CAR T cells generated from iPSCs lack endogenous TCRs, eliminating the risk of GvHD.   ✅ Safety Switches: Incorporating mechanisms to eliminate the CAR T cells if GvHD occurs provides an additional safety measure.   These advances hold great promise for making allogeneic CAR T cells more accessible treatment option for cancer patients.   What other innovative approach do you have in mind? Drop them in the comments ⤵   #CancerImmunotherapy #CART #BiotechInnovation #CellTherapy

Cellectis Reports Results from Shareholders Meeting Held on June 28, 2024. To read the press release: https://lnkd.in/eN7AhjhE

We found 3 key factors determinant for efficient TALE base editing ✂ First, what are TALE base editors? TALE base editors are a recent and important addition to the gene editing landscape. By design, TALE base editors do not create break within DNA strands as does CRISPR/Cas9, or other engineered nucleases. They represent a promising therapeutic strategy for genetic diseases. Interesting, right? But, to broaden the scope of possible applications, we need to understand the design rules. TALE base editors rely on the deamination of cytidines within double strand DNA, leading to the formation of an uracil (U) intermediate. These molecular tools are fusions of transcription activator-like effector domains (TALE) for specific DNA sequence binding, split-DddA deaminase halves that will, upon catalytic domain reconstitution, initiate the conversion of a cytosine (C) to a thymine (T), and an uracil glycosylase inhibitor (UGI). Previous works have pointed towards the positioning of targeted cytosine to be a key determinant for efficient editing. That’s why we investigated whether the nature (length and composition) of the linker that connects the TALE array with the split deaminase catalytic heads could impact C-to-T conversion within the editing window. We found 3 key factors: 💡 Spacer length 💡TALEB architecture 💡Composition of surrounding bases All of them can impact editing outcomes and further improve our understanding of TALE base editors' activity and specificity, leading to the possibility to tune and control editing using educated designs. Any thoughts on this? Drop them in the comments ⤵ For those interested in gene editing advancements, the full paper is available in Scientific Reports : https://lnkd.in/eSRZxyfN #GeneEditing #MolecularBiology #Genetics #BiotechResearch

Are dual CAR T cells the next big breakthrough in cancer treatment? 🧬 🚀   In the fight against cancer, researchers are constantly exploring innovative strategies. One promising approach is the development of dual CAR T cells.   These engineered T cells express two distinct receptors on their surface, each designed to recognize and bind to specific proteins found on cancer cells. They offer several key advantages:   💡 Two is better than one: By targeting two tumor-associated antigens simultaneously, dual CAR T cells mitigate the risk of antigen escape, a common cause of treatment resistance.   💡 Smarter targeting: This approach addresses the challenge of tumor heterogeneity, increasing the likelihood of eliminating diverse cancer cell populations.   💡 Potential for Long-term Remission: By overcoming limitations of single-targeted therapies, dual CAR T cells may improve long-term outcomes and reduce relapse rates.   This innovative approach represents a significant advancement in personalized cancer therapy, potentially offering new hope for patients with refractory malignancies.   What other applications or improvements do you foresee in this field? Drop them in the comments ⤵   #CancerResearch #Immunotherapy #BiotechInnovation #CARTcell #PersonalizedMedicine

The 2nd edition of Pasteur Innov' Day will take place tomorrow June 25, 2024 at Institut Pasteur, Paris. 🇨🇵 Andre Choulika Ph.D. will participate at a round table entitled « Préparer l’avenir de l’innovation en santé en soutenant nos jeunes talents » at 4.00PM CET. This event is an opportunity to discover the complementary expertise and know-how of Institut Pasteur technology core facilities, research laboratories and spin-offs. Come along to Pasteur Innov' Day to meet their scientific experts, discuss your projects and explore possibilities for collaboration. https://lnkd.in/g6qp5Vzi

Cellectis Publishes a Scientific Article in Scientific Reports Unveiling Three Key Factors for Efficient TALE Base Editing. Thanks to our amazing authors and scientists for their hard work: Maria Feola, Sylvain Pulicani, Diane Tkach, Alex Boyne, Robert Hong, Louisa Mayer, Aymeric Duclert, philippe duchateau & Alexandre Juillerat Full press release available here: https://lnkd.in/gUH5MHxk #GeneEditing

Developing cell & gene therapies requires timely decisions about whether to engage a CDMO or develop internal manufacturing capacity.   3 years ago, Cellectis took the plunge and made the momentous decision to make a significant capital investment and put spades in the ground in both Paris, France, and Raleigh (NC), to build out its own end-to-end GMP manufacturing capabilities. Cell and gene therapy manufacturing: to build or not to build? Here are a few pros & cons of internalization:

Today, Cellectis celebrates Juneteenth and recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion. Let's reflect on this historic day and continue working towards equality for all. #Juneteenth

Do you want to hear more about how Cellectis' gene editing technologies are transforming cell therapy field? Then don't miss the opportunity to attend David Sourdive's presentation this Wednesday June 19th at the "Momentum in Cell and Gene Therapy Symposium" at Evry 🇨🇵 Click here to register and download the program: https://lnkd.in/gqMtmfV9 #cellandgenetherapy, #allogeneic, #CART, #smartcells