Relevance:
GS Paper III – Science & Know-how
CAR T-cell Remedy
- CAR (Chimeric Antigen Receptor) T-cell remedy: Genetically engineers a affected person’s T-cells to recognise and destroy most cancers cells.
- Targets proteins (e.g., CD19, CD20) on B-cells chargeable for cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma.
- Historically entails:
- Ex vivo T-cell extraction
- Viral vector-based modification
- Lymphodepleting chemotherapy
- Value: ₹60–70 lakh per affected person in India
New Breakthrough: In-vivo CAR T-cell Engineering
- Revealed in Science, June 19, 2025.
- Key innovation: No have to extract and modify T-cells in a lab.
- As an alternative, mRNA + Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) injected immediately into the physique:
- LNPs carry genetic directions for CAR.
- Focusing on by way of CD8+ antibodies ensures solely cytotoxic T-cells are modified.
- Short-term CAR expression reduces danger of long-term genetic adjustments.
Ends in Animal Fashions
- Mice: Tumours regressed; B-cells destroyed.
- Monkeys:
- As much as 85% CD8+ T-cells transformed into CAR T-cells.
- B-cells depleted from lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow.
- No chemotherapy or viral vectors required.
Benefits Over Conventional Methodology
- No lab-based manufacturing (ex vivo)
- No chemotherapy-based lymphodepletion
- Lowered danger of everlasting negative effects
- Biodegradable Lipid 829 improves security and liver tolerance
- Infusion-based dosing much like a drug, not a fancy process
Dangers and Limitations
- One monkey developed Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) → extreme immune response.
- Security in people is unproven; medical trials important.
- Scalability and reproducibility nonetheless main issues, particularly throughout mass manufacturing.
Use Past Most cancers: Autoimmune Illnesses
- Potential use in Lupus, Myositis, and different B cell-mediated illnesses.
- Reprogrammed T-cells worn out malfunctioning B-cells → changed by naïve B-cells.
- Might assist reset immune system with out long-term immunosuppression.
India-Particular Relevance
- Excessive burden of B-cell cancers: DLBCL, Follicular lymphoma, ALL (75% childhood most cancers instances).
- Rising autoimmune problems post-COVID (30% rise).
- In-vivo method:
- Cheaper, simpler to manage, requires much less infrastructure.
- Appropriate for rural/semi-urban settings missing CAR T-cell labs.
- Might democratise entry to superior immunotherapies.
Conclusion (Brief)
- The brand new in-vivo CAR T-cell method provides a promising, safer, and extra accessible different to standard remedy by eliminating the necessity for advanced lab procedures and chemotherapy. If confirmed protected in people, it may revolutionise most cancers and autoimmune therapy, particularly in resource-limited settings like India.
UPSC Apply Questions
Q1. What’s CAR T-cell remedy? Focus on latest advances in CAR T-cell know-how and their significance for nations like India. (250 phrases)
Q2. Study the position of mRNA and lipid nanoparticle-based platforms in reworking most cancers immunotherapy. (150 phrases)
Q3. As regards to CAR T-cell remedy, examine and distinction ex vivo and in vivo strategies of T-cell modification. (10 marks)
Prelims MCQs
Q1. As regards to CAR T-cell remedy, which of the next statements is/are right?
- It’s used to deal with solely autoimmune illnesses.
- It entails modifying T-cells to precise artificial receptors that concentrate on cancerous B-cells.
- In-vivo CAR T-cell remedy eliminates the necessity for chemotherapy.
Choose the right reply utilizing the codes under:
A. 1 and a pair of solely
B. 2 and three solely ✅
C. 1 and three solely
D. 1, 2, and three
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