Nutrient-competency-based CAR-T gene therapy for AML treatment
Innovative CAR-T gene therapy targeting CD44v6 and overexpressing GLUT1 to treat Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) by outcompeting leukemia cells for glucose and enhancing anti-leukemia efficacy. Validated in humanized AML mouse models.
Overview
This groundbreaking CAR-T gene therapy targets Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) by exploiting a nutrient-competency mechanism. The therapy utilizes anti-CD44v6-CAR-T cells engineered to overexpress GLUT1, aiming to outcompete leukemia cells for glucose uptake. This dual strategy not only starves the leukemia cells but also delivers targeted cytotoxicity, offering a promising approach to prevent AML relapse.
Technical specifications
- Target: CD44v6, a frequent marker in leukemia stem cells associated with poor prognosis.
- Mechanism: Overexpression of GLUT1 in CAR-T cells to compete with leukemia cells for glucose uptake.
- Key Features:
- Specifically targets and eradicates AML blasts by leveraging the Warburg effect.
- Enhances energy conversion in CAR-T cells to outcompete leukemia cells.
- Demonstrates potential in both ex vivo and in vivo models.
Technology readiness level
This therapy is currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, having been validated in humanized AML mouse models. Further validation is planned to assess safety and efficacy, with the potential for significant impacts in cancer immunology and patient survival.
About Loma Linda University
Loma Linda University is a private, faith-based health sciences university serving the Inland Empire and Greater Los Angeles region. Integration with a major academic medical center and a children’s hospital enables rapid industry collaboration, from feasibility assessments and contracting to multi-site trials and real-world evidence studies, supported by experienced regulatory and data teams. Corporate partners benefit from access to specialty treatment environments, streamlined research administration, and recruitment across a large, diverse patient population. Research is supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health and other competitive federal sponsors. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP protection, licensing, and startup formation.
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