FAQ: How are CAR T-cells engineered?

CAR T-cells are engineered through a complex laboratory process. First, T-cells are collected from the patient’s blood through leukapheresis. These T-cells are then genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) on their surface. The genetic modification involves introducing specific genes into the T-cells using viral vectors. These genes encode the CAR proteins, which consist of an antigen-binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular signaling domain. Once the CAR T-cells are successfully engineered, they are expanded in the laboratory and then infused back into the patient’s bloodstream, where they can target and attack cancer cells with the matching antigen.