Cellectis Presents Strategy to Enhance CAR T-cell Efficacy Against Solid Tumors
Biotechnology company Cellectis presented a strategy at the AACR-IO conference aimed at improving CAR T-cell efficacy against solid tumors by leveraging an engineered interleukin 2 (IL-2) variant.
New York, NY – February 24, 2025 – Cellectis, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, has presented an immuno-oncology strategy designed to enhance the efficacy of CAR T-cells against solid tumors. The data was showcased at the American Association for Cancer Research – Immuno-oncology (AACR-IO) conference in Los Angeles.
The strategy, dubbed 'Smart CAR T', utilizes a variant of interleukin 2 (IL-2) engineered to be expressed by T-cells. The goal is to boost T-cell activity within the tumor microenvironment, thereby improving therapeutic outcomes. While CAR T-cell therapies have transformed treatment for certain blood cancers, their effectiveness against solid tumors has remained a significant challenge.
Using its proprietary TALEN® gene-editing technology, Cellectis engineered 'Smart CAR T cells' to express a CAR-inducible IL-2 variant (IL-2v). This approach aims for localized activity within the tumor microenvironment, triggered by tumor-specific cues. This is intended to mitigate the systemic toxicity risks associated with conventional high-dose IL-2 administration, which has historically limited its use.
According to the company, preclinical data indicates that this CAR-induced expression of the IL-2v immunocytokine enhances the anti-tumor activity of engineered CAR T-cells both in vitro and in vivo. The targeted nature of the IL-2 activity, anchored to tumor-specific proteins like FAP, is expected to concentrate the therapeutic effect at the tumor site.
Cellectis is continuing its preclinical research following the presentation at AACR-IO. Further development and potential clinical applications of this strategy are expected, though specific timelines have not yet been detailed.