Novel chimeric antigen receptor-expressing T cells targeting the malignant mesothelioma-specific antigen sialylated HEG1

Authors: Taku Kouro, Naoko Higashijima, Shun Horaguchi, Yasunobu Mano, Rika Kasajima, Huihui Xiang, Yuki Fujimoto, Hiroyuki Kishi, Hiroshi Hamana, Daisuke Hoshino, Hidetomo Himuro, Rieko Matsuura, Shoutaro Tsuji, Kohzoh Imai, and Tetsuro Sasada

International Journal of Cancer, 11 January 2024

Researchers use Axion’s Maestro Z live-cell analyzer to assess the cell potency and killing kinetics of novel CAR T cells against malignant mesothelioma.  

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare, incurable cancer and efforts to expand the use of CAR T-cell therapies for treatment of the disease are ongoing. In this study, scientists develop novel SKM9-2-derived CAR T cells for the treatment of refractory malignant mesothelioma and examine the efficacy in a mouse xenograft model. Using Axion’s label-free, noninvasive Maestro Z live-cell analysis platform to assess the potency and killing kinetics of CAR T cells in vitro in real time, and other testing methods, the authors conclude that the cells slowed tumor growth and “exhibited enhanced NF-kB signaling and reduced NFAT activation, and could provide a promising option for treating refractory [malignant mesothelioma] MM.”