DELHI: Researchers at the Multidisciplinary Centre for Advanced Research and Studies (MCARS), Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), have made a significant breakthrough in CAR T-cell therapy, a revolutionary treatment for blood cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma. Their study, published in the prestigious journal Cell Reports Medicine, introduces a fourth-generation CAR T-cell therapy that enhances the longevity and efficacy of treatment while reducing costs.
Led by Principal Investigator Dr Tanveer Ahmad and first author Dr Areej Akhtar, the research team has developed a new approach to improve the persistence of CAR T cells. CAR T-cell therapy involves modifying a patient’s own T cells to target and destroy cancerous cells. While second-generation CAR T-cell therapies are currently available in India, the latest research from JMI advances the treatment to a far more effective fourth generation.
A key aspect of this study is the integration of GLP-1 peptides, which are widely known for their role in diabetes and weight loss. The researchers discovered that combining these peptides with CAR T cells enhances their effectiveness, extends their presence in the body, and increases their ability to fight tumours. The new therapy, termed “Metabolically Reprogrammed CAR T” or “MCAR T” therapy, promotes cellular processes such as autophagy and mitophagy, which help cells remove damaged components and function optimally.
The study employed a multi-stage approach, including in silico modelling to predict metabolic effects on CAR T cells, in vitro experiments to observe cellular responses, preclinical trials in tumour models, and analysis of patient samples to assess efficacy in human cells. The results indicate that MCAR T therapy could significantly improve treatment outcomes, particularly for patients who relapse after existing therapies.
Dr Tanveer Ahmad highlighted the potential of this new treatment, stating, “Our fourth-generation CAR T therapy will significantly improve treatment outcomes and long-term remission rates in patients.” Dr Areej Akhtar and her team have also developed a third-generation CAR T-cell therapy, which is currently undergoing clinical trials in India, marking a major milestone in the country’s fight against blood cancer.
The high cost of CAR T-cell therapy has been a major barrier to its widespread use, particularly in countries like India. Prof Mohammad Husain, Director of MCARS, pointed out that while the treatment costs over Rs 4 crore ($500,000) in the United States, JMI’s research aims to make it available in India at a much lower cost. “At Jamia Millia Islamia, we are committed to making these groundbreaking treatments affordable and accessible. Our innovative approach could help bring this lifesaving therapy to thousands of patients,” he stated.
With continued research and collaboration with industry partners, India is making strides in developing cost-effective CAR T-cell therapy. The work at MCARS represents a major step towards making advanced cancer treatments more widely available. The team’s patented fourth-generation CAR T-cell technology is now open for collaboration with interested industries and institutions, marking a significant advancement in the field of cancer immunotherapy.
