In vivo CAR-Macrophages

Chimeric antigen receptor-engineered macrophage (CAR-Ms) technology is emerging as a next generation cell therapy for the treatment of solid tumors. Current methods involve ex vivo processes consisting of the isolation of monocytes from a patient’s blood, introduction of a CAR gene to these cells using virus followed by differentiation into macrophages, and infusion back to the patient. Such autologous ex vivo approach is associated with high manufacturing costs and limited in vivo persistence of infused CAR-Ms.

We aim at delivering CAR mRNA to tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in vivo using P-LNP which selectively targets TAMs. This unique strategy would be an off-the-shelf therapy with low manufacturing cost and the possibility of repeated dosing for long-term treatment.