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CAR-T Cell Design

CAR T cell therapy represents a groundbreaking advancement in contemporary cancer treatment. By genetically engineering a patient's own T cells to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), this innovative approach can accurately target and eliminate tumor cells. Alfa Cytology leverages state-of-the-art scientific research and data-driven design methodologies to offer clients comprehensive, personalized CAR T cell therapy design services.

Introduction to CAR‑T Cell

Cultured T cells that express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of malignant cancers, particularly liquid tumors. Because of the ability to custom-design CARs for specific oncological applications, CARs have represented an attractive alternative to traditional cancer therapies including radiation and chemotherapy.

Key Components of CAR-T Cell

  • Antigen Recognition Domain
    Typically derived from monoclonal antibody fragments, such as single-chain variable fragments (scFv), this domain enables the CAR-T cells to specifically bind to tumor-associated antigens.
  • Hinge Region
    Situated between the antigen recognition domain and the transmembrane domain, the hinge region provides flexibility, facilitating optimal binding and synapse formation between CAR-T cells and target cells.
  • Transmembrane Domain
    This hydrophobic alpha-helix anchors the CAR to the plasma membrane, ensuring stability and proper orientation of the receptor.
  • Intracellular Signaling Domain
    Upon antigen binding, this domain transmits activation signals to the T cell, initiating cytotoxic responses. Incorporation of co-stimulatory domains, such as CD28 or 4-1BB, enhances T cell proliferation, cytokine secretion, and persistence.

Our Services

At the core of CAR-T therapy, our services focus on creating highly efficient and targeted therapies for various cancers. By utilizing advanced design methods, Alfa Cytology meticulously optimizes each CAR component to ensure peak performance. 

CAR Components Design

Antigen-binding region (scFv)

  • State-of-the-art computational modeling is used to engineer scFvs with high affinity and specificity for target antigens.
  • Sequences are meticulously optimized to enhance stability and reduce immunogenicity while selecting optimal epitopes and minimizing self-aggregation.
  • This tailored design ensures robust antigen engagement and reliable CAR-T cell activation.

Hinge and trans-membrane domain

  • Hinge regions are customized based on the spatial distribution of target antigens to provide optimal flexibility during binding.
  • Multiple transmembrane domains are evaluated and selected to enhance receptor anchoring and surface expression, ensuring proper receptor orientation.
  • These design refinements support sustained CAR-T cell functionality and durability.

Co-stimulatory and Signaling Domain

  • Various generations of costimulatory domains (such as CD28, 4-1BB, ICOS, and CD27) are integrated with the CD3ζ signaling motif to fine-tune T cell activation.
  • Modular enhancements are incorporated to balance rapid activation with long-term persistence, reduce tonic signaling, and promote memory T cell formation.

Innovative CAR Formats

Type Brief Description
Dual-target CAR-T Cells Engineered to target multiple antigens simultaneously to overcome tumor heterogeneity and reduce immune escape.
Logic-gate CARs Utilize boolean logic (AND, OR, NOT) to control T cell activation, thereby increasing specificity and minimizing off-tumor toxicity.
Tandem CAR-T Cells Feature two linked antigen recognition domains within a single CAR, allowing T cells to recognize and attack two different antigens concurrently.
Armored CAR-T Cells Equipped with additional molecules, such as cytokines or costimulatory ligands, to enhance anti-tumor activity and improve survival within the hostile tumor microenvironment.

Contact Us

Ready to take the next step in advancing your CAR-T cell therapy? Alfa Cytology helps you design and optimize customized CAR-T solutions tailored to your specific needs. Contact us now to discuss your project, request a consultation, or learn more about how we can help you achieve breakthrough results in CAR-T cell development.

For research use only.