Genetic Engineering Publications - GEG Tech top picks

Graft-versus-host disease occurs when a donor's cells attack the recipient's tissues, usually following a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. In a recent study, a new technique involving the combination of Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) with Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs), resulting in modified stem cells known as CAR-MSCs, was used to specifically target a protein linked to graft-versus-host disease, but also to inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In mouse models, when stimulated by the specific protein for which they were designed, CAR-MSCs showed an enhanced ability to reach the inflamed area, better control inflammation and improve outcome and survival. This was mediated by a change in the genetic signature of CAR-MSCs, the proteins they released and receptor expression. These preliminary results pave the way for future applications of this technology, paving the way for improving the versatility of the therapy to treat various diseases across the autoimmune spectrum.