Supplementation with inosine improves CAR-T cell metabolism and anti-tumor effects

Researchers at Stanford have developed a method of culture media supplementation with inosine during the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell manufacturing process which can alter and enhance CAR-T cell metabolism and anti-tumor functions. Poor efficacy and persistence have hindered the success of CAR-T cell immunotherapy in many patients and tumor types. To address these challenges, this method adds inosine to culture media, resulting in changes in CAR-T cell phenotype and metabolic features. Supplemented CAR-T cells were shown to use inosine as a carbon source, relieving tumor-imposed metabolic restrictions on T cells and leading to increased anti-tumor potency in vitro. The supplemented CAR-T cells can further improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade and adoptive T cell therapies in vivo, prolonging survival in mouse models of solid tumors unable to metabolize inosine. This method can be used during CAR-T cell manufacturing or in further immunotherapy research and development efforts to improve CAR-T cell function.

Stage of Development:
Prototype