Precision targeting using antibodies: Next-generation CARs and non-viral gene therapies
This project is part of the Disruptive Technology Solutions for Cell and Gene Therapy Challenge program. The aim of the project is to create new antibodies that can target specific proteins associated with cancers and genetic diseases. These antibodies will help researchers develop advanced treatments, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modified immune cell therapies and gene delivery vehicles to improve treatment for solid tumors and monogenetic diseases.
NRC researchers have found several single-domain antibodies (nanobodies) that target cancerous tumours. These nanobodies have been used to develop CAR therapies. After being tested both in the lab using cell-based systems and in animal models, these therapies have shown promising results. While CAR T-cell therapy has been successful for certain blood cancers, it has not yet been shown to be effective for treating solid tumours. The goal of the project is to contribute to developing safe and effective CAR therapies for treating solid tumour cancers and improving treatment options for Canadians.
In addition, researchers at the NRC have developed delivery packages called lipid nanoparticles (LNP) and nanobodies that can target these LNP to specific tissues and cell types . These nanoparticles can carry therapeutic cargos that contain genetic material into specific tissues in the body. Of particular interest are the lipid nanoparticles developed to deliver therapies to the brain to treat brain diseases. This technology could transform how brain diseases are treated, benefitting Canadians with genetic brain disorders.