3 ms·
But why can’t the modified cells function as regular T cells in addition to the modifications?
by hooloovoo_zoo 4y ago
But why can’t the modified cells function as regular T cells in addition to the modifications?
- zaroth 4y agoI think they don’t usually last that long. The body won’t keep producing the modified cells. Plus I think the modification made them basically only good for killing the native (cancerous) T cells
- hooloovoo_zoo 4y agoCould be. It would be nice if you could maintain the modification though because then you don't have to worry about some cancerous cells surviving the first wave.
- frontierkodiak 4y agoThe article states “The first base edit disabled the T-cells targeting mechanism so they would not assault Alyssa's body”. Not an expert but I presume the ‘targeting mechanism’ is the T-cell receptor, whose activation is necessary (but not sufficient) to trigger immune response.
- hooloovoo_zoo 4y agoMaybe, but the second transplant also needs to not assault Alyssa.
- Narretz 4y agoThe second transplant is a stem cell (bone marrow) transplant, i.e. it replaces the cells that produce the t-cells. This is how leukemia therapy is normally finished after chemotherapy / radiation therapy kills the cancer cells.