NIH R01 · 2025
Precision Control of Universal CAR Activity by Small Molecule Adaptors
SUMMARY Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has revolutionized blood cancer treatment and shows potential for solid tumors, autoimmune diseases, and viral infections. We have developed a highly programmable universal CAR called SNAP-CAR, which can target any cell surface antigen by associating with a chemically modified adaptor antibody. However, CAR T therapy faces challenges such as limited specificity, susceptibility to immune inactivation, and complex manufacturing for multi-antigen targeting. To overcome these hurdles, we propose to develop small molecule adaptors for covalent reprogramming of SNAP-CAR. Small molecule drugs offer distinct advantages over antibodies, such as…
From the public funding record at NIH RePORTER. Describes the funded project, not the reviews below.