Revolutionizing Cancer Therapy: New CRISPR Screening Tool Enhances NK Cell Function

A new genome-wide CRISPR screening tool called PreCiSE has been developed to enhance the effectiveness of natural killer (NK) cells in fighting cancer. The tool identified key gene targets that, when removed, significantly improved NK cell activity. The study, published in Cancer Cell, opens up new avenues for developing more effective CAR NK cell therapies against various cancer types. The research was led by Katy Rezvani and her team at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have developed a novel genome-wide CRISPR screening tool called PreCiSE, which significantly enhances the effectiveness of natural killer (NK) cells in fighting cancer. This breakthrough was published in the journal Cancer Cell and opens new avenues for developing more effective CAR NK cell therapies against various cancer types.

The study, led by Katy Rezvani and her team, identified critical gene targets that, when removed, significantly improved NK cell activity. PreCiSE, a comprehensive CRISPR discovery platform optimized for primary human NK cells, uncovered multiple checkpoints and pathways that control NK cell activity when facing pressures found in the tumor microenvironment. Editing these targets strengthened both innate and CAR-mediated NK cell function, improved metabolic fitness, increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and expanded cytotoxic NK subsets in models of cancer that no longer responded to treatment.

The study validated three key targets: MED12, ARIH2, and CCNC. While the significance extends far beyond any single gene, PreCiSE delivers an unbiased map of NK cell regulators that can be prioritized, edited, and combined to design more effective CAR NK cell therapies. The research was supported by philanthropic contributions and grants from various foundations, including the National Institutes of Health.

This development comes as investors are increasingly focusing on biotech stocks. Popular investor Cathie Wood's ARK Invest ETFs recently allocated $46.2 million to several genomic and gene-editing names, including GeneDx Holdings, CRISPR Therapeutics AG, Beam Therapeutics, Intellia Therapeutics, and Pacific Biosciences of California. The ETFs also trimmed defense exposure by offloading shares of Kratos Defense and Security Solutions Inc. [2]

While the study highlights the potential of PreCiSE in enhancing CAR NK cell therapies, it is essential to note that the technology is still in its early stages. Further research and clinical trials are needed to fully understand its potential and safety. However, this breakthrough is a significant step forward in the development of more effective cancer immunotherapies.

References:
[1] https://www.mdanderson.org/newsroom/novel-tool-helps-identify-key-targets-to-strengthen-car-nk-cell-therapies.h00-159778812.html
[2] https://www.ainvest.com/news/cathie-wood-ark-invest-etfs-buy-46-2m-biotech-stocks-trim-defense-exposure-2508/