Scott Loughhead, Ph.D. from SQZ Biotechnologies speaks about AACR 2021Abstracts – Clinical Applications Abstract Number: 2626 and Technology Abstract Number: 1525 – preclinical data from SQZ eAPCs utilizing multiple mRNA cargo to potentially expand addressable patient populations and meaningfully increase CD8 T cell response by incorporation of costimulatory molecules and cytokine signaling.
Link to Press Releases:
https://www.pharmiweb.com/press-release/2021-03-10/sqz-biotech-to-present-preclinical-data-on-kras-tumor-targets-and-next-generation-sqz-eapcs-at-the-a
SQZ eAPCs are designed to take advantage of the SQZ APC platform’s capabilities to generate robust and specific CD8+ T cell activation through efficient MHC-I antigen presentation. The platform takes advantage of the Cell Squeeze® technology’s cargo versatility to develop next-generation product candidates that carry multiple mRNA to potentially improve T cell stimulation. Immune-signaling is being incorporated into SQZ eAPCs, which would otherwise necessitate the use of external immune-oncology agents. Furthermore, the mRNA-based antigen cargo is intended to present a wider spectrum of tumor antigen epitopes, thus expanding the patient pool that can be handled. The eAPC technology has the ability to be used in oncology and infectious disease research in the future. Two posters at AACR will provide data on these enhancements as well as additional material.
SQZ is still working on new tumor targets for its adaptable technologies. KRAS G12D and G12V mutations account for more than half of all KRAS mutations, with about 100,000 people in the United States developing KRAS G12D or G12V mutated cancers per year. SQZ APCs have elicited unique KRAS G12D and G12V CD8+ T cell responses preclinically in both animal models and human cells, using the versatility of the Cell Squeeze® technology. Preclinical results for SQZ APCs triggering CD8+ T cells against KRas G12D and KRas G12V when administered independently or concurrently will be presented at AACR.
eAPC Posters from SQZ
Title: Cell Squeeze® Technology Enhances Antigen Presenting Cell Potency through Signal 2/3 mRNA Engineering Abstract Number: 1525
Emrah Ilker Ozay, PhD, is the speaker.
Title: Antigen-Encoding mRNA Delivered by Cell Squeeze® Enables Human PBMCs to Drive Antigen-Specific CD8+ T Cell Responses for a Variety of Clinical Applications
Number of the abstract: 2626
Michael Maloney, PhD, is the speaker.