Scott Loughhead, Ph.D. from SQZ Biotechnologies speaks about AACR 2021Abstract – Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Engineered Via Microfluidic Cell Squeeze® Technology to Generate APCs that Drive Mutant-KRas-Specific CD8+ T Cell Responses Abstract Number: 1524 – targeting KRAS with SQZ APCs, which show preclinical proof-of-concept for potential applicability to multiple KRAS mutations, supporting the SQZ opportunity to rapidly expand into additional tumor types.
Link to Press Release:
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.
Poster SQZ APC KRAS
Title: Microfluidic Cell Squeeze® Technology Engineers Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Generate APCs that Drive Mutant-KRas-Specific CD8+ T Cell Responses
Number of Abstracts: 1524
Carolyne Smith, Ph.D., is the speaker.