Targeting Resistance to Immunotherapy

Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is a method that alters a patient's immune system to target and destroy tumor cells. While CAR T cell therapy has shown remarkable success in blood cancer treatment, relapse is frequent. Moreover, achieving success with CAR T cell treatment in solid tumors poses a significant obstacle. To address these challenges, we are utilizing high-throughput genome editing to identify new mechanisms of resistance to CAR T cell therapy in solid tumors, particularly focusing on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Additionally, we are developing non-invasive imaging tools to track CAR T cells, aiming to improve our ability to predict patients' responses to CAR T cell therapy.