Quantum CART (qCART), a piggyBac-based system for development and production of virus-free multiplex CAR-T cell therapy

Abstract

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has the potential to transform cancer treatment. However, CAR-T therapy application is currently limited to certain types of relapsed/refractory B cell lymphomas. To unlock the full potential of CAR-T therapy, technologic breakthroughs will be needed in multiple areas, including optimization of autologous CAR-T development, shortening the innovation cycle, and further manufacturing advancement of next-generation CAR-T therapies. Here, we established a simple and robust virus-free multiplex Quantum CART system that seamlessly and synergistically integrates four platforms: 1. GTailor for rapid identification of lead CAR construct design, 2. Quantum Nufect for effective but gentle electroporation-based gene delivery, 3. Quantum pBac, featuring a virus-free transposon-based vector with large payload capacity and integration profile similar to retrovirus, and 4. iCellar for robust and high-quality CAR+ T memory stem cell expansion. This robust, virus-free multiplex Quantum CART system is expected to unleash the full potential of CAR-T therapy for treating diseases.