10x Genomics, Inc, a leader in single cell and spatial biology, announced that its single-cell genomic technologies were used in a study published in the journal Nature Medicine about new gene signatures that explain why some children with leukemia have longer remission after CAR T-cell therapy. The collaborative research project was conducted by researchers from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (UCL GOS ICH).
Researchers conducting the study, “Transcriptional signatures associated with persisting CD19 CAR-T cells in children with leukemia,” used Chromium Single Cell Gene Expression technologies and T-cell receptor sequencing of samples to look at what makes the long-lasting CAR T-cells unique. These helped identify a genetic signature of the CAR T-cells that persisted in the body long-term – an important predictor of durable remission. The data was from the CARPALL trial, which used molecular features and clonal dynamics of CD19 CAR T-cells of 10 children with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic.
Ben Hindson, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at 10x Genomics, said, “Single cell genomics is a powerful tool that is transforming cancer research and our understanding of health and disease. We are so proud to have 10x technologies behind this incredible breakthrough. We celebrate the achievements of the research team and the selfless dedication of the families who made this study possible. We look forward to continuing to give researchers the technologies needed to fuel new biological discoveries and ultimately help improve patient care.”
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Using Chromium Single Cell Gene Expression products, researchers identified a unique double negative phenotype of long-lasting CAR T-cells, which provides insights into how these cells survive and remain active in the body. These key genes appeared to enable the CAR T-cells to persist and therefore allow the children to live cancer free long-term. The findings may lead to discovering new biomarkers that could predict the long-term durability of CAR T-cell therapies and provide better treatment options for patients.
Dr. Sam Behjati, co-senior author, Group Lead and Wellcome Senior Research Fellow at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and Honorary Consultant Paediatric Oncologist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, said, “This study is a fantastic step forward in our understanding of CAR T-cell persistence and illustrates the power of collaborative science and combining pioneering clinical research with cutting-edge genomic science. It is crucial that we continue to develop and build on these new treatments to help more children with leukaemia across the world.”
SOURCE: PRNewswire