Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are astounding. In B-cell cancers, they have been transformative. Yet engineering-wise, CAR T cells are in the equivalent of the Model T era. CAR T-cell engineering has already evolved, with the addition of costimulatory domains, which affect cell expansion and signaling. But once the cells are injected into a patient, there is really no way to affect their behavior.
Sangamo Therapeutics Inc. continued its collaboration spree, signing up its sixth big pharma/biotech partner: Novartis AG. The three-target deal will use Sangamo's zinc finger protein transcription factors to up-regulate undisclosed genes to treat autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders.