The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre has developed PRAME TCR/IL-15 NK (SY-307), a revolutionary therapy using engineered T cell receptor natural killer (TCR NK) cells to target relapsed/refractory myeloid malignancies.
These engineered cells are derived from cord blood and are equipped with a high-affinity TCR specifically designed to target the PRAME tumour-associated neoantigen.
PRAME is notable for its widespread presence across various cancer types, including acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), as well as melanoma, sarcoma, and several solid tumours like ovarian, endometrial, lung, and breast cancer.
The distinct immunogenicity of PRAME, combined with its selective expression in cancerous tissues, positions it as an ideal target for cell therapy-based cancer immunotherapy.
Being a well-known cancer-testis antigen, PRAME is characterised by its re-expression in cancer cells while maintaining minimal expression in normal tissues, making it a promising avenue for immunotherapy.
Research on PRAME, initially focusing on haematological malignancies and later extending to solid tumours, promises to deepen understanding of the potential benefits of engineered TCR-modified NK cells for patients dealing with relapsed/refractory myeloid malignancies.
This development marks a significant step forward in the creation of readily available engineered TCR NK cell therapies to tackle pressing medical needs.
