Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has revolutionized cancer care, yet its manufacturing remains challenging due to variability in quality and efficacy. In this talk we introduce a novel microfluidic, label-free cellular biophysical profiling assay that rapidly assesses the functional phenotypes of CAR T cells. Our assay leverages biophysical features such as cell size and deformability to directly correlate with critical functional attributes, including the CD4:CD8 ratio, effector and central memory subtypes, and killing potency. Validated through extensive longitudinal studies across multiple CAR T batches from different donors and culture platforms, this method requires fewer than 10,000 cells and completes profiling within 10 minutes. The assay provides an efficient means to predict CAR T cell quality at critical manufacturing stages, thereby potentially reducing batch failure rates and enhancing therapeutic consistency.
Yang Shao-Horn
Brian Anthony Faculty Lead, Industry Immersion Program in Mechanical Engineering Co-Director, MIT Clinical Research Center Associate Director, MIT.nano Duane Boning Clarence J. LeBel Professor in Electrical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Erik v Head of Product & EcosystemTulip Steven Moskowitz Director of Digital Transformation, Entegris
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