CAR T cell
CAR T cell
CAR T cell (pronounced: /kɑːr tiː sɛl/), also known as Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell, is a type of immunotherapy that modifies a patient's own T cells to make them more effective at fighting cancer.
Etymology
The term "CAR T cell" is derived from the phrase "Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell". The word "chimeric" comes from the Greek mythological creature, the Chimera, which was made up of parts of different animals. In this context, it refers to the fact that the T cells are engineered to express a receptor that is a combination of parts from different sources. The "T cell" part of the name refers to a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the body's immune response.
Function
CAR T cells are created by taking a patient's own T cells and genetically modifying them to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). This receptor is designed to bind to a specific antigen on the surface of cancer cells, allowing the T cells to recognize and kill the cancer cells. The modified T cells are then multiplied in the lab and infused back into the patient.
Related Terms
- Immunotherapy: A type of treatment that uses the body's own immune system to fight disease.
- T cells: A type of white blood cell that is a key player in the immune response.
- Cancer: A group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.
- Antigen: A substance that the immune system recognizes as foreign and mounts an immune response against.
- Receptor: A protein on the surface of a cell that binds to a specific substance and triggers a specific cellular response.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on CAR T cell
- Wikipedia's article - CAR T cell
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