Pharma & Biotech

Cell therapy

Cell therapy overview

Cell therapy involves the transfer of functional cells that can be modified outside the body into patients. These cells can be from the patient (autologous) or a donor (allogeneic). This includes CAR-T cells, for which quality control is vital for their effectiveness.

dPCR improves the precise quantification of modifications in these therapeutic cells, leading to accurate control over gene editing events. It also helps detect contaminating DNA, guaranteeing its safety and purity and ensuring reproducibility in lentivirus and CAR-T cell therapy production. It is also essential for detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) in cancer therapy, scanning therapy-related biomarkers and providing quality control during manufacturing.

Cell therapy workflow

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CAR T-cells

CAR-T cells (Chimeric antigen receptor) are rapidly emerging as a promising treatment for cancers and immune disorders. T cells are genetically modified to express CARs containing antibody-based recognition domains against cell-surface antigens on the target cell type.
T cells, or other cell types, can be genetically manipulated using lentiviruses and retroviruses. Viral vectors have a high transduction efficiency, but they suffer from immunogenicity and cellular toxicity.

CAR T cell immunotherapy, chimeric antigen receptor T cell immunotherapy

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CAR T-cell development

Viral vectors have not only been tested, but they are most commonly used. Current research efforts focus on using CRISPR editing for CAR-T cell engineering for reproducible, safe and potent CAR-T cell products. The current manufacturing process of these cells requires dedicated equipment and significant technical expertise, so there is an urgent need to develop a safe yet simple approach to CAR-T cell development.

In vivo, reprogramming of CAR-T cells using nanotechnology to encapsulate CAR-expressing plasmids provides an alternative approach.

We offer a range of products for the quantification of viral titers, determination of viral vector integrity and detection of residual host cell DNA, as well as mycoplasma contamination.

Lentivirus production

Lentivirus vectors are one of the most versatile gene transfer tools for T cell therapies that can transduce both dividing and nondividing cells. Effective and reproducible cell therapies require sensitive and precise methods for quality control of lentivirus production. Traditional qPCR quantification of nucleic acids may be affected by PCR inhibitors and additionally require a reference standard for quantification.

We offer a range of products for quantifying viral titers. One of them is the QIAcuity Digital PCR System,, which that enables fast, reproducible, and absolute quantification of viral titer without a reference standard, ensuring quality and reproducibility in cell therapy research. The technology also has a greater tolerance for inhibitors than qPCR

Resources for cell therapy applications

Interested in a personalized package to meet your company’s needs?

We understand that one solution doesn't fit all. We offer a range of products, technologies and services for cell therapy research. Contact us and together we can develop a package tailored for you.

Looking for products to confirm cell identity?

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Accelerate your data-driven cell therapies

From data analysis to databases, from gene expression to genome assembly, from interpretation to integration – QIAGEN Digital Insights has the breadth and quality of bioinformatics tools you need to drive meaningful insights and fuel cell therapy discoveries.