We took this image of CRISPR-Cas9 (green) being delivered to a T cell using our targeting peptide tech, which was the first demonstration of CRISPR delivery to a primary human T cell with a non-viral nanocarrier as of 2018, AFAIK. We achieved 34% editing.
Credit: @Ligandal
Credit: @Ligandal
Green: CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein delivered via peptide nanocarriers
Blue: nucleus
Red: cytosol
Scale bar: 500 nanometers
Imaging: super-resolution microscopy
Blue: nucleus
Red: cytosol
Scale bar: 500 nanometers
Imaging: super-resolution microscopy
Using this sort of tech, you can target and manipulate specific cell types with arbitrary genetic code, both in permanent (e.g. CRISPR-Cas9) and temporary (e.g. mRNA) ways. T cell editing is particularly relevant in the fields of immuno-oncology and autoimmune diseases.
In the future, we will be able to permanently program immune responses into any cell, as well as treat a host of genetic, immunological, and age-related conditions — all while taking on regenerative medicine approaches that heal the body from within.
