From:  CRISPR genome editing advances against gastric cancer

 Integrated strategy for developing next-generation CAR-T therapies using CRISPR and organoid platforms.

Technology platformCore inputProcess & methodologyKey outputContribution to CAR-T therapy development
CRISPR screeningPatient-derived gastric cancer organoids, genome-wide sgRNA library.Genome-wide CRISPR knockout screening in organoids, followed by NGS analysis of enriched/depleted sgRNAs.1. Validated novel therapeutic targets (e.g., membrane protein X).
2. Potential targets for overcoming resistance.
Provides a target blueprint: Enables systematic, unbiased discovery of ideal new targets for CAR design, providing source innovation.
Organoid modeling & co-culture1. Novel targets from screening.
2. Candidate CAR-T cells.
1. Generation of organoids expressing the novel target.
2. In vitro co-culture with candidate CAR-T cells.
3. Real-time imaging, cytotoxicity assays, cytokine profiling.
1. Quantitative cytotoxicity data of CAR-T cells.
2. Assessment of tumor specificity (on-target activity).
3. Early warning of “on-target, off-tumor” toxicity risk.
Provides a predictive preclinical platform: High-throughput validation of candidate CAR-T efficacy and safety in a system that closely mimics the human TME, significantly de-risking clinical translation.
CRISPR engineering of CAR-T1. Validated functional targets.
2. Patient T cells.
1. Vector delivery: Introduction of CAR genes targeting novel antigens.
2. Gene editing: Knockout of immune checkpoints (e.g., PD-1, A2AR) to enhance function.
1. CAR-T cells targeting novel antigens.
2. Functionally enhanced (e.g., anti-exhaustion) CAR-T cells.
3. Multi-optimized “off-the-shelf” CAR-T candidate products.
Provides an optimized “living drug”: Translates upstream discoveries into potent weapons against solid tumors. Generates more potent and persistent CAR-T products via multiplexed gene editing.

CAR-T: chimeric antigen receptor T; CRISPR: clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats; TME: tumor microenvironment.