CAR T cells are revolutionising the fight against brain cancer, particularly aggressive types like Diffuse Midline Glioma. CAR T cells are engineered from a patient’s own T cells to express receptors that specifically target cancer cells, awakening the immune system to the cancer. Using logic gating, CAR T cells can be programmed to activate only in the presence of specific antigen combinations, minimising the risk of damaging healthy tissue. This sophisticated control is achieved through synthetic biology, allowing the design of genetic circuits within T cells. These circuits can include synthetic transcription factors that adjust gene expression in response to the tumour environment, creating a smarter, more effective therapy. Together, these innovations offer new hope for patients with otherwise untreatable brain cancers.
