What is the defining characteristic of CAR T-cell therapy?
Answer
Engineering T-cells with a Chimeric Antigen Receptor
CAR T-cell therapy involves taking a patient's own T-cells and genetically modifying them to express a custom-built protein known as a Chimeric Antigen Receptor or CAR. This receptor is grafted onto the surface of the T-cell and serves as a specific homing beacon. This modification enables the T-cells to recognize and eliminate cancer cells by binding to specific surface antigens, acting in a way that is highly precise compared to traditional non-specific treatments.

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