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Immunology

Regulating the regulators of the immune system
T cells labeled in fluorescent green patrol the vascular system, labeled in red

Regulating the regulators of the immune system

Research led by School of Veterinary Medicine scientists reveals a new layer of complexity with which the immune system finds a balance between controlling pathogens and protecting healthy tissue.

Katherine Unger Baillie

CAR T cells suppress GI solid tumor cells without toxicity to healthy tissue
Microscopic view of T cells.

CDH17 CAR T cells attack a tumor but spare healthy tissue. (Image: Penn Medicine News)

CAR T cells suppress GI solid tumor cells without toxicity to healthy tissue

New research finds that CAR T cells can eliminate solid tumors, but do not damage healthy, normal tissues that also express a tumor antigen, because the tumor antigen is sequestered and hidden between the normal cells.

Caren Begun

Decade-long remission after CAR T cell therapy
Two people stand closely together, smiling

Bill Ludwig, left, was the first patient to receive CAR T cells as part of clinical trials at Abramson Cancer Center. Carl June, right, has played a pioneering roll in the therapeutic use of CAR T cells. (Image: Penn Medicine)

Decade-long remission after CAR T cell therapy

Two patients represent longest-known CAR T cell response to date, providing insight into treatment effect and outcomes.

Caren Begun