12/15/2023

In a World First, a Patient’s Antibody Cells Were Just Genetically Engineered

Scientists have modified B cells to make other proteins to counteract a serious genetic disease

Our B cells help prevent us from getting sick. Their job is to make antibodies, immune system proteins that fight off viruses and other foreign invaders. And they make a lot of antibodies—thousands of them every second. What if these antibody factories could be harnessed to make other things the body needs?

That's the idea behind a trial launched by Seattle-based biotech company Immusoft. The company announced today that its scientists have genetically programmed a patient’s B cells and put them back in his body in an effort to treat disease. It’s the first time engineered B cells have been tested in a person.

The patient has a genetic disorder known as mucopolysaccharidosis type I, or MPS I. His body doesn't produce an essential enzyme that helps to break down long-chain sugars inside cells. Without this enzyme, these sugars build up in the eyes, heart, bones and elsewhere.

Please select this link to read the complete article from WIRED.