Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-based technology has led to significant success in immunotherapy, particularly in the treatment of blood cancers (hematological malignancies). However, conventional CAR-T therapies face considerable limitations, including the difficulty of producing cells at large scale (scalability), high variability across different donors, and challenges in treating solid tumors.

To overcome these obstacles, research has turned to Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs), which have revolutionized the field by offering a renewable and potentially unlimited cell source for the development of “off-the-shelf” immune therapies. The use of iPSCs allows for the creation of a standardized cell product and the straightforward introduction of genetic modifications.

Key Applications

1. PSC-derived T Lymphocytes (iT cells): iPSCs can be engineered to differentiate into T lymphocytes (iT cells) that express the CAR (CAR-iT). The primary goal is the fight against cancer, but also the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
   1. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Clinical trials are underway to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CAR-iT therapies. For example, in a Phase 1 study (NCT06308978) in patients with refractory SLE, an iPSC-derived anti-CD19 CAR-T therapy (off-the-shelf) induced a rapid and profound reduction of B lymphocytes. No serious adverse events (such as cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity) were reported, and patients showed clinical improvements. These results encourage the exploration of this therapy for other B lymphocyte-mediated autoimmune diseases.
   2. Tumors: iPSCs also enable the development of rare T cell populations (such as iNKT cells, invariant Natural Killer T cells, and iγδT cells, gamma-delta T lymphocytes), which are otherwise poorly represented in peripheral blood. These cells are particularly promising in allogeneic applications (across different donors) because they are activated independently of HLA complexes, reducing the risk of the feared Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD).
2. iPSC-derived Macrophages (iMacs): Unlike T lymphocytes, which struggle to infiltrate the hostile environment of solid tumors (TME), macrophages are known for their ability to penetrate tissue. iPSCs offer a scalable and unlimited source for generating engineered macrophages (CAR-iMacs).

1. Solid Tumors: The ability to genetically modify iMacs (for example, to express a CAR) and their innate tumor infiltration capacity open new possibilities for immunotherapy, particularly for the treatment of solid tumors. Engineered CAR-iMacs have demonstrated in the laboratory an enhanced capacity for phagocytosis of tumor cells and increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Early clinical studies (albeit on autologous macrophages) have already demonstrated the feasibility of production, safety, and the ability of transplanted cells to reach and modulate the tumor microenvironment in patients with tumors.

The Future Starts Today: Preserve Your Cells with EternaCell

These extraordinary scientific advances are no longer science fiction, but a rapidly evolving clinical reality. iPSC-based therapies are moving from research laboratories to clinical trials, with promising results for both cancer and autoimmune diseases.

The crucial question is: will you be ready when these therapies become available?

The mononuclear blood cells that EternaCell preserves today represent the ideal starting material for future iPSC-based therapies. By banking your young and healthy cells now, you ensure:

• 100% Compatibility – zero risk of rejection
• Optimal cellular quality – cells protected from aging and environmental damage
• Guaranteed future access – when iPSC-CAR therapies become available, you will be able to use your own cells
• Compliance with clinical standards – GMP and FACT-NetCord preservation, the same standards required for advanced therapies

With over 20 years of experience through Swiss Stem Cells Biotech and a guaranteed preservation period of at least 20 years (renewable), EternaCell offers you the peace of mind of knowing that your “most precious biological material” is safely stored, ready for when the medicine of the future becomes the medicine of the present.

Regenerative medicine is advancing rapidly. Your preparation begins today.

Source: Débora Basílio-Queirós, Isabelle Rivière, Sjoukje J.C. van der Stegen, Nico Lachmann, iPSC-derived T cells and macrophages: Manufacturing and next-generation application approaches, Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, Volume 227, 2025, 115713, ISSN 0169-409X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addr.2025.115713.