Abstract The challenge of effectively treating cancer is further complicated by the limitations of current CAR-T cell therapies, especially when confronted with the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TIME). Central to this issue is the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), which induces T cell exhaustion and curtails their antitumor potency. Current methodologies to inhibit the TGF-β pathway have yielded suboptimal results due to transient effects. This project introduces PyroTIMER CAR-T cells, an innovative approach that promises durable inhibition of all TGF-β isoforms within the TIME. This robust strategy not only targets TGF-β with unprecedented potency but also incorporates multiple technical advancements, enhancing T cell cytotoxicity and leveraging patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models for a more accurate representation of the tumor milieu. The overarching research plan is to thoroughly assess PyroTIMER CAR-T cells in both immunocompetent syngeneic models and PDX models. Employing multi-parametric flow cytometry, we aim to delve into the immune dynamics within tumors, elucidating how PyroTIMER CAR-T cells interact with and potentially remodel the TIME. Our objectives are four-fold: 1. Deciphering the influence of TGF-β on PyroTIMER CAR-T cells. 2. Profiling cytokine production to gauge risks, particularly concerning cytokine release syndrome (CRS). 3. Investigating potential exhaustion scenarios in PyroTIMER CAR-T cells. 4. In-depth in vivo evaluations of the safety and efficacy of PyroTIMER CAR-T cells. Our long-term trajectory is underpinned by a commitment to patient safety and therapeutic efficacy. By forging collaborations with pharmaceutical entities, refining manufacturing strategies for scalability, and seeking FDA endorsement, we aspire to position PyroTIMER CAR-T cells at the forefront of personalized cancer therapies. This initiative represents a harmonious blend of advanced scientific inquiry, patient well-being, and strategic commercial planning. Through this endeavor, we aim to redefine CAR-T cell therapy, presenting a novel, potent, and safer treatment paradigm for cancer patients.

Narrative Pyrojas has developed PyroTIMER CAR-T cells that express an anti-TGF-β fusion protein to enhance the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy by inhibiting the TGF-β pathway. In preliminary studies, PyroTIMER CD19 CAR- T cells have demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity and persistence compared to traditional CD19 CAR-T cells against B cell lymphomas in cellular and animal models. The objective of this proposal is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PyroTIMER CAR-T cells in preclinical animal models of B-cell lymphoma, breast cancer, and lung cancer. The study aims to provide critical preclinical safety and efficacy data to pave the way for further clinical development of PyroTIMER CAR-T cells in treating human cancers where efficacy is limited by the immunosuppressive TIME.