INTRODUCTION
BDG LifeSciences is a distinguished bioinformatics company established in 2010 and operates globally. Headquartered in India the company specializes in facilitating workshops, training programs, novel & innovative research projects, and online courses in technologies of bioinformatics & life science. The company is registered under the Ministry of MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), Government of India, with the registration number UDYAM-UP-01-0019151. Recently, BDG Lifesciences, India has authorized BBR Group Pty Ltd., Australia (ACN 608 550 849), to operate its programs in Australia & New Zealand.
With a focus on practical application of technology, where participants work on their own computer/laptop on software/servers, BDG LifeSciences has been a leader in the sector for the last 14 years. Since its inception, BDG LifeSciences has successfully educated a diverse range of participants globally, including students, scientists, faculty members, professors, and corporate executives
Innovation & Creativity is the core part of BDG Lifesciences and as per the increasing demand advancing in the technology we have launched a 5-day Online Technical Training in Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) for T-cell therapy offers an in-depth exploration of CAR T-cell therapy. Participants will learn the principles of CAR construction, target antigen selection, vector design, and optimization strategies, gaining hands-on experience in designing CAR constructs for personalized cancer immunotherapy.
Overview
This training program covers the essentials of CAR T-cell therapy, from understanding its mechanisms to designing and optimizing CAR constructs. Participants will explore advanced bioinformatics tools to perform antigen selection, gene synthesis, and CAR evaluation, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications in cancer immunotherapy.
Video recording of each session will be provided at the end of the session to give the user a unique learning experience. On successful completion of the course participation certificate will be awarded.
Topics
Introduction to CAR T-cell Therapy and CAR Design Basics
- Overview of CAR T-cell therapy in cancer immunotherapy.
- Structure and components of a Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR): Antigen-binding domain, spacer, transmembrane domain, and intracellular signaling domain.
- Mechanisms of CAR T-cell action: How CARs engage with target antigens on tumor cells.
- Understanding the types of CARs: First, second, and third generation.
- CAR T-cell therapy challenges and limitations: Targeting specificity, off-target effects, and toxicity.
Target Antigen Selection for CAR T-cell Therapy
- Identifying and selecting tumor-specific antigens for CAR targeting: Surface markers of cancer cells, tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), and tumor-specific neoantigens.
- Methods for validating target antigen expression in tumors (FACS, IHC).
- Designing CARs for solid tumors versus hematologic cancers.
- Avoiding immune-related side effects: Identifying tumor-associated but normal antigens.
Vector Design and CAR Gene Synthesis
- Overview of CAR gene vector systems: Lentiviral vectors, retroviral vectors, and plasmids.
- Designing CAR gene constructs: Promoters, co-stimulatory domains, and signaling molecules (CD3ζ, CD28, 4-1BB).
- Techniques for cloning CAR genes: PCR, restriction enzyme-based cloning, and Gibson assembly.
- Ensuring stability and high expression in CAR T-cells.
Optimization Strategies and Advanced CAR Designs
- Enhancing CAR efficacy: Choosing appropriate costimulatory domains and intracellular signaling.
- Modifying CARs for better tumor targeting: Tuning affinity of the antigen-binding domain and utilizing single-chain variable fragments (scFvs).
- Incorporating safety mechanisms: Suicide genes, safety switches, and armored CAR designs.
- Advanced CAR designs: Dual-target CARs, bispecific CARs, and switchable CARs for enhanced precision.
CAR T-cell Generation, Evaluation, and Case Studies
- CAR T-cell generation process: Transduction of T-cells, expansion, and quality control.
- Evaluating CAR T-cell efficacy: In vitro assays, cytokine release, cytotoxicity, and proliferation assays.
- Clinical trials and case studies of CAR T-cell therapies in leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors.
- Ethical considerations, regulatory challenges, and personalized CAR T-cell therapies.
Practical Hands-On Exercises
- Participants will use online tools to design and optimize CAR constructs, perform antigen selection, and simulate vector design.
- Guided demonstrations on how to visualize CAR components and understand the implications for therapy.
SOFTWARE & SERVERS WHICH WILL BE USED
Geneious Prime
- Tool for DNA sequence alignment, cloning, and constructing CAR gene vectors.
- Used for designing CAR constructs, cloning gene sequences, and analyzing sequence quality.
Benchling
- Platform for molecular biology and genetic engineering workflows.
- Used for vector design, plasmid construction, and documentation of CAR gene synthesis.
SnapGene
- DNA sequence visualization and annotation software.
- Used to visualize, annotate, and design CAR vectors, ensuring proper gene sequence construction.
GeneArt (Thermo Fisher)
- Online tool for custom gene synthesis and cloning services.
- Used for ordering synthetic CAR genes and optimizing designs for expression.
BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool)
- Tool for sequence alignment and identifying homologous sequences in large databases.
- Helps in validating CAR antigen-binding domains and ensuring specificity.
FACS (Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting) Data Analysis Tools
- Software for analyzing flow cytometry data to validate antigen expression on target cells.
- Used to assess antigen targeting efficiency and specificity for CAR T-cells.
Clustal Omega / MUSCLE
- Multiple sequence alignment tools for evaluating the antigen-binding domain sequences.
- Used for sequence comparison to optimize CAR T-cell targeting.
Cytoscape
- Software for visualizing molecular interaction networks and pathways.
- Used to visualize the interaction between CAR T-cells and tumor cells in the context of signaling.
iReceptor Plus
- Platform for analyzing immune receptor sequences.
- Used for designing CARs that target specific immune receptors and optimizing them for therapeutic use.
T cell receptor (TCR) & CAR design tools
- Specialized software like CARMaker for the design and optimization of CAR constructs, including choosing appropriate domains and co-stimulatory signals.
Jupyter Notebooks / Python
- For custom analyses, simulations, and modeling of CAR behavior and tumor-cell interaction, helping to predict CAR T-cell efficacy in silico.
Cloud-Based Platforms (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud)
- For running large-scale simulations, data storage, and accessing large bioinformatics datasets related to CAR T-cell therapy.
Learning Outcome
By the end of this workshop, participants will:
- Understand CAR T-cell Therapy: Gain an in-depth understanding of the principles and mechanisms behind Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and its application in cancer immunotherapy.
- Design CAR Constructs: Learn how to design and optimize CAR constructs, including selecting antigen-binding domains, co-stimulatory domains, and intracellular signaling molecules.
- Select Target Antigens: Master the process of selecting tumor-specific antigens for CAR targeting, and learn to distinguish between tumor-associated antigens and normal tissue antigens to avoid off-target effects.
- Vector Design and Gene Synthesis: Understand the process of vector design for CAR gene delivery, and gain hands-on experience in cloning and synthesizing CAR genes using molecular biology tools.
- Optimize CAR Constructs: Learn how to enhance the efficacy of CAR T-cells by optimizing CAR designs, such as improving affinity, incorporating costimulatory signals, and designing advanced CAR strategies like dual-target and bispecific CARs.
- Evaluate CAR T-cell Function: Gain insights into how CAR T-cells are generated, transduced, and expanded in vitro, and understand key assays for evaluating CAR T-cell functionality, including cytotoxicity, cytokine release, and proliferation assays.
- Address Clinical Challenges: Learn about the clinical challenges of CAR T-cell therapy, including off-target effects, toxicity, and targeting solid tumors, and explore strategies for overcoming these hurdles.
- Use Bioinformatics Tools: Become proficient in using bioinformatics platforms (e.g., Geneious, Benchling) and simulation tools for CAR gene design, antigen selection, and predicting the success of CAR T-cell therapies.
- Understand Ethical and Regulatory Aspects: Gain awareness of the ethical considerations, regulatory requirements, and personalized approaches necessary for CAR T-cell therapy development and implementation.
- Case Studies and Real-World Applications: Analyze real-world case studies of CAR T-cell therapies in clinical trials, and explore emerging therapies and innovations in the field.
By the end of this workshop, participants will
- Understand the fundamentals of CAR T-cell therapy and its role in cancer immunotherapy.
- Learn to design CAR constructs, including antigen-binding domains and co-stimulatory signals.
- Select and validate tumor-specific antigens for CAR targeting.
- Gain expertise in vector design and CAR gene synthesis techniques.
- Optimize CAR designs for enhanced specificity, efficacy, and safety.
- Analyze clinical trials and case studies for practical insights into CAR T-cell applications.
Target Audience
This workshop is ideal for:
- Students: Graduate and postgraduate students in bioinformatics, immunology, and cancer biology.
- Academicians: Researchers and educators seeking advanced knowledge in CAR T-cell therapy.
- Industry Professionals: Biotech and pharmaceutical professionals working in cancer immunotherapy and gene therapy.
Methodology
The workshop combines interactive lectures, hands-on activities, and real-world case studies. Participants will use bioinformatics tools like Geneious Prime, SnapGene, and Benchling to design and optimize CAR constructs, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.
Why You Should Attend
This workshop equips participants with cutting-edge knowledge and skills to design CAR T-cells for cancer immunotherapy. Gain practical expertise in bioinformatics tools and explore real-world applications, preparing you for advanced research and professional opportunities in immunotherapy.
Why Choose BDG LifeSciences for this Training?
BDG LifeSciences is a globally recognized leader in bioinformatics training, offering expert-led workshops tailored to current research and industry trends. Our programs provide a perfect blend of theory and practical application, ensuring participants gain the confidence and skills needed to excel in CAR T-cell therapy and beyond.
How To Register
To secure your spot:
- Click on Register Now button and proceed.
- After registering, please email to info@bdglifesciences.com with your preferred start date and choose one of the following time slots: 6:30 AM–8:30 AM India time or 8:30 PM–10:30 PM India time.
- Kindly note that the time of the sessions will be 90-120 minutes every day.
- Once you register, please allow us 2-5 working days to make your training schedule, i.e. dates and time.
- For any further queries, feel free to email us at info@bdglifesciences.com
Previous Events & Testimonials
Gain insight into our past trainings:
- Video Feedback: Visit our YouTube channel for testimonials.
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T & C
- Please provide a GMAIL ID for registration as the recorded video session will be provided on YouTube. Kindly provide that email ID by which you use YouTube.
- Since the training is a one-on-one live session with a trainer on Zoom, you'll need to attend, allowing for practical hands-on learning, real-time explanations, and direct query resolution for a better learning experience.
- At the end of each session, you will receive a video recording, allowing you to review the steps as many times as needed to enhance your learning and master the topics and tasks.
- BDG Lifesceiences (OPC) Private Limited is registered under Ministry of MSME(Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises), Government of India with Registration Number:UDYAM-UP-01-0019151 hence the certificate will be provided of it. BBR Group Pty Ltd, Australia (ACN-Australian Company Number-608 550 849) has the franchisee of BDG Lifesciences to run its programs in Australia & New Zealand.
- The certificate will be issued as per the details which you will provide in the registration form while registering before payment.
- We want to make sure that you learn properly hence the training certificate will be given ONLY on successful completion of all the tasks given by the trainer.
- The certificates of all our Online programs are sent by email (softcopy) which has a unique barcode. You can take a print of that on heavy cardstock or photo paper and get it laminated if required.
- The registration is NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE.
- BDG Lifesciences (OPC) Pvt. Ltd., India and BBR Group Pty Ltd Australia reserve the right of admission in all our programs.
- If you are removed or your registration is canceled then there will be no answer to that. We have our own reasons for such an act of ours. If we do not wish to give this training to any participant then we will refund their amount.
- You should also read the Terms & Conditions page as well as the FAQs page. For any assistance kindly chat with our AI Assistant BioBot on the website www.bdglifesciences.com