SEAKER cells

SEAKER (Synthetic Enzyme-Armed KillER) cells are an innovative cell therapy platform developed by CoImmune, licensed from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). This technology, often referred to as a "micropharmacy" approach, involves engineering immune cells—specifically T cell receptor (TCR) engineered T cells—to express a prodrug-converting enzyme. These cells are designed to localize specifically to tumor sites, such as solid-tumor melanomas, by targeting tumor-associated antigens. Once at the tumor, the expressed enzyme converts a systemically administered, non-toxic prodrug into a potent, bioactive anticancer agent locally. This dual-action mechanism combines the target-seeking and direct killing power of engineered immune cells with the localized generation of high-concentration chemotherapy, thereby enhancing efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity.

Other names

Synthetic Enzyme-Armed Killer cellsSEAKER cell technology