Genetic Engineering Methods in Primary T Cells

Genetic engineering in primary T cells is gaining traction in the context of gene therapy and cell therapy, with studies aiming to either induce gene expression/correction, gene inhibition, or a combination of both. These genetic modifications can be achieved using a variety of methods, each with its own advantages and limitations. Also, primary T cell genomes can be edited stably, leading to permanent changes, via methods such as lentiviral transduction and CRISPR; and they can also be edited transiently, using tools such as mRNA transfection, to induce only temporary expression or inhibition of genes. While each of these methods possesses their own characteristics that distinguish them from each other, they also face obstacles in their usage in primary T cells. In this review, the principles and mechanisms behind these gene manipulation tools, as well as their advantages and potential limitations, are discussed.