Artwork
by Manvi Jain

Artist's narrative

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          Chimeric Antigen Receptor Cells or CAR-T cells are genetically engineered synthetic cells used to treat certain types of blood cancers. The term "chimeric" is reminiscent of a beast in Greek mythology known as the Chimera. A fire-breathing hybrid, this monster possesses the parts of a lion, goat, and snake. Since the Chimera and the CAR-T cells are both extremely powerful combinations of vastly different organisms, a rendition of the Greek monster has been used to depict the same. The fire has been replaced with what the actual CAR-T cell looks like under a microscope. The mixed media factor of the artwork also serves to reinforce the "chimeric" and amalgamative nature of the cells.

Abstract 

Dr. Sarwish Rafiq 

        Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CAR) are synthetic proteins that we design in the lab to redirect immune cells to recognize and eliminate cancer cells.  Similar to how a chimera is composed of parts from various animals, these receptors borrow motifs found across different immunological molecules. Together, they combine to create a new molecule capable of killing cancer.