Cellectis (NASDAQ: CLLS) showcases TALEM epigenetic gene-silencing platform
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
6-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Cellectis filed a Form 6-K sharing a press release on new epigenetic editing research presented at the ASGCT annual meeting. The work uses TALE-based epigenetic modulators (TALEM) to turn genes off without cutting or permanently changing DNA, which the company describes as a potentially safer genome-editing approach.
Cellectis developed a high-throughput screening system to rapidly assemble and test hundreds of TALEM constructs and identified combinations that strongly control specific genes. In hepatocytes and T-cells, the method achieved more than 90% sustained reduction in target gene activity, supporting Cellectis’ broader gene-editing and allogeneic CAR T therapy platform.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Key Figures
ASGCT meeting dates: May 11–15
Poster presentation time: May 13, 2026, 5 pm ET
Gene activity reduction: >90% reduction
+1 more
4 metrics
ASGCT meeting dates
May 11–15
American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy annual meeting in Boston
Poster presentation time
May 13, 2026, 5 pm ET
Scheduled time for Cellectis TALEM poster presentation
Gene activity reduction
>90% reduction
Knock-down of target genes in hepatocytes and T-cells using TALEM
Annual report year referenced
Year ended December 31, 2025
Period referenced for risk-factor disclosures in Cellectis reports
Key Terms
epigenetic editing, Transcription activator-like effector-based epigenetic modulators, TALEM, CAR T immunotherapies, +2 more
6 terms
epigenetic editing technical
"a TALE-based epigenetic editing approach, that does not cut or permanently modify the DNA sequence"
Epigenetic editing is a method that changes chemical tags on DNA or its packaging to turn specific genes on or off without altering the underlying genetic code. Think of it like adding or removing sticky notes on an instruction manual to change which instructions are read. For investors, it matters because this approach can enable precise, potentially reversible treatments for diseases with different safety and regulatory profiles than permanent gene edits, affecting clinical value and commercial potential.
Transcription activator-like effector-based epigenetic modulators technical
"Transcription activator-like effector-based epigenetic modulators (TALEM) are engineered fusion proteins"
TALEM technical
"Cellectis developed a high-throughput screening system capable of rapidly assembling and testing hundreds of these TALEM"
CAR T immunotherapies technical
"The company utilizes an allogeneic approach for CAR T immunotherapies in oncology"
allogeneic approach technical
"The company utilizes an allogeneic approach for CAR T immunotherapies in oncology"
forward-looking statements regulatory
"This press release contains “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws"
Forward-looking statements are predictions or plans that companies share about what they expect to happen in the future, like estimating sales or profits. They matter because they help investors understand a company's outlook, but since they are based on guesses and assumptions, they can sometimes be wrong.
FAQ
What did Cellectis (CLLS) announce in its latest Form 6-K?
Cellectis reported new research on a TALE-based epigenetic editing platform that turns genes off without cutting DNA. The data, presented at the ASGCT meeting, showed strong, durable gene knock-down in liver and T-cells using engineered TALEM fusion proteins.
How does Cellectis’ TALEM epigenetic editing approach work?
Cellectis’ TALEM proteins combine a TALE DNA-binding domain with epigenetic modifier domains to switch genes on or off. They target specific genomic locations without inducing DNA breaks, offering a potentially safer way to control gene activity compared with traditional gene-editing tools.
What results did Cellectis (CLLS) report from its TALEM platform?
The company reported more than 90% reduction in activity of two target genes using TALEM constructs. This knock-down remained stable over the study period, in both hepatocytes and T-cells, supporting the platform’s potential for robust, sustained gene regulation.
Why is Cellectis’ epigenetic editing research important for its pipeline?
The research expands Cellectis’ gene-editing toolbox with non-cutting epigenetic editors that may be safer for therapeutic use. It complements the company’s allogeneic CAR T and gene therapy programs by enabling precise, durable control of gene expression across different cell types.
Where and when is Cellectis presenting these TALEM data?
Cellectis is presenting the TALEM epigenetic editing data in a poster at the ASGCT annual meeting held May 11–15 in Boston. The poster is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 5 pm ET and will also be available on Cellectis’ website.
What type of company is Cellectis (CLLS)?
Cellectis is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on gene editing for cell and gene therapies. It uses an allogeneic, off-the-shelf CAR T approach in oncology and maintains in-house manufacturing, with shares listed on Nasdaq and Euronext Growth under tickers CLLS and ALCLS.