Protocol for engineering primary human and mouse T cells using peptide-assisted genome editing
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Updated: Nov 4, 2026

Non-Viral Engineering of Primary Human T Cells via Homology-Mediated End-Joining Targeted Integration of Large DNA Templates
Published on: May 9, 2025
Jianong Wang1, Yifan He2, Zhen Zhang1
1School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China.
Abstract:
Efficient engineering of human and murine primary T cells without perturbation of cellular function is crucial for immunotherapy and immunology research. Here, we present a protocol for genome editing of primary T cells with minimal toxicity using peptide-assisted genome editing. We describe key steps required for primary T cell isolation and activation, CRISPR ribonucleoprotein (RNP) assembly and delivery mediated by peptide, and assessment of editing efficiency. This protocol maintains T cell proliferative capacity and functional potency. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Zhang et al.1.

