Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are capable to eliminate cancer cells in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, yet the efficacy is frequently inconsistent and limited by cancer cell resistance and antigen-loss resulting in early tumor relapses. While CAR T cells are deemed to be the primary effectors in controlling the tumor, maturing evidence indicates that therapeutic outcomes are shaped by a broader immune cell network involving both the endogenous adaptive and innate immunity. In this review, we reframe CAR T cell therapy as the induction of a multi-system immune response rather than a uni-directional cytotoxic cell-autonomous intervention. We discuss the respective contributions of CAR T cells, innate immune cells, and host adaptive immunity in controlling tumor progression and outline strategies to recruit innate immunity using TRUCKs, armored CAR T cells, as well as immunological adjuvants to surmount current limitations. Finally, we address the risks associated with excessive innate immune activation and propose that a calibrated, broad immune cell activation should be viewed as design principle for next-generation CAR T cell therapies.
D. Harrer, Markus Barden, H. Abken· Frontiers in Immunology· 0 citations
ABSTRACT Introduction Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has shown efficacy in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, the application to a broader patient population is still limited by the complex logistics in coordinating the lymphodepleting chemotherapy and the labor-, time-, and cost-intensive ex vivo manufacturing of patients’ CAR T cells in specialized centers. By combining recent advances in lipid nanotechnology, RNA chemistry, and viral particle targeting, engineering CAR T cells in the patient’s bloodstream is becoming an emerging option that may overcome current limitations. Advanced pre-clinical and early clinical studies support this approach by demonstrating successful engineering of CAR T cells in vivo and producing some anti-tumor responses in clinical trials. Areas covered We review delivery strategies using viral and non-viral vectors, summarize the translation into clinical application, and outline strategies for optimization. We further discuss current challenges with respect to targeting specificity, genomic safety, pharmacokinetics, host immune responses, and regulatory oversight. Expert opinion Although still in its infancy, in vivo genetic engineering shows promise for CAR T cell therapy in a wide range of cancer patients. It also has the potential to reprogram patients’ immunity in autoimmunity, chronic infections, and regenerative medicine.
Markus Barden, D. Harrer, Hinrich Abken· Expert Opinion on Biological...· 0 citations
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