CAR-T Cell Therapy: From the Shop to Cancer Therapy

Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Oct 28;24(21):15688. doi: 10.3390/ijms242115688.

Abstract

Cancer is a worldwide health problem. Nevertheless, new technologies in the immunotherapy field have emerged. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology is a novel biological form to treat cancer; CAR-T cell genetic engineering has positively revolutionized cancer immunotherapy. In this paper, we review the latest developments in CAR-T in cancer treatment. We present the structure of the different generations and variants of CAR-T cells including TRUCK (T cells redirected for universal cytokine killing. We explain the approaches of the CAR-T cells manufactured ex vivo and in vivo. Moreover, we describe the limitations and areas of opportunity for this immunotherapy and the current challenges of treating hematological and solid cancer using CAR-T technology as well as its constraints and engineering approaches. We summarize other immune cells that have been using CAR technology, such as natural killer (NK), macrophages (M), and dendritic cells (DC). We conclude that CAR-T cells have the potential to treat not only cancer but other chronic diseases.

Keywords: CAR-T; TRUCK; cancer therapy; immunotherapy; in vivo CAR-T.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive
  • Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen* / genetics
  • T-Lymphocytes

Substances

  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.