CAR T treatment beyond cancer: Hope for immunomodulatory therapy of non-cancerous diseases

• Published in: Life sciences (1973) Vol. 344; p. 122556
• Main Authors: Yang, Zhibo, Liu, Yingfeng, Zhao, Hai
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Inc 01.05.2024
• Subjects: CAR T cells; Immunotherapy; Noncancerous diseases; Resistance mechanisms; Solid tumors; Toxicity; CAR T cells; Solid tumors; Noncancerous diseases; Toxicity; Immunotherapy; Resistance mechanisms
• ISSN: 0024-3205; 1879-0631
• DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122556

Engineering a patient's own T cells to accurately identify and eliminate cancer cells has effectively cured individuals afflicted with previously incurable hematologic cancers. These findings have stimulated research into employing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T therapy across various areas within the field of oncology. However, evidence from both clinical and preclinical investigations emphasize the broader potential of CAR T therapy, extending beyond oncology to address autoimmune disorders, persistent infections, cardiac fibrosis, age-related ailments and other conditions. Concurrently, the advent of novel technologies and platforms presents additional avenues for utilizing CAR T therapy in non-cancerous contexts. This review provides an overview of the rationale behind CAR T therapy, delineates ongoing challenges in its application to cancer treatment, summarizes recent findings in non-cancerous diseases, and engages in discourse regarding emerging technologies that bear relevance. The review delves into prospective applications of this therapeutic approach across a diverse range of scenarios. Lastly, the review underscores concerns related to precision and safety, while also outlining the envisioned trajectory for extending CAR T therapy beyond cancer treatment. [Display omitted]