Chimeric antigen receptor-immune cells against solid tumors: Structures, mechanisms, recent advances, and future...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has revolutionized hematological cancer treatment but faces challenges in solid tumors.
• CAR-natural killer (NK) cells offer advantages like "off-the-shelf" availability and dual killing mechanisms.
• CAR-macrophages (CAR-Ms) demonstrate potent tumor infiltration and preclinical efficacy in solid tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the current status and progress of CAR-T, CAR-NK, and CAR-M cell therapies for solid tumors.
• To analyze the advantages and limitations of each CAR cell type.
• To identify major hurdles and potential solutions for advancing these immunotherapies.

Main Methods:

• Comparative review of existing research on CAR-T, CAR-NK, and CAR-M cell therapies.
• Analysis of CAR structure, therapeutic mechanisms, research progress, and challenges.
• Evaluation of preclinical and clinical data for solid tumor applications.

Main Results:

• CAR-T, CAR-NK, and CAR-M cells exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of CAR design, effector functions, and tumor microenvironment interactions.
• CAR-NK cells provide allogeneic, off-the-shelf options with broad applicability.
• CAR-Ms show significant potential due to their inherent tumor-homing and effector functions.

Conclusions:

• Each CAR cell type presents unique strengths and weaknesses for solid tumor treatment.
• Overcoming challenges related to CAR structure, delivery, and tumor microenvironment is crucial.
• Further research and comparative studies are needed to determine optimal CAR cell strategies for solid tumors.