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A Real-time Potency Assay for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells Targeting Solid and Hematological Cancer Cells
Published on: November 12, 2019
Facts and Hopes of Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Redirected NK T Cells
Amy N Courtney1, Xin Zhou2,3, Gengwen Tian1
1Department of Pediatrics, Center for Advanced Innate Cell Therapy, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
None:
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered invariant NK T cells (CAR-NKT) are a novel cell platform for cancer immunotherapy. Unlike conventional T cells, NKTs are characterized by innate antitumor properties, minimal alloreactivity, and a unique ability to modulate the tumor microenvironment. This article provides a comprehensive overview of preclinical and early clinical studies evaluating CAR-NKTs in both autologous and allogeneic clinical settings. We discuss the contributions of CAR signaling domains, cytokine coexpression, and other functional measures that correlate with CAR-NKT persistence, function, and metabolic fitness. We also discuss the critical role of immunocompetent animal models in elucidating the interactions of CAR-NKTs with the tumor microenvironment and other components of the immune system. Finally, we review strategies that combine CAR-NKTs with other therapeutic approaches to promote potential synergistic benefits in patients with cancer.
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