Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Studying Interactions between Myeloid Cells and CAR T Cells In Vitro and In Vivo
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Studying Interactions between Myeloid Cells and CAR T Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

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Turn CAR T against TAMs

Alberto Mantovani1, Cecilia Garlanda2

  • 1IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy; William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.

Cancer Cell
|February 6, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) armored chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells effectively target tumor-promoting macrophages. This approach resets the tumor microenvironment to combat cancer growth.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Cell Therapy

Background:

  • Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key regulators of the tumor microenvironment.
  • TAM diversity poses a significant challenge for myeloid cell-targeting cancer therapies.
  • Current strategies face difficulties in effectively targeting pro-tumorigenic macrophage populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of Interleukin-12 (IL-12) armored chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells.
  • To determine if this approach can target and modify tumor-promoting macrophage populations.
  • To assess the potential of resetting the tumor microenvironment towards an anti-cancer state.

Main Methods:

  • Development of IL-12 armored CAR T cells.
  • In vivo and in vitro studies utilizing specific tumor models.
  • Analysis of macrophage populations and tumor microenvironment modulation.

Main Results:

  • IL-12 armored CAR T cells demonstrated effective targeting of tumor-promoting macrophages.
  • Successful reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment from a pro-tumor to an anti-cancer state.
  • Evidence of enhanced anti-tumor activity mediated by the modified T cells.

Conclusions:

  • IL-12 armored CAR T cells represent a promising strategy for targeting TAMs.
  • This approach offers a novel method for modulating the tumor microenvironment.
  • Potential for improved clinical translation of myeloid cell-based cancer therapies.

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