CAR-T Cells and Immune Cell Modifications in Cancer Therapy

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has emerged as a transformative approach in cancer immunotherapy, offering targeted and durable responses in hematological malignancies. By genetically engineering T cells to express synthetic receptors that recognize tumor-associated antigens, CAR-T therapy enhances immune specificity and cytotoxicity. Despite its success, several challenges remain, including antigen escape, limited efficacy in solid tumors, and therapy-associated toxicities such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity.Recent research has expanded beyond traditional CAR-T strategies to explore broader immune cell modifications. Natural Killer (NK) cells, macrophages, and engineered regulatory T cells are being investigated as alternative or complementary platforms. Advances in gene editing technologies, including CRISPR-Cas9, have enabled precise modifications that enhance immune persistence, reduce exhaustion, and improve tumor infiltration. Additionally, dual-targeting CAR constructs, armored CAR-T cells secreting cytokines, and switchable CAR designs aim to overcome tumor heterogeneity and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.Integration of immune checkpoint blockade with CAR-T therapy further augments antitumor activity by reversing T cell dysfunction. Synthetic biology approaches also allow fine-tuning of immune cell functions, providing opportunities for safer and more controlled therapeutic responses. As the field progresses, a major focus remains on improving efficacy in solid tumors and minimizing adverse effects.This research topic aims to bring together interdisciplinary studies that highlight current progress, novel strategies, and translational applications of CAR-T and immune cell engineering in cancer therapy. Contributions ranging from preclinical models to clinical trials will provide insights into optimizing these next-generation immunotherapies.Potential research directions include:Novel CAR constructs and multi-antigen targeting strategiesGene editing and synthetic biology tools for immune cell modificationOvercoming challenges of CAR-T therapy in solid tumorsCombination of CAR-T with checkpoint inhibitors and other modalitiesExpanding engineered cell therapy beyond T cells to NK cells and macrophages Topic editors: Marta Garcia-Recio, ANGELICA MENESES ACOSTA, Dorine De Jong Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/73849/car-t-cells-and-immune-cell-modifications-in-cancer-therapy