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Review
. 2021 Mar;21(3):145-161.
doi: 10.1038/s41568-020-00323-z. Epub 2021 Jan 22.

Recent advances and discoveries in the mechanisms and functions of CAR T cells

Rebecca C Larson  1   2 , Marcela V Maus  3   4
Affiliations
Review

Recent advances and discoveries in the mechanisms and functions of CAR T cells

Rebecca C Larson et al. Nat Rev Cancer. 2021 Mar.

Abstract

This Review discusses the major advances and changes made over the past 3 years to our understanding of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell efficacy and safety. Recently, the field has gained insight into how various molecular modules of the CAR influence signalling and function. We report on mechanisms of toxicity and resistance as well as novel engineering and pharmaceutical interventions to overcome these challenges. Looking forward, we discuss new targets and indications for CAR T cell therapy expected to reach the clinic in the next 1-2 years. We also consider some new studies that have implications for the future of CAR T cell therapies, including changes to manufacturing, allogeneic products and drug-regulatable CAR T cells.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests

M.V.M. and R.C.L. have intellectual property on certain CAR T cells and antibodies (not licensed yet). M.V.M. receives consulting income from several industry sponsors that market CAR T cell therapies; M.V.M. serves on several scientific advisory boards and has equity in TCR2 and Century therapeutics.

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