Work

Disarming CAR-Tregs with a clinical-stage natural product to supercharge CAR-T therapy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has revolutionized treatment of relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies, yet about 60% of patients eventually relapse or become resistant.1,2 A key mechanism underlying resistance is the emergence of CAR-expressing regulatory T cells (CAR-Tregs) within infused products. These CAR-Tregs can arise from transduction of natural Tregs or from conventional T cells that acquire a regulatory phenotype upon CAR engagement. Once present, they potently suppress effector CAR-T cells by secreting IL-10 and TGF-β, expressing CTLA-4 and CD25, and metabolically disrupting the tumor microenvironment.

Source: Molecular Therapy Oncology

DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2026.201232

Authors: Bowen Li, Haoran Xu, Wenjun Zhang, Jing Yang

Institution: Tongji University

Language: English

Topic: CAR-T cell therapy research

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,900