Next-Generation CAR-T Cell Therapy: From Modular Design to Clinical Expansion.
4 affiliations
- 1Institute of Translational Medicine China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing China.
- 2Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing China.
- 3School of Biopharmacy China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing China.
- 4Key Laboratory of Biomedical Functional Materials School of Science China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing China.
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment for cancer. After decades of research, it is now being actively explored for a broader range of immune-mediated diseases, particularly cancer and autoimmune disorders. Significant progress has been made in both understanding technological advancements and addressing the intrinsic limitations of this engineered cellular therapy. However, the clinical efficacy and safety of CAR-T cells remain influenced by several factors, including the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME), the continuous mutational evolution of tumour cells, the prohibitive cost of production limiting accessibility, and the immune-related toxicities associated with biologic treatments. Given these substantial challenges, a paradigm shift is urgently needed - from conceptualizing CAR-T cells solely as "engineered immune cells" to recognizing them as "programmable intelligent systems." This review proposes a dynamic immune engineering framework, advocating that the next generation of CAR-T cells be conceived as programmable immune systems capable of sensing, responding to, and self-regulating immune responses. This evolving approach positions dynamic immune regulation as the core principle underlying immune system function. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a conceptual and theoretical foundation for the development of next-generation CAR-T therapies that are not only highly effective but also cost-efficient and globally accessible.
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BibTeX
@article{bai2026nextgeneration,
title = {{Next-Generation CAR-T Cell Therapy: From Modular Design to Clinical Expansion.}},
author = {Yuesong Bai and Jintao Qin and Zongjun Dai and Ran Yan and Yong Yang and Wenguang Wang},
journal = {Exploration (Beijing, China)},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1002/exp2.70230},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42923424},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Next-Generation CAR-T Cell Therapy: From Modular Design to Clinical Expansion.
AU - Yuesong Bai
AU - Jintao Qin
AU - Zongjun Dai
AU - Ran Yan
AU - Yong Yang
AU - Wenguang Wang
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/21
JO - Exploration (Beijing, China)
DO - 10.1002/exp2.70230
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42923424
AB - Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment for cancer. After decades of research, it is now being actively explored for a broader range of immune-mediated diseases, particularly cancer and autoimmune disorders. Significant progress has been made in both understanding technological advancements and addressing the intrinsic limitations of this engineered cellular therapy. However, the clinical efficacy and safety of CAR-T cells remain influenced by several factors, including the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME), the continuous mutational evolution of tumour cells, the prohibitive cost of production limiting accessibility, and the immune-related toxicities associated with biologic treatments. Given these substantial challenges, a paradigm shift is urgently needed - from conceptualizing CAR-T cells solely as "engineered immune cells" to recognizing them as "programmable intelligent systems." This review proposes a dynamic immune engineering framework, advocating that the next generation of CAR-T cells be conceived as programmable immune systems capable of sensing, responding to, and self-regulating immune responses. This evolving approach positions dynamic immune regulation as the core principle underlying immune system function. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a conceptual and theoretical foundation for the development of next-generation CAR-T therapies that are not only highly effective but also cost-efficient and globally accessible.
SN - 2766-8509
SN - 2766-2098
ER -