Making Potent CAR T Cells Using Genetic Engineering and Synergistic Agents

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Although CAR T cells are regarded as a revolutionary drug in cancer treatment, however, it still has many limitations. To overcome the disadvantages of CAR T cell, many researchers have tried to optimize the CAR gene. In this review, I summarized the current studies regarding genetic engineering of CAR and synergistic agents to enhance the CAR T cell efficacy both in preclinical and clinical models. ABSTRACT: Immunotherapies are emerging as powerful weapons for the treatment of malignancies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells have shown dramatic clinical results in patients with hematological malignancies. However, it is still challenging for CAR T cell therapy to be successful in several types of blood cancer and most solid tumors. Many attempts have been made to enhance the efficacy of CAR T cell therapy by modifying the CAR construct using combination agents, such as compounds, antibodies, or radiation. At present, technology to improve CAR T cell therapy is rapidly developing. In this review, we particularly emphasize the most recent studies utilizing genetic engineering and synergistic agents to improve CAR T cell therapy.