Keys to the CAR

Although companies, investors and academics are all racing to develop chimeric antigen receptor-based T cells for cancer, numerous basic science questions still surround the technology. The way forward will likely involve combining chimeric antigen receptors with antibodies, ligands or other small molecules to add specificity and safety to current therapies.

Last week's deal between Pfizer Inc. and Cellectis S.A. to develop chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies for up to 15 targets is the latest in a series of collaborations aiming to translate the technology to the clinic...