T cell balancing act

Among the improvements to next-generation CAR T cell therapies is the need to optimize the ratios of the different T cell subsets. While CD8⁺ T cells have grabbed most of the attention, a study from City of Hope suggests that for some cancers, companies should look to CD4⁺ cells instead.

The dominant hypothesis is that CD8⁺ T cells are the primary cytotoxic agents in CAR T therapies. CD4⁺ T cells have played a Cinderella role, perceived as helpers that boost the killing power of their CD8⁺ counterparts. ...