CAR T cells: Cancer, autoimmunity, and beyond?

CAR T cells found proof of concept in hematological malignancies, but applications for the cell therapy modality don’t end there. Programs for solid tumors are progressing, interest in autoimmune indications has surged, and more than a dozen abstracts released ahead of the ASGCT conference propose additional uses for the potent, targeted cell-killing activity of CAR T therapies. 

Research that will be presented at this year’s American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy annual meeting builds on the growing momentum of CAR T cell therapies in autoimmune indications, with at least eight abstracts showcasing CAR T cell therapies for autoimmune diseases. Some of that work tests the limits of CAR T benefits...