Science Spotlight: Balancing safety and efficacy with dual TCR/CAR T cells

A team of scientists, mostly from the National Cancer Institute, created dual TCR/CAR T cells that killed tumors with minimal toxicity to healthy tissue, a problem that has limited CAR T cell applicability to solid tumors. 

The authors developed a mathematical model to explain how TCR and CAR signals integrate. It showed weak TCR inputs, such as self-antigens, antagonize CAR activation, acting as a "brake" to prevent overactivation against healthy tissues, while strong TCR inputs, such as neoantigens, amplify CAR-driven responses. ...