Strategies to overcome the side effects of chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy

Abstract

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy is a method directing T lymphocytes against antigens on the surface of tumors, increasing target cell elimination. Genetic engineering enhances the capability of immune cells to detect new antigens expressed on cell surfaces. CAR T cell therapy is a significant breakthrough for treating human malignancies; however, different side effects (e.g., cytokine release syndrome) restrict its application. Improving design and using various combined receptors enhance the performance of these cells. This review discusses limitations and risk factors associated with CAR T cell therapy. We also review some alternative approaches for developing the next generation of CAR T cells.