Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology and its application to regulatory T cells (Tregs) has garnered interest among researchers in the field of cell and gene therapy. Merging the benefits of CAR technology with Tregs offers a novel and promising therapeutic option for durable reshaping of undesired immune responses following solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, as well as in immune-related disorders. However, major challenges remain for developing a standardized and robust good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant manufacturing process for CAR-Treg cells. We review current progress in the field and recommend ways to improve CAR-Treg manufacturing processes based on lessons learned from first-generation Treg therapeutics as well as from anticancer CAR-T cell development.
Keywords: CAR-T; CAR-Tregs; GMP manufacturing; automation; clinical development; closed systems; gene editing; hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; immunosuppression; regulatory T cells; solid organ transplantation; tolerance induction.
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