Biomimetic platform developed to enhance CAR T cell therapy against leukemia

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cell therapy represents a milestone in leukemia treatment. CAR T works by genetically engineering a chimeric antigen receptor on the surface of the patient's T cells to target specific antigens on leukemia cells, with the goal of identifying and eliminating them. However, clinical data show that more than 50% of patients eventually relapse after CAR T treatment. One major reason is that leukemia cells can reduce or lose expression of the targeted antigen under therapeutic pressure. When this occurs, CAR T cells can no longer effectively recognize and eliminate leukemia cells.