Expanding the role of CAR T‐cell therapy: From B‐cell hematological malignancies to autoimmune rheumatic diseases

Abstract

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy where the lymphocytes, mostly T‐cells, are redirected to specifically recognize and eliminate a target antigen by coupling them with CARs. The binding of CAR and target cell surface antigens leads to vigorous T cell activation and robust anti‐tumor immune responses. Areas of implication of CAR T‐cell therapies include mainly hematological malignancies (i.e., advanced B‐cell cancers); however, recent studies have proven the unprecedented success of the new immunotherapy also in autoimmune rheumatic diseases. We aim to review the recent advances in CAR T‐cell therapies in rheumatology but also to address the limitations of their use in the real clinical practice based on the data on their efficacy and safety.