CAR-T cells + cytotoxic T lymphocytes + dendritic cell vaccine

This is a combination immunotherapy regimen that integrates three advanced cellular and vaccine-based modalities: - **CAR-T cells (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells):** Genetically engineered T lymphocytes designed to recognize and kill cancer cells expressing specific antigens. - **Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs):** Effector immune cells capable of directly killing tumor or infected cells, often expanded ex vivo for adoptive transfer. - **Dendritic cell vaccine:** A therapeutic cancer vaccine using patient-derived dendritic cells loaded with tumor-associated antigens to prime and activate the immune system, particularly cytotoxic T cell responses. The rationale behind this combination is to leverage the direct tumor-killing ability of CAR-T and CTLs while enhancing their persistence, activation, and specificity through antigen presentation by dendritic cell vaccines. Preclinical studies and early-phase clinical trials suggest that combining these approaches can overcome limitations such as poor CAR-T persistence, immune exhaustion, or an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Dendritic cell vaccination has been shown to rejuvenate CAR-T function, promote expansion of cytotoxic effectors (including CTLs), improve infiltration into tumors, and potentially prolong remission in refractory cancers such as B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia[1][7][8]. This strategy remains investigational but represents a promising direction in personalized cancer immunotherapy.