Chimeric antigen receptor-engineered regulatory T cell (CAR-Treg) (CAR-Treg)

Chimeric antigen receptor-engineered regulatory T cells (CAR-Tregs) are a specialized form of adoptive cell therapy designed to induce localized immune tolerance rather than immune activation. By grafting a CAR onto a regulatory T cell (Treg), the cell is redirected to recognize specific antigens associated with transplanted organs or autoimmune target tissues. Once the CAR-Treg encounters its target antigen, it undergoes activation and expansion, leading to the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10 and TGF-beta and the direct suppression of effector T cells and antigen-presenting cells. This mechanism aims to provide a 'bystander suppression' effect, where the inflammatory environment is dampened specifically at the site of disease. CAR-Tregs are currently being investigated in clinical trials for preventing kidney transplant rejection and treating autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. The primary therapeutic goal is to achieve long-term, antigen-specific immune tolerance, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for chronic systemic immunosuppressive medications.

Other names

CAR-engineered regulatory T cellsAntigen-specific regulatory T cellsCAR-TregsEngineered Treg cells

CAR-Tregs are engineered to express a chimeric antigen receptor that recognizes a specific tissue-associated antigen; upon binding, the Treg is activated to release immunosuppressive cytokines (IL-10, TGF-beta) and exert contact-dependent suppression of local inflammatory immune cells.