RevCAR-mediated T-cell response against PD-L1-expressing cells turns suppression into activation

Abstract Applying CAR T-cell therapy to treat solid tumors is especially challenging due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). While our modular RevCAR system enhances the safety and controllability of CAR T-cell therapy, effectively targeting solid tumors remains difficult. Since P...

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Main Authors: Eugenia Crespo, Liliana R. Loureiro, Antonia Stammberger, Lydia Hoffmann, Nicole Berndt, Anja Hoffmann, Claudia Dagostino, Karla E. G. Soto, Luise Rupp, Claudia Arndt, Martin Schneider, Claudia R. Ball, Michael Bachmann, Marc Schmitz, Anja Feldmann
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-02-01
Series:npj Precision Oncology
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41698-025-00828-6
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Summary:Abstract Applying CAR T-cell therapy to treat solid tumors is especially challenging due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). While our modular RevCAR system enhances the safety and controllability of CAR T-cell therapy, effectively targeting solid tumors remains difficult. Since PD-L1 is an immune checkpoint frequently upregulated by cancer cells and their microenvironment, it is a relevant target for solid tumors. Here, we introduce a novel PD-L1 RevTM capable of redirecting RevCAR T-cells to specifically target and kill PD-L1-expressing tumor cells, becoming activated and secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines. This is shown in vitro with monolayer and 3D models, including patient-derived cultures, and in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrate in vitro and in vivo an AND-gated targeting of cells simultaneously expressing PD-L1 and another tumor-associated antigen by the Dual RevCAR system. Our findings suggest that RevCAR-mediated targeting of PD-L1 could be a promising therapeutic approach for modulating the TME and improving solid tumor treatment.
ISSN:2397-768X