Overview
- A Cancer Cell study from Mount Sinai and Washington University describes IL‑12–armored CAR T cells designed to recognize and deplete tumor‑associated macrophages and reprogram the tumor microenvironment.
- Treatment in metastatic lung, ovarian, and pancreatic mouse models extended survival with many complete cures reported.
- Initial macrophage‑targeting CAR T protocols paired with lymphodepletion caused systemic toxicity, which was mitigated by lower‑dose IL‑12 delivery without lymphodepletion.
- Spatial transcriptomics revealed removal of immunosuppressive cells and recruitment of cytotoxic CD8 T cells and proinflammatory myeloid cells within tumors.
- The team stresses the work remains preclinical and is refining control of IL‑12 release to improve safety before any human testing.