Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Immunotherapy for Tumor: A Review of Patent Literatures

BACKGROUND: Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapy, as an innovative method for tumor immunotherapy, acquires unprecedented clinical outcomes. Genetic modification not only provides T cells with the antigen-binding function but also endows T cells with better immunological functions both in solid and hematological cancer. However, the CAR T cell therapy is not perfect because of several reasons, such as tumor immune microenvironment, and autologous limiting factors of CAR T cells. Moreover, the safety of CAR T cells should be improved. OBJECTIVE: Recently many patents and publications have reported the importance of CAR T cell immunotherapy. Based on the patents about CAR T cell immunotherapy, we conclude some methods for designing the CAR which can provide useful information to readers. METHODS: This review presents recent patents and publications, summarizes some specific antigens for oncotherapy from patents and enumerate some approaches to treatment of immunosuppression and reinforcing the immune response of CAR T cells. We also sum up some strategies for improving the safety of CAR T cell immunotherapy. RESULTS: CAR T cell immunotherapy as a neotype cellular immunotherapy has been proved effective in oncotherapy and authorized by the FDA. Improvements in CAR designing have enhanced the functions of CAR T cells. CONCLUSION: This review, summarizing antigens and approaches to overcome defects of CAR T cell immunotherapy from patents and publications, might contribute to a broad readership.