Harnessing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease

Cell & Gene Therapy Insights 2023; 9(7), 1003–1010

10.18609/cgti.2023.132

Published: 14 September 2023
Expert Insight
Lauren Sarko, Krishanu Saha

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) significantly burdens global healthcare systems given limited treatment options to delay or stop disease progression. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, an immunotherapeutic approach that has produced remarkably effective responses in cancer, offers a potential avenue for the treatment of AD. Here, we discuss three significant challenges of adapting CAR-T cell therapy for AD: (i) identifying a suitable antigen target; (ii) limited permeability of the blood–brain barrier; and (iii) long-term persistence and durability of manufactured CAR-T cell products. Potential strategies to overcome these hurdles provide an attractive opportunity to revolutionize the treatment for AD and potentially other neurodegenerative disorders.