CXCR1- or CXCR2-modified CAR T cells co-opt IL-8 for maximal antitumor efficacy in solid tumors

Abstract Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy targeting solid tumors has stagnated as a result of tumor heterogeneity, immunosuppressive microenvironments, and inadequate intratumoral T cell trafficking and persistence. Early (≤3 days) intratumoral presentation of CAR T cells post-treatment is a superior predictor of survival than peripheral persistence. Therefore, we have co-opted IL-8 release from tumors to enhance intratumoral T-cell trafficking through a CAR design for maximal antitumor activity in solid tumors. Here, we demonstrate that IL-8 receptor, CXCR1 or CXCR2, modified CARs markedly enhance migration and persistence of T cells in the tumor, which induce complete tumor regression and long-lasting immunologic memory in pre-clinical models of aggressive tumors such as glioblastoma, ovarian and pancreatic cancer.