Preclinical scenario of targeting myocardial fibrosis with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) immunotherapy

Fibrosis is present in an important proportion of myocardial disorders. Injury activates cardiac fibroblasts, which deposit excess extracellular matrix, increasing tissue stiffness, impairing cardiac function, and leading to heart failure. Clinical therapies that directly target excessive fibrosis are limited, and more effective treatments are needed. Immunotherapy based on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells is a novel technique that redirects T lymphocytes toward specific antigens to eliminate the target cells. It is currently used in haematological cancers but has demonstrated efficacy in mouse models of hypertensive cardiac fibrosis, with activated fibroblasts as the target cells. CAR T cell therapy is associated with significant toxicities, but CAR natural killer cells can overcome efficacy and safety limitations. The use of CAR immunotherapy offers a potential alternative to current therapies for fibrosis reduction and restoration of cardiac function in patients with myocardial fibrosis.

Automated summary

Fibrosis is a common feature in myocardial disorders and can lead to heart failure. Current therapies targeting excessive fibrosis are limited, making the development of more effective treatments necessary. CAR T cell immunotherapy, which redirects T lymphocytes to eliminate target cells, has shown efficacy in mouse models of hypertensive cardiac fibrosis. Although associated with toxicities, CAR natural killer cells provide a potential alternative with improved safety and efficacy. CAR immunotherapy offers promise for reducing fibrosis and restoring cardiac function in patients with myocardial fibrosis.