Chimeric antigen receptor-T cell, a novel player in anti-tumor treatment

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells reprogram the T cells to target tumor cells and have undergone several generations of enhancement. Accumulating evidence shows that by incorporating co-stimulatory molecules and single-chain variable fragments (scFvs), CAR-T cells maintain sustainable proliferation capacity along with high sensitivity and enhanced cytokines production. Moreover, CAR-T cell therapy has shown great promise in clinical trials. However, complications and toxicities must be considered and managed. In this review, we aimed to summarize the development of CAR and the criteria for the selection of the tumor associated antigen (TAA) based on the literature. In addition, we review current clinical trials of CAR-T therapy. Finally, we discuss the adverse effects of CAR-T therapy, managements of complications, and expectations from CAR-T therapy.