Development of allogeneic CAR T-cells

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy represents a major breakthrough in the field of hematology. "Off-the-shelf" allogeneic CAR T-cells from donors have many potential advantages over autologous approaches, such as the immediate availability of cryopreserved batches, possible standardization of the cell product, time for multiple cell modifications, redosing and decreased cost. However, allogeneic T-cells possess foreign immunological identities that can lead to graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and their rejection by the host immune system. In this review, we describe the different approaches to produce allogeneic CAR T-cells with limited potential for GvHD and that can persist in the recipient. The preliminary clinical results obtained with the first generation of allogeneic CAR T-cells are presented as well as the perspectives in hematological malignancies and solid tumors.