Redirected T cells in cancer therapy.

Genetic engineering of T lymphocytes is an appealing strategy to confer and enhance new antitumor specificities to generate effective anticancer cell products for adoptive immunotherapy. The two main approaches are based either on transgenic tumor-antigen specific T cell receptors (TCR) or chimeric antigen receptors (CAR). Initial clinical trials reported important results against selected diseases, along with relevant warnings. Ongoing research challenges are directed toward a widespread application of this approach enhancing the range of possible target antigens, antitumor activity and safety, but also addressing logistic issues regarding cost/effectiveness, up-scaled/automated production and compliance with regulations.