Inclusion of 4-1BB Costimulation Enhances Selectivity and Functionality of IL13Rα2-Targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells.

This study reveals how modulating CAR design outside the antigen targeting domain improves selective tumor recognition. Specifically, this work shows improved specificity, persistence, and efficacy of 4-1BB-based IL13-ligand CARs. Human clinical trials evaluating IL13-41BB-CAR T cells are ongoing, supporting the clinical significance of these findings.