Single-cell imaging of CAR T cell activity in vivo reveals extensive functional and anatomical heterogeneity

Marine Cazaux, Capucine L Grandjean, Fabrice Lemaître, Zacarias Garcia, Richard J Beck, Idan Milo, Jérémy Postat, Joost B Beltman, Eleanor J Cheadle, Philippe Bousso

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Abstract

CAR T cells represent a potentially curative strategy for B cell malignancies. However, the outcome and dynamics of CAR T cell interactions in distinct anatomical sites are poorly understood. Using intravital imaging, we tracked interactions established by anti-CD19 CAR T cells in B cell lymphoma-bearing mice. Circulating targets trapped CAR T cells in the lungs, reducing their access to lymphoid organs. In the bone marrow, tumor apoptosis was largely due to CAR T cells that engaged, killed, and detached from their targets within 25 min. Notably, not all CAR T cell contacts elicited calcium signaling or killing while interacting with tumors, uncovering extensive functional heterogeneity. Mathematical modeling revealed that direct killing was sufficient for tumor regression. Finally, antigen-loss variants emerged in the bone marrow, but not in lymph nodes, where CAR T cell cytotoxic activity was reduced. Our results identify a previously unappreciated level of diversity in the outcomes of CAR T cell interactions in vivo, with important clinical implications.

Original languageEnglish
JournalThe Journal of experimental medicine
Early online date1 Apr 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019

Research Beacons, Institutes and Platforms

  • Manchester Cancer Research Centre

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