Community Series in Engineered Immune Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy (EICCI), volume III

This Research Topic is the third volume of the “Engineered Immune Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy (EICCI)” Community Series. Please see Volume I here and volume II here.

The field of engineered immune cells in cancer immunotherapy has witnessed remarkable advancements over the past few decades, particularly in the realm of adoptive cell therapy (ACT) and the engineering of T cells with tumor antigen-targeting receptors. These engineered T cells, equipped with either T cell receptors (TCRs) or chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), have shown significant promise in targeting and eliminating cancer cells. TCR-transgenic T cells, in particular, have demonstrated the ability to recognize a wide array of antigens, including those presented by HLA, offering a targeted approach that spares healthy tissues. Despite the success of CAR-T cells in treating refractory B-cell malignancies, challenges remain, especially in addressing the low efficacy of CAR-T cells in solid tumors due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and the lack of specific tumor antigens. Current research is focused on enhancing CAR-T cell efficacy through innovative strategies, such as logic gates and genome editing tools, while also addressing the complexities of manufacturing these "living drugs" and managing associated adverse events.

This Research Topic aims to explore the latest developments and challenges in the field of engineered immune cells for cancer immunotherapy. The primary objectives include investigating the clinical evolution of CAR-T cell therapy, optimizing TCR-engineered T lymphocytes for tumor targeting, and developing new CAR designs. Additionally, the research will focus on overcoming barriers in solid tumor immunotherapy, advancing Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, and improving the safety and efficacy of cell therapies through gene editing and manufacturing innovations. By addressing these key areas, the research seeks to enhance the therapeutic potential of engineered immune cells in cancer treatment.

To gather further insights in the field of engineered immune cells in cancer immunotherapy, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- The clinical evolution of CAR-T cell therapy.
- Targeting tumors with TCR-engineered T lymphocytes.
- New CAR designs and strategies for solid tumor immunotherapy.
- Advances in Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) therapy.
- Optimizing target molecules and in vivo models for engineered T lymphocytes.
- Allogeneic/"Off the Shelf" therapies.
- Gene editing strategies to enhance cell therapy efficacy and safety.
- Manufacturing implementation and Pharma/Biotech perspectives.
- Innovative approaches to improve cancer cell targeting.
- Regulatory and quality aspects of clinical centers for advanced therapy medicinal products.

Topic Editor Dr. Francisco Martin is the founder of LentiStem Biotech and owns Patents PCTEP2019081346, WO2018083274A1and EP23382393_9. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.