ArticleJournal of experimental & clinical cancer research : CR2026
Low-dose docetaxel reprograms CAR T cells for enhanced solid tumor immunity.
Article in Journal of experimental & clinical cancer research : CR, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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15 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundChimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in solid tumors is hampered by dense stromal barriers, rapid functional exhaustion, and limited persistence. Here, we report that low-dose docetaxel acts as an immunomodulatory primer that reprograms CAR T cells to address these barriers. Retrospective analysis of breast cancer patients identifies host lymphocyte reserve as a key determinant of docetaxel treatment benefit, implying an immunological component beyond direct tumor cell killing.
methodsSub-cytotoxic docetaxel concentrations were evaluated in primary human T cells and CAR T cells using phenotypic, transcriptional, and functional assays. Secretory profiles and extracellular vesicle cargo were characterized, with efficacy assessed in 3D spheroids and xenograft models.
resultsDocetaxel priming induces a "Metabolic-Cycle Uncoupling" state, constraining proliferation while enhancing cytotoxic effector potency and memory traits. This reprogramming is associated with upregulation of Rab27-dependent exosome biogenesis, accompanied by shedding of exhaustion markers (PD-1, CD57) and enrichment of cytotoxic ligands (FasL, TRAIL), CAR, and homing receptors (CCR5/CCR7). Primed CAR T cells exhibit improved antitumor efficacy with associated stromal remodeling and host T cell activation; secreted exosomes contribute to bystander tumor cell killing.
conclusionsThese findings describe a non-genetic pharmacologic priming strategy with potential scalability and compatibility with existing manufacturing processes. This approach demonstrates enhanced CAR T cell performance against solid tumor barriers in preclinical models, highlighting the potential of chemotherapy-immunotherapy synergies.
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