The Advantages, Disadvantages, and Improvement Method of the CAR-M Technology

Chimeric Antigen Receptor Macrophages (CAR-M) is the latest generation of chimeric antigen receptor technology. Its main principle involves introducing the CAR gene into macrophages extracted from a patient's body, activating these macrophages, and then re-infusing them back into the patient. Compared to the previous generation of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cells (CAR-T) technology, CAR-M has significant advantages as it can circumvent the challenge of effectively penetrating the tumor microenvironment. CAR-M is capable of engulfing the corresponding tumor cells, and at the same time, CAR-M cells can present antigens and produce cytokines to enhance the killing ability of T cells against tumor cells. However, since macrophages are highly differentiated cells that cannot divide and proliferate, multiple injections are required. This article analyzes the technology by combining the strengths and weaknesses of CAR-M. By altering the inherent defects of macrophages and changing them to monocytes (the precursor cells of macrophages), and further improving or enhancing some of the defects or advantages of monocytes themselves, the effectiveness of the technology can be enhanced. Now, the integration of CAR-M technology with the CRISPR/Cas system can enhance the efficiency of the technology in disease treatment. Currently, Cas9 is relatively popular and has a broader range of applications. However, due to the significant off-target effects of CAS9, the CAS12a system, which has a lower off-target rate, can be selected.