Adoptive cell therapies have transformed the treatment landscape for hematologic malignancies. Yet, translation to solid tumors remains constrained by antigen heterogeneity, an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), and poor persistence of conventional CAR-T cells. In response, innate immune cell platforms, particularly chimeric antigen receptor-engineered natural killer (CAR-NK) cells and chimeric antigen receptor-macrophages (CAR-MΦ), have emerged as promising alternatives. This review summarizes recent advances in the design and application of CAR-NK and CAR-MΦ therapies for solid tumors. We highlight key innovations, including the use of lineage-specific intracellular signaling domains (e.g., DAP12, 2B4, FcRγ), novel effector constructs (e.g., NKG7-overexpressing CARs, TME-responsive CARs), and scalable induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived platforms. Preclinical data support enhanced antitumor activity through mechanisms such as major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-unrestricted cytotoxicity, phagocytosis, trogocytosis, cytokine secretion, and cross-talk with adaptive immunity. Early-phase clinical studies (e.g., CT-0508) demonstrate feasibility and TME remodeling with CAR-MΦ. However, persistent challenges remain, including transient in vivo survival, manufacturing complexity, and risks of off-target inflammation. Emerging combinatorial strategies, such as dual-effector regimens (CAR-NK+ CAR-MΦ), cytokine-modulated cross-support, and bispecific or logic-gated CARs, may overcome these barriers and provide more durable, tumor-selective responses. Taken together, CAR-NK and CAR-MΦ platforms are poised to expand the reach of engineered cell therapy into the solid tumor domain.
Amoozgar et al. (2025) studied this question.