Blocking CD30 on CD19 CAR T cells augments their functional capacities against B-cell leukemia/lymphoma - Report - MDSpire

Blocking CD30 on CD19 CAR T cells augments their functional capacities against B-cell leukemia/lymphoma

  • By

  • Tim Schlierkamp-Voosen

  • Markus Barden

  • Helena Janning

  • Marcell Kaljanac

  • Dennis Christoph Harrer

  • Celine Dreger

  • Kathrin Hammon

  • Moritz Ertelt

  • Clara T. Schoeder

  • Hólmfridur Rósa Halldórsdóttir

  • Carlos Rodriguez-Pardo

  • Sine Reker Hadrup

  • Simone Thomas

  • Hinrich Abken

  • April 30, 2026

  • 0 min

Share

Clinical Report: Inhibition of CD30 on CD19 CAR T Cells Enhances Their Efficacy

Overview

This study demonstrates that inhibiting CD30 on CD19 CAR T cells significantly enhances their efficacy against B-cell leukemia and lymphoma. The bispecific CD30/CD19 CAR T cells showed superior performance in eliminating CD30-CD19+ cells compared to traditional CD19 CAR T cells.

Background

Adoptive therapy with CD19 CAR T cells has revolutionized the treatment of B-cell malignancies, yet early relapses remain a significant challenge. The decline in T-cell activation and the potential loss of CD19 expression on leukemia cells contribute to treatment failure. Strategies to enhance T-cell functionality are critical for improving patient outcomes.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • CD30/CD19 bispecific CAR T cells effectively eliminate CD30-CD19+ leukemia cells in vitro.
  • Blocking the CD30–CD30L interaction enhances T-cell functionality and reduces Th2 polarization.
  • CD30/CD19 CAR T cells produced higher levels of granzyme B and IFN-γ compared to canonical CD19 CAR T cells.
  • The optimal synaptic gap formation was achieved with the scFv order of CD30/CD19.
  • Inhibition of CD30 signaling resulted in reduced TRAF2 levels and increased IκBα.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that modifying CAR T cells to inhibit CD30 could be a promising strategy to enhance their efficacy against B-cell malignancies. Clinicians may consider this approach to improve outcomes in patients at risk of early relapse.

Conclusion

Inhibiting CD30 on CD19 CAR T cells represents a novel strategy to enhance their therapeutic efficacy against B-cell malignancies, potentially reducing the incidence of early relapses.

References

  1. Ramos et al., ASCO Post, 2020 -- Anti-CD30 CAR T-Cell Therapy for Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma
  2. Blood Cancer Journal, 2021 -- Enhancing the Efficacy of Anti-CD19 and Anti-CD22 CAR T-Cells with PD-1-CD28 Checkpoint Fusion Proteins
  3. Blood Cancer Journal, 2020 -- Infection during the first year in patients treated with CD19 CAR T cells for diffuse large B cell lymphoma
  4. Blood Cancer Journal, 2017 -- Exploring the Biology of CD30 and Its Therapeutic Applications: A Historical Overview with Implications for Future Research
  5. Survival with Axicabtagene Ciloleucel in Large B-Cell Lymphoma - PubMed
  6. Comparative real-world outcomes of CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapies in large B-cell lymphoma - PMC
  7. Advances in the mechanisms and management of CAR T-cell toxicities - PMC
  8. Survival with Axicabtagene Ciloleucel in Large B-Cell Lymphoma - PubMed
  9. Comparative real-world outcomes of CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapies in large B-cell lymphoma - PMC
  10. Advances in the mechanisms and management of CAR T-cell toxicities - PMC

Original Source(s)

Blocking CD30 on CD19 CAR T cells augments their functional capacities against B-cell leukemia/lymphoma

  • by Tim Schlierkamp-Voosen, Markus Barden, Helena Janning, Marcell Kaljanac, Dennis Christoph Harrer, Celine Dreger, Kathrin Hammon, Moritz Ertelt, Clara T. Schoeder, Hólmfridur Rósa Halldórsdóttir, Carlos Rodriguez-Pardo, Sine Reker Hadrup, Simone Thomas, Hinrich Abken

  • April 30, 2026

Related Content

Cellular Therapies Leading to New Treatment Options for Lymphoma Patients

A new CAR T-cell consortium, Matthew Cortese, MD, MPH, a hematologic oncologist at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, shares that certain types of hard-to-treat lymphomas may be more receptive to immunotherapies than previously thought.

  • June 30, 2025

  • 2 min
Home-Based Monitoring Could Transform Care for Patients Receiving T-Cell Redirecting Therapies

A study found that outpatient observation cut hospital stays dramatically, with no adverse safety events reported. It also freed up inpatient beds and cut healthcare costs.

  • by

  • January 9, 2026

  • 4 min
Evolution of therapeutic paradigms in Hodgkin lymphoma: from “cure-oriented” to “functional cure”