A new analysis of Kite Pharma’s Yescarta (axi-cel) trial data identified genetic signatures associated with toxicity risk, with findings published in Science Immunology. Researchers led by Mark Leick, M.D., at Massachusetts General Hospital examined data across Zuma-1 and Zuma-7 and reported that mutations affecting STXBP2 function tracked with observed toxicity in Zuma-1. The study highlights the role of inherited DNA changes in CAR-T behavior and points toward engineering strategies to reduce serious side effects like cytokine release syndrome and related hyperinflammatory events. Kite’s axi-cel remains the reference point, but the work aims to generalize “red flag” signals for next-generation CAR-T safety.