A study in the Journal of Translational Medicine describes a fratricide‑driven strategy using unedited CD7 CAR‑T cells to treat T‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Rather than genetically deleting CD7 to prevent CAR‑T self‑killing, the approach leverages controlled fratricide to select for a potent effector population, simplifying manufacturing and preserving cytotoxic function. Preclinical data show promising anti‑leukemia activity and manageable safety signals, suggesting a potentially faster translational path compared with heavily edited autologous products. Clinical development will need to monitor on‑target off‑tumor effects and optimize dosing to balance efficacy and T‑cell aplasia management.
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