ISCT 2026: CAR-T Scientific Signature Series Event

This session will focus on the mechanistic and clinical foundations of CAR T therapy in autoimmune diseases, highlighting immune reset, durability of response despite limited CAR T persistence, and lessons from nonresponders. Discussion will compare CD19-only, BCMA-only, and combinatorial approaches, emphasizing conceptual understanding rather than disease-specific programs. Participants will also explore how CAR T could extend across multiple autoimmune indications, considering disease heterogeneity, patient populations, and potential clinical impact.

Key Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the mechanistic basis of CAR T therapy in autoimmune diseases, including immune reset and durability of response.

2. Compare CD19, BCMA, and combinatorial CAR approaches, focusing on conceptual implications across indications.

3. Evaluate clinical readiness, patient selection, and potential impact of CAR T across diverse autoimmune populations.

This session will explore the emerging application of CAR T therapy in fibrosis and neurodegenerative disorders, focusing on mechanistic rationale, target selection, and translational challenges. Discussion will highlight preclinical and early clinical insights, safety considerations, and strategies to overcome tissue-specific barriers. Participants will also explore how CAR T approaches might be adapted across diverse organ systems and patient populations to maximize therapeutic impact.

Key Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the mechanistic and translational rationale for CAR T therapy in fibrosis and neurodegenerative disorders.

2. Identify key challenges in targeting solid tissues and strategies to improve safety and efficacy.

3. Evaluate potential patient populations and future directions for CAR T applications beyond hematologic.

This session will examine in vivo CAR T approaches as a strategy to broaden therapeutic reach and simplify manufacturing. Discussion will focus on delivery technologies, target engagement, safety considerations, and strategies to overcome tissue-specific barriers. Participants will also explore how in vivo approaches could reshape manufacturing models and enable scalable access across diverse patient populations.

Key Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the scientific rationale and emerging technologies for in vivo CAR T delivery.

2. Identify key barriers and strategies to ensure safety, efficacy, and tissue-specific targeting.

3. Explore implications for manufacturing, scalability, and broader patient access.

This session will explore strategies to enable local CAR T production and expand patient access worldwide. Discussion will address decentralized manufacturing models, regulatory considerations across regions, and practical approaches to implementing therapies in real-world clinical settings. Participants will examine how production innovations and regulatory alignment can facilitate broader availability while maintaining safety, quality, and efficacy standards.

Key Learning Objectives:

1. Understand decentralized and local manufacturing models for CAR T therapy.

2. Identify regulatory pathways and compliance considerations across global regions.

3. Explore strategies to implement CAR T therapies in real-world settings, improving patient access and impact.