A convergent uPAR-positive tumor ecosystem creates broad vulnerability to CAR T cell therapy.

Cell
Authors
Keywords
Abstract

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have transformed hematologic cancer therapy but remain limited in solid tumors by antigen heterogeneity and a suppressive, pro-fibrotic microenvironment. We previously identified the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) as upregulated in senescent, pro-fibrotic cells and showed that uPAR-directed CAR T cells could safely reverse fibrosis in mice. Integrative analyses now reveal that uPAR is broadly expressed in solid tumors enriched for TP53 and RAS pathway mutations. These tumors adopt a progenitor-like state supported by a niche of uPAR-positive stromal cells with senescence features. Human uPAR CAR T cells eliminate tumor cells and their stromal support, induce durable regressions across diverse models, eradicate systemic metastases, and are potentiated by senescence-inducing therapies. Importantly, these cells achieve robust antitumor activity without sustained myelosuppression in mice reconstituted with human immune systems. Together, these findings establish uPAR as a broadly applicable CAR T target capable of overcoming major barriers in solid tumor therapy.

Year of Publication
2026
Journal
Cell
Date Published
03/2026
ISSN
1097-4172
DOI
10.1016/j.cell.2026.03.002
PubMed ID
41916312
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