The role of cytokines in cytokine release syndrome (CRS) after CAR T cell therapy

Gabriel K, Heinzerling L, von Baumgarten L, Subklewe M, Kobold S (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta-Molecular Cell Research Elsevier

Book Volume: 1873

Article Number: 120115

Journal Issue: 3

DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2026.120115

Abstract

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has transformed the treatment landscape for hematological malignancies. However, cytokine release syndrome (CRS) remains a common and potentially severe toxicity, significantly affecting patient safety and requiring intensive clinical management. This review provides a focused synthesis on the role of cytokines in CRS after CAR T cell therapy, integrating recent mechanistic insights with clinical implications. We delineate the cellular and molecular pathways involving key cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), describing their sources, downstream signaling events, and effects on target tissues. By bridging basic cytokine biology with clinical aspects and therapeutic strategies, this review aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the role of cytokines in CRS pathophysiology, ultimately supporting the development of safer and more effective CAR T cell therapies.

Involved external institutions

Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ) DE Germany (DE) Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) DE Germany (DE) Klinikum der Universität München (LMU Klinikum) DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Gabriel, K., Heinzerling, L., von Baumgarten, L., Subklewe, M., & Kobold, S. (2026). The role of cytokines in cytokine release syndrome (CRS) after CAR T cell therapy. Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta-Molecular Cell Research, 1873(3). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbamcr.2026.120115

MLA:

Gabriel, Kathrin, et al. "The role of cytokines in cytokine release syndrome (CRS) after CAR T cell therapy." Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta-Molecular Cell Research 1873.3 (2026).

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