SUMOylation inhibition potentiates CAR T activity against multiple myeloma (RNA-Seq)

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has shown remarkable clinical efficacy against hematologic malignancies; however, tumor relapse occurs commonly due to T cell dysfunction presenting as exhaustion and loss of effector function. Here, we identified SUMOylation inhibition promoted T cell effector function and prevented T cell exhaustion. Combination of SUMO E1 inhibitor TAK-981, significantly potentiated CAR T cell anti-tumor activity and improved persistence of CAR-presenting T cells in vivo, presenting a potent novel therapeutic approach.