Ibrutinib modulates CD19 expression and improves efficacy of CD19-CAR T cells in B-cell lymphoma models

Sisi Wang; Alberto J. Arribas; Chiara Tarantelli; Elisa Civanelli; Guangyu Zhou; Pragallabh Purwar; Amandine Pradier; Astrid Melotti; Francesca Guidetti; Yara Hajj Younes; Lodovico Terzi di Bergamo; Luciano Cascione; Sara Napoli; Emanuele Zucca; Elena Sotillo; Crystal Lee Mackall; Manel Esteller; Yves Chalandon; Davide Rossi; Federico Simonetta; Francesco Bertoni

doi:10.64898/2026.05.22.727139

ImmunologybioRxivMay 26, 2026

Preprint

Ibrutinib modulates CD19 expression and improves efficacy of CD19-CAR T cells in B-cell lymphoma models

Sisi Wang, Alberto J. Arribas iD, Chiara Tarantelli iD, Elisa Civanelli iD, Guangyu Zhou, Pragallabh Purwar, Amandine Pradier, Astrid Melotti, Francesca Guidetti iD, Yara Hajj Younes, Lodovico Terzi di Bergamo iD, Luciano Cascione iD, Sara Napoli iD, Emanuele Zucca iD, Elena Sotillo iD, Crystal Lee Mackall iD, Manel Esteller iD, Yves Chalandon iD, Davide Rossi iD, Federico Simonetta iD, Francesco Bertoni iD

Abstract

Antigen density critically influences CAR T-cell efficacy. We show that ibrutinib induces CD19 upregulation in B-cell lymphoma models, enhancing CAR T-cell cytotoxicity. Pharmacologic modulation of target antigen expression represents a promising strategy to overcome resistance.

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