Recombining domains across an entire protein family, rather than relying on natural sequences shaped by evolution, generates synthetic “DESynR” transcription factors with enhanced function. DESynR AP-1 TFs reprogram CAR T cells into non-natural, therapeutically optimized states and outperform natural AP-1 factors in antitumor immunity.

Nature Cancer, Published online: 22 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s43018-026-01167-6

Ahmed and colleagues show that, by promoting ‘dressing’ of intact tumor target antigens onto dendritic cells, tumor irradiation enhances chimeric antigen receptor T cell persistence and efficacy in lung metastasis models.