Huichao Wu, Fatemeh Sadat Shafiei, Zahra Taghinejad, Mohsen Maleknia, Hanieh Noormohamadi, Atieh Raoufi, Sina Nouri, Nazli Servatian, Hamed Soleimani Samarkhazan
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), characterized by aggressive relapse and dismal survival, remains a formidable challenge despite conventional therapies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T and natural killer (NK) cells have emerged as groundbreaking immunotherapies, offering targeted eradication of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) and resistant blasts. CAR-T cells, leveraging antigens like CD123 and CD33, demonstrate early clinical success, with complete remission rates up to 66% in refractory/relapsed (R/R) AML. CAR-NK cells complement this approach through inherent tumor surveillance, reduced toxicity, and "off-the-shelf" feasibility. However, barriers such as antigen escape, heterogeneous immunosuppressive microenvironments (including intratumoral microbiota variations), and on-target/off-tumor toxicity persist, limiting durable responses. Innovations in dual-targeting CARs, cytokine-armored constructs, and CRISPR-edited universal cells aim to overcome these hurdles. Emerging strategies integrating checkpoint inhibitors, metabolic modulators, and AI-driven antigen selection promise to enhance efficacy and safety. This review synthesizes the evolving landscape of CAR-T/NK therapies, critically analyzing preclinical breakthroughs, clinical trial outcomes, and persisting challenges. By addressing manufacturing scalability, cost barriers, and long-term safety, cellular immunotherapy holds transformative potential to redefine AML management. As the field advances, interdisciplinary collaboration and biomarker-guided personalization will be pivotal in translating laboratory innovations into life-saving therapies for AML patients.