1B7 CAR T cells

1B7 CAR T cells are a specific type of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy that utilizes a single-domain antibody (VHH or nanobody) as its antigen recognition module. The 1B7 VHH clone is specific for a kinase derived from the parasite *Toxoplasma gondii*. Because this antigen is not expressed in mammalian tissues or common tumor models, 1B7 CAR T cells are primarily utilized in preclinical research as a non-targeting or "irrelevant" negative control. This allows researchers to establish a baseline for T cell activity, persistence, and cytokine production in the absence of specific tumor-antigen engagement. The construct typically follows a second-generation CAR architecture, featuring the 1B7 VHH linked to a CD8 hinge and transmembrane domain, followed by intracellular signaling domains such as CD3ζ and costimulatory domains like 4-1BB or CD28. They have been extensively used in studies evaluating VHH-based CAR T cells targeting the tumor microenvironment (e.g., PD-L1 or EIIIB fibronectin).

Other names

anti-Toxoplasma gondii kinase CAR T cellsCTR(1B7) CAR T cells