anti-FAP CAR T cells

Anti-FAP CAR T cells are genetically engineered T cells designed to recognize and target fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a cell surface protease highly expressed on cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor stroma. These chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells bind directly to FAP via an antibody-derived single-chain variable fragment (scFv), triggering T cell-mediated cytotoxicity and release of inflammatory cytokines against both CAFs and FAP-positive tumor cells. The goal is to disrupt the tumor-supportive stroma and enhance anti-tumor immune responses. Anti-FAP CAR T cell therapies have been evaluated in early-phase clinical trials for several solid tumors and preclinical studies show potent activity in diverse tumor models, as well as in fibrosis. Development typically involves autologous T cell collection, genetic modification using viral vectors to express the anti-FAP CAR, expansion ex vivo, and reinfusion into patients. Developers include academic groups and several biotechnology companies.

Other names

fibroblast activation protein-targeted CAR T cells