BTCE-TRBC1

BTCE-TRBC1 is a bispecific T-cell engager (BTCE) developed for the treatment of T-cell leukemias and lymphomas. It is designed to circumvent the limitations of traditional anti-CD3 bispecifics in T-cell malignancies, where malignant cells often express CD3, potentially leading to fratricide or impaired efficacy. BTCE-TRBC1 consists of Fab fragments targeting the tumor-associated antigen CD1a and the T-cell receptor beta-chain constant region 1 (TRBC1), linked to an Fc region. By targeting TRBC1, the drug recruits TRBC1-positive effector T cells to eliminate CD1a-expressing malignant cells. In preclinical studies, it has been evaluated for its ability to induce cytotoxicity against TRBC2-positive malignant T-cell lines (such as CCRF-CEM) to avoid self-binding and fratricide issues associated with targeting the same TRBC isoform present on the tumor cells.