CA9 ligand-fluorescein

CA9 ligand-fluorescein (also referred to as FITC-PEG2-CA9) is a research-stage small molecule conjugate designed as a bifunctional adapter molecule for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. It consists of a carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9)-targeting ligand covalently linked via a polyethylene glycol (PEG2) spacer to fluorescein (FITC). CA9 is a transmembrane enzyme overexpressed in hypoxic tumor microenvironments and is a well-known marker for various cancers, including renal cell carcinoma. In this therapeutic setup, the CA9-targeting moiety binds to CA9-expressing tumor cells, while the fluorescein moiety is recognized by anti-FITC CAR T-cells. This dual-binding mechanism bridges the CAR T-cells to the tumor cells, redirecting them to selectively target and destroy CA9-positive cancer cells. The compound was developed by the Purdue Research Foundation and Endocyte as part of their universal CAR T-cell platform.

Other names

FITC-PEG2-CA9FITC-PEG-2-CA9FITC-PEG 2-CA9