CAIX CAR T cells

CAIX CAR T cells are autologous T cells genetically engineered ex vivo to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting carboxy-anhydrase IX (CAIX), a transmembrane protein highly expressed on the surface of several solid tumor cells, most notably clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). After modification, these T cells are expanded and reinfused into the patient. The engineered CAR enables the T cells to bind to CAIX on tumor cells, activating the T cells to kill the tumor cells through immune mechanisms. Early clinical experience showed CAIX CAR T cells can induce antigen-specific effects in vivo but were also associated with significant "on-target/off-tumor" hepatotoxicity due to CAIX expression on normal bile duct epithelium. Pretreatment with a CAIX monoclonal antibody (e.g., G250) can ameliorate this liver toxicity. No durable clinical responses were recorded in early trials, but CAIX CAR T cells illustrate a first-generation solid tumor CAR T therapy proof-of-concept[2]. Primary indication is metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Other names

CAIX-targeting CAR T cellsanti-CAIX CAR T cellsCAIX-specific CAR T cells