CAR-targeted interleukin-2

CAR-targeted interleukin-2 is an investigational **cis-targeted IL-2 fusion protein** developed by Asher Bio to selectively stimulate CAR-T cells while sparing CAR-negative and endogenous immune cells. The molecule consists of a CAR-binding targeting antibody fused to an **attenuated IL-2 mutein** with reduced affinity for IL-2 receptor subunits, so productive signaling depends on avidity created by binding the CAR on engineered T cells. In the reported CAR-directed format, the targeting arm binds the **FMC63 anti-CD19 CAR** without blocking CD19 recognition, enabling potential use as an adjunct to approved anti-CD19 CAR-T therapies. Preclinical studies indicate selective STAT5 activation, in vivo CAR-T expansion, improved engraftment and persistence, and enhanced anti-tumor activity, supporting development as a cytokine-based enhancer for CAR-T treatment of hematologic malignancies and potentially solid tumors.

Other names

cis-targeted interleukin-2CAR-T selective IL-2 fusion molecule