CD138-specific CAR T cells

CD138-specific CAR T cells are genetically engineered autologous T cells that express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting CD138, a transmembrane proteoglycan (syndecan-1) highly expressed on both normal and malignant plasma cells, especially in multiple myeloma (MM). The CAR is typically constructed using a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) derived from an anti-CD138 antibody (for example, derived from BT062) fused to T cell signaling domains like CD3ζ and costimulatory domains such as CD28 or 4-1BB. Upon binding CD138 on myeloma cells, these CAR T cells become activated and mediate targeted cytotoxicity leading to tumor cell lysis. This immunotherapy shows promise for relapsed/refractory MM, with early-phase trials demonstrating manageable toxicity and signs of efficacy, although risks include antigen escape due to CD138 downregulation and on-target, off-tumor toxicity. CD138-specific CAR T cell therapy is under development in academic and clinical research settings for MM and being studied as monotherapy and in combination with other targets such as BCMA[1][3][4][6][7].

Other names

CD138-directed CAR T cellsCD-138-directed CAR T cellsCD 138-directed CAR T cellsanti-CD138 CAR T cellsanti-CD-138 CAR T cellsanti-CD 138 CAR T cells