CD19ζ chimeric antigen receptor–modified EBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes

CD19ζ chimeric antigen receptor–modified EBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes is an investigational cell-based gene therapy developed by University College London (UCL). The therapy consists of donor-derived Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) that have been genetically engineered to express a first-generation CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) containing the CD3-zeta (ζ) signaling domain. This dual-specificity approach allows the engineered T cells to recognize and eliminate CD19-positive tumor cells via the CAR, while their native EBV-specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) provide physiological stimulation upon exposure to EBV antigens. This native TCR activity is intended to support the long-term in vivo expansion and persistence of the engineered cells. The therapy is primarily being evaluated in Phase 1 clinical trials for the treatment of high-risk or relapsed precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in pediatric patients following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Other names

CD19ζ CAR gene-modified EBV-specific CTLsCD19 CAR-modified EBV-CTLsCD-19 CAR-modified EBV-CTLsCD 19 CAR-modified EBV-CTLsCD19ζ CAR EBV-CTLs