CD19-targeted CAR T cells + bispecific antibodies

**CD19-targeted CAR T cells + bispecific antibodies** is an investigational combination immunotherapy for relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies, primarily diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It pairs autologous T cells genetically engineered to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting CD19—a B-cell surface antigen—with bispecific antibodies (often CD19/CD3 or CD20/CD3 T cell engagers like blinatumomab or glofitamab) that recruit endogenous T cells to CD19- or CD20-expressing tumor cells. The CAR T cells provide potent, persistent cytotoxicity via CD3ζ signaling and costimulatory domains (e.g., CD28 or 4-1BB), while bispecific antibodies enhance immediate T-cell activation, improve killing of malignant B cells, boost expansion of both infused CAR T and endogenous T cells, and mitigate CD19 antigen escape. Preclinical and early clinical data show superior efficacy over CAR T monotherapy, with improved survival in mouse models and enhanced responses in vitro, though no specific approved product exists under this exact name; developers include academic centers and companies like Fate Therapeutics exploring related combinations.[1][2]

Other names

CD19 CAR T + BiTECD19 CAR-T + bispecific T cell engager