CD19.CAR-VSTs

CD19.CAR-VSTs are autologous or allogeneic virus-specific T cells (VSTs) that have been genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting the CD19 antigen, which is widely expressed on B-cell malignancies. They combine two T cell functionalities: the ability to recognize and kill virus-infected cells through their native T cell receptor (TCR), and the ability to recognize and kill CD19-positive tumor cells via the introduced CAR. This dual specificity allows them to address the risks of viral reactivation post-transplant and target B cell malignancies, notably B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and other relapsed or refractory B cell cancers. Clinical trial data suggest that CD19.CAR-VSTs can persist and expand in vivo, particularly in the presence of viral antigen stimulation, and can induce B-cell aplasia by targeting CD19-positive B cells. The approach is intended to provide improved persistence and efficacy compared to CAR-T cells alone, especially post-allogeneic stem cell transplantation. These therapies are engineered and manufactured by academic groups as well as specialty cell therapy companies and are under investigation mostly in early-stage (Phase 1) clinical studies as of 2025[1][4][7].

Other names

CD19 CAR-VSTCD-19 CAR-VSTCD 19 CAR-VSTCD19 CAR-virus-specific T cellsCD-19 CAR-virus-specific T cellsCD 19 CAR-virus-specific T cellsCD19 chimeric antigen receptor virus-specific T cellsCD-19 chimeric antigen receptor virus-specific T cellsCD 19 chimeric antigen receptor virus-specific T cells