DR-18 armored CAR T cells

DR-18 armored CAR T cells represent an experimental cell therapy platform developed by Simcha Therapeutics. This approach involves engineering chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells to express or secrete DR-18, a proprietary, engineered version of interleukin-18 (IL-18). DR-18 is specifically designed to be resistant to the IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), a naturally occurring decoy receptor that typically neutralizes IL-18 and is often upregulated in the tumor microenvironment to facilitate immune evasion. By armoring CAR T cells with decoy-resistant IL-18, the therapy aims to maintain potent proinflammatory signaling, enhancing the activation, expansion, and persistence of the T cells within immunosuppressive environments. The platform is being explored for applications in both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. In January 2024, Simcha Therapeutics entered into a strategic license and option agreement with Janssen Biotech (a Johnson & Johnson company) to apply the DR-18 armoring technology to select Janssen CAR T-based candidates.