EGFR-targeted multi-chain KIR-CAR T

EGFR-targeted multi-chain KIR-CAR T is a preclinical, investigational chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy being developed for the treatment of glioblastoma. Developed through a collaboration between Verismo Therapeutics and the University of Pennsylvania, the therapy utilizes Verismo's proprietary multi-chain killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR)-CAR platform. Unlike conventional CAR T-cell therapies that rely on single-chain CD3-zeta signaling, this platform employs a split-signal system inspired by natural killer (NK) cell biology. It combines a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) variants with the KIR2DS2 transmembrane and intracellular domains, paired with the DAP12 (TYROBP) signaling adaptor. This design mimics natural NK cell activation and rest cycles, reducing tonic signaling and T-cell exhaustion while enhancing persistence and anti-tumor efficacy in the immunosuppressive microenvironment of solid tumors. Preclinical data presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2026 demonstrated that these KIR-CAR T cells overcome functional deficits of CD3-based CAR T cells and eliminate resistant glioblastomas in vivo.

Other names

EGFR-KIR CAR TEGFR-targeted KIR-CAR T