hMSLN CAR T cells

hMSLN CAR T cells are an experimental chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy designed to target human mesothelin (MSLN), a surface antigen overexpressed in various solid tumors including mesothelioma, lung, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers. Developed by researchers at Houston Methodist Research Institute and Weill Cornell Medicine, these cells utilize a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) specific to human MSLN. To enhance monitoring, the construct co-expresses somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2), allowing for non-invasive PET/CT imaging using 18F-NOTA-Octreotide. In preclinical studies, hMSLN CAR T cells demonstrated rapid tumor elimination in mouse models without significant on-target, off-tumor toxicity, contrasting with cross-reactive high-affinity versions that caused severe side effects.

Other names

human mesothelin-targeting CAR T cells