IL-13 zetakine

IL-13 zetakine is a first-generation chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy developed by City of Hope for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and other IL13Rα2-expressing brain tumors. The therapy consists of autologous cytolytic T cells (CTLs) genetically engineered to express a chimeric immunoreceptor. This receptor features an extracellular domain composed of a human IL-13 mutein (E13Y), which has been mutated to enhance binding affinity for the tumor-associated antigen Interleukin-13 receptor alpha 2 (IL13Rα2) while reducing binding to the physiological IL13Rα1/IL4Rα complex. The extracellular domain is linked via a human CD4 transmembrane domain to the cytoplasmic signaling domain of the human CD3-zeta chain. In clinical trials, these CAR-T cells often incorporate a HyTK (Hygromycin phosphotransferase-Thymidine Kinase) fusion protein as a selection marker and safety suicide gene. IL-13 zetakine is typically delivered locally via intratumoral, intracavitary, or intraventricular injection to target malignant cells within the central nervous system directly.

Other names

IL13Rα2-specific CAR-T cellsIL13-zetakine CTLsIL-13-zetakine CTLsIL 13-zetakine CTLsIL13-zetakine redirected CTL clonesIL-13-zetakine redirected CTL clonesIL 13-zetakine redirected CTL clones