IL13Ra2-specific CAR T cells

IL13Ra2-specific CAR T cells are an adoptive T cell immunotherapy designed to target and eliminate cancer cells that overexpress the interleukin-13 receptor alpha 2 (IL13Rα2) protein. These T cells are genetically engineered to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically recognizes IL13Rα2. IL13Rα2 is a promising therapeutic target due to its high expression in various solid tumors, including glioblastoma, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, melanoma, ovarian carcinoma, clear cell renal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, and lung cancer, while showing minimal expression in most healthy tissues. The CAR typically incorporates modified IL13 (IL13 muteins) as its antigen-binding domain, which is engineered to reduce binding affinity to IL13Rα1, a receptor ubiquitously expressed in healthy tissues, thereby enhancing specificity for IL13Rα2 and minimizing off-target effects. Upon engaging IL13Rα2 on tumor cells, the CAR T cells become activated, leading to the direct lysis of cancer cells, release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as IFNγ and IL2), and subsequent T cell proliferation, ultimately contributing to tumor eradication. Advanced designs may include modifications for resistance to glucocorticoids or multi-armored constructs with additional functionalities, such as TGF-β receptor blocking and engineered IL-12, to improve efficacy and persistence within the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.

Other names

IL13 mutein-CAR T cellsIL-13 mutein-CAR T cellsIL 13 mutein-CAR T cellsIL13Rα2-targeted CAR T cellsIL13-zetakine+ cytolytic T-lymphocyte (CTL) productIL13Ralpha2 CAR T CellsIL-13Ralpha2 CAR T CellsIL 13Ralpha2 CAR T CellsIL13Ra2-CAR T CellsIL-13Ra2-CAR T CellsIL 13Ra2-CAR T CellsIL-13Rα2 CAR-T cellsIL13-CAR T cell therapyIL-13-CAR T cell therapyIL 13-CAR T cell therapyIL13Rα2-specific CARs