LRRC15-directed CAR T cells

LRRC15-directed CAR T cells are a form of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy engineered to target the leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 15 (LRRC15), which is overexpressed in various solid tumors, particularly those of mesenchymal origin such as sarcoma, glioblastoma, and melanoma, as well as in cancer-associated fibroblasts within the tumor microenvironment of breast, head and neck, lung, and pancreatic cancers. The therapy involves collecting a patient's own T cells and genetically modifying them to express a synthetic receptor that recognizes LRRC15 on tumor or stromal cells. Once infused back into the patient, these modified T cells seek out and destroy LRRC15-expressing cancer or stromal cells. This approach aims to overcome resistance mechanisms associated with the fibrotic stroma in solid tumors by directly targeting both malignant and supportive stromal components[1][3]. Clinical development is ongoing for pediatric and adult sarcomas.