mesothelin-targeting CAR T cells

Mesothelin-targeting CAR T cells are a form of adoptive cell therapy in which a patient’s T cells are genetically engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that specifically bind to mesothelin—a glycoprotein tumor-associated antigen overexpressed in many solid tumors, including mesothelioma, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, and others[1][2][5][7]. The CAR construct typically combines an extracellular antigen-binding domain (often a single-chain variable fragment derived from an an ti-mesothelin antibody) fused to intracellular T cell signaling and co-stimulatory domains, mediating specific recognition and killing of mesothelin-expressing tumor cells[2][3][4][5][7]. Mechanistic advances include transient and stable CAR expression approaches, and affinity-tuned CARs for improved efficacy and safety[2][7]. Clinical trials have shown high safety with modest activity; strategies such as regional (intrapleural or intratumoral) administration, affinity engineering, local microenvironment modulation, and combinations with checkpoint inhibitors (anti-PD-1 antibodies) are under investigation to improve outcomes[1][4][5][6].

Other names

mesothelin CAR T cellsanti-MSLN CAR T cellsmesothelin-directed CAR T cells