MUC1 CAR T-cells

MUC1 CAR T-cells are genetically engineered autologous or allogeneic T cells that express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting the tumor-associated antigen mucin 1 (MUC1), including its cancer-specific cleavage product form known as MUC1*. These therapies are designed to recognize and kill tumor cells overexpressing aberrantly glycosylated or cleaved forms of MUC1—a protein highly expressed in many solid tumors such as breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The mechanism involves redirecting patient-derived or donor-derived T lymphocytes to specifically bind to the extracellular domain of tumor-expressed MUC1/MUC1*, leading to targeted cytotoxicity. Several generations of these therapies exist: - First-generation constructs use CD3ζ signaling. - Second-generation constructs add costimulatory domains like 4-1BB. - Advanced versions include modifications such as PD-1 knockout (to overcome immune checkpoint inhibition), “armored” features like IL-12 secretion for enhanced persistence/functionality in immunosuppressive microenvironments, or “synNotch” dual-antigen recognition for improved specificity and safety[2][3][5][6][8]. Preclinical studies have shown robust anti-tumor activity with minimal off-tumor toxicity due to selective binding properties. Clinical trials are ongoing primarily in metastatic breast cancer but also other solid tumors.

Other names

MUC1-targeted CAR-T cellsMUC-1-targeted CAR-T cellsMUC 1-targeted CAR-T cellsMUC1*-CAR-T cellsMUC1* CAR T-cells