MUC4-directed CAR-T cells

MUC4-directed CAR-T cells are an experimental chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy engineered to target Mucin 4 (MUC4), a high-molecular-weight transmembrane glycoprotein. While MUC4 is normally expressed on the apical surface of glandular epithelia, it is aberrantly overexpressed and loses its apical restriction in various malignancies, including colorectal, pancreatic, and lung cancers, where it contributes to tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy. Developed by researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), these CAR-T cells are designed to recognize MUC4-expressing tumor cells, leading to direct T-cell mediated cytotoxicity and the secretion of effector cytokines such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Preclinical evidence indicates that MUC4-directed CAR-T cells can effectively eliminate chemoresistant and metastatic colorectal cancer cells in vitro and significantly reduce tumor burden in aggressive in vivo mouse models without significant off-target toxicity, suggesting potential for treating refractory solid tumors.

Other names

MUC4 CAR-T cellsMUC-4 CAR-T cellsMUC 4 CAR-T cellsMUC4-specific CAR-T cellsMUC-4-specific CAR-T cellsMUC 4-specific CAR-T cells