OxCAR Tregs

OxCAR Tregs are an engineered cell therapy consisting of T regulatory cells (Tregs) transduced with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific for oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL). Developed by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, these cells target the MDA-ApoB100 epitope on OxLDL, which is a key driver of inflammation and plaque formation in atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. The therapy is produced by transducing naive human CD4+ T cells with a bicistronic lentiviral vector that co-expresses the CAR and the transcription factor FOXP3, ensuring the cells maintain a stable, highly immunosuppressive Treg phenotype (CD25hi, CD127low, CTLA-4+). In preclinical studies, OxCAR Tregs have been shown to reduce OxLDL uptake by macrophages, promote an anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage phenotype, and significantly reduce atherosclerotic plaque burden in the descending aorta of mouse models. The program is primarily aimed at treating malignancy-associated vascular inflammation and conditions like clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP).

Other names

anti-OxLDL FOXP3 CAR TregsmuOxCAR Tregs