premelanosome protein-specific T cells

Premelanosome protein-specific T cells (PMEL T cells) are a type of adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT) designed to target the premelanosome protein (PMEL), also known as gp100, which is a lineage-specific antigen highly expressed in melanocytes and melanoma cells. These T cells, typically CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, are engineered with a T-cell receptor (TCR) or expanded from natural populations to recognize PMEL-derived peptides presented by MHC Class I molecules on the surface of tumor cells. A significant advancement in this therapy, developed by Repertoire Immune Medicines, involves the surface-tethering of potent cytokines such as Interleukin-12 (IL-12) or Interleukin-15 (IL-15) directly to the T cells. This "cytokine tethering" approach allows for controlled, localized immune activation within the tumor microenvironment, enhancing T-cell persistence and cytotoxicity while repolarizing immunosuppressive cells like myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), all while minimizing the severe systemic toxicities typically associated with systemic cytokine administration.

Other names

gp100-specific T cellsgp-100-specific T cellsgp 100-specific T cellsPMEL-specific T cellspremelanosome protein-specific CD8+ T cells