urokinase plasminogen activator receptor-directed chimeric antigen receptor interleukin-15-expressing natural killer cells

uPAR-CAR/IL-15 NK cells are an investigational, off-the-shelf cellular immunotherapy consisting of cord blood-derived natural killer (NK) cells genetically engineered to target the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR). The construct incorporates a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) with a CD28 costimulatory domain and is further "armored" with the transgene for secreted interleukin-15 (IL-15) to enhance the persistence, expansion, and metabolic fitness of the NK cells. uPAR (encoded by the PLAUR gene) is highly expressed on malignant blasts in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and on senescent cells, while remaining largely absent from healthy hematopoietic stem cells and vital organs, making it a selective target. Preclinical data indicate that these cells exhibit potent, antigen-specific cytotoxicity against AML cell lines and primary patient blasts, with the IL-15 component significantly improving in vivo survival and anti-tumor efficacy in mouse models.

Other names

uPAR-CAR-IL-15 NK cellsuPAR-CAR-IL15 NK cellsuPAR-CAR-IL 15 NK cellsuPAR-targeted CAR-NK cellsuPAR-CAR/IL-15 NK cells