VC01-CAR-MAIT cells

VC01-CAR-MAIT cells are an experimental chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) cell therapy utilizing Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells engineered to target HIV-1. The CAR construct incorporates a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) derived from VC01, a broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb) that targets the highly conserved CD4 binding site of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env). MAIT cells are innate-like T cells characterized by their expression of a semi-invariant T-cell receptor and their natural ability to home to mucosal tissues, such as the gut, which serve as primary sites for HIV replication and the establishment of viral reservoirs. By redirecting MAIT cells to recognize and eliminate Env-expressing cells, this approach aims to enhance immune reconstitution and reduce the viral reservoir in HIV-infected individuals, particularly those who show poor immune recovery despite suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART). The therapy is being investigated by the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University.

Other names

VC01-CAR-MAITVC-01-CAR-MAITVC 01-CAR-MAIT