WT1-TCR T cells

WT1-TCR T cells are genetically engineered T cells expressing a transgenic T-cell receptor (TCR) specifically recognizing the Wilms' Tumor 1 (WT1) protein-derived peptides presented by HLA class I molecules, most often HLA-A*0201-restricted epitopes[1][2][3][4]. The WT1 protein is overexpressed in several malignancies, notably acute myeloid leukemia (AML), making it an attractive immunotherapeutic target[1][2]. These T cells are produced by transducing donor or autologous CD8+ T cells with a retroviral or lentiviral vector encoding a high-affinity WT1-specific TCR (e.g., TCR-C4), enabling the redirected T cells to recognize and kill WT1+ cancer cells[1][3][4]. WT1-TCR T cell therapy has been investigated in both hematologic malignancies (AML, CML, MDS) and solid tumors (breast, colon, ovarian cancer)[2][3]. Mechanistically, WT1-TCR T cells bind WT1 epitope-MHC complexes on the tumor cell surface, become activated, and exert cytotoxic responses through cytokine production (such as IFNγ) and direct cell killing[1][2][3][4]. Developers have employed strategies to minimize off-target toxicity and risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), such as using virus-specific donor T cells as the starting cell population for engineering[1][4]. Primary indications are relapsed/refractory AML, especially post-hematopoietic cell transplantation[1][4]. Early-phase clinical trials have shown prolonged survival and relapse prevention when administered as prophylaxis after transplant, with a favorable safety profile[1][4].

Other names

WT1-specific TCR-T cellsWT-1-specific TCR-T cellsWT 1-specific TCR-T cellsT TCR-C4 cellsWT1 T-cell receptor transduced T cellsWT-1 T-cell receptor transduced T cellsWT 1 T-cell receptor transduced T cells