B-cell maturation antigen receptor (BCMA-directed, chimeric antigen receptor-expressing T cell) (BCMA-directed CAR T cell)

BCMA-directed CAR T cells are autologous T lymphocytes genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that specifically recognizes BCMA, a transmembrane protein of the TNF receptor superfamily overexpressed in malignant plasma cells in multiple myeloma. Upon engagement with BCMA-expressing tumor cells, the CAR triggers T cell activation, proliferation, cytotoxicity, and subsequent elimination of the targeted malignant cells. BCMA-directed CAR T-cell therapies have shown high response rates in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma but can be associated with unique toxicities (like cytokine release syndrome) and therapeutic resistance through mechanisms such as antigen loss, trogocytosis, and immune evasion[2][3][5]. Important clarification: "BCMA-directed CAR T-cells" are genetically engineered *living medicines* rather than a molecular target. The actual target is **B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)**. If you intend to extract structured data about a *molecular target*, refer to "B-cell maturation antigen" or "BCMA" itself, not the CAR T-cell product. Use this entry for information about the cell therapy as an engineered drug product, not as a biological macromolecule[2][3][5].

Other names

BCMA CAR T-cellBCMA-targeted CAR-Tanti-BCMA CAR-T cellchimeric antigen receptor T cell targeting BCMA

Engineered T-cell recognition and killing of BCMA-expressing malignant cells via CAR-mediated immune synapse, release of cytotoxic granules, induction of apoptosis, and cytokine production[2][3].