SNAP-tag chimeric antigen receptor (SNAP-CAR)

SNAP-CAR is an engineered, universal chimeric antigen receptor platform that incorporates a SNAPtag self-labeling enzyme domain as its extracellular recognition element. The SNAPtag covalently reacts with benzylguanine-labeled monoclonal antibodies (“adaptors”), which are administered alongside the SNAP-CAR immune cells. This creates a flexible, highly tunable immune cell product whose antigen specificity is dictated by the externally supplied antibody, rather than encoded directly in the CAR, thereby enabling multi-targeting, adaptability during treatment, and customizable cell therapy. The platform is in preclinical and early translational development for various cancer indications, enabling new strategies for personalized, adaptive immunotherapy and potentially reducing some of the risks and limitations of conventional CAR T therapies.

Other names

SNAP CARSNAPtag CARSNAPtag chimeric antigen receptorSNAP-modular CAR

Enables programmatic recognition of target cells via covalent attachment of benzylguanine (BG)-conjugated antibodies, triggering T cell or NK cell activation and killing of cells displaying the antibody-bound antigen. Allows for titratable and tunable activation of effector immune cells by controlling the amount or identity of antibody adaptor present.