T cell receptor recognizing CircFam53B-219aa–HLA complexes (TCR-circFam53B-219aa)

The T cell receptor (TCR) recognizing CircFam53B-219aa–HLA complexes is a specialized immune receptor engineered to target a novel class of tumor-specific antigens derived from circular RNA (circRNA). The target antigen, circFam53B-219aa, is a 219-amino acid protein encoded by the circularized form of the FAM53B gene, which is frequently overexpressed in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) but absent in normal tissues. This protein is processed into peptides and presented on the cell surface by Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules, specifically HLA-A*02:01. By engineering T cells to express a TCR specific for this complex, researchers aim to provide a highly selective immunotherapy for brain tumors. This approach leverages the unique sequence created by the back-splicing junction of the circRNA, ensuring that the TCR does not cross-react with the linear FAM53B protein found in healthy cells. Early studies indicate that TCR-T cells targeting this complex can effectively penetrate the blood-brain barrier and induce tumor regression in preclinical models.

Other names

T-cell receptor recognizing circFam53B-219aacircFam53B-219aa-specific TCRTCR recognizing circular RNA-derived FAM53B peptide

Engineered T cells expressing this specific T cell receptor (TCR) recognize the circFam53B-219aa peptide presented by HLA-A*02:01 molecules on the surface of tumor cells, leading to targeted lysis of the cancer cells.