UniCAR construct expressed on T cells (UniCAR)

The UniCAR construct is a genetically engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) expressed on T cells that recognizes a unique, otherwise inert peptide epitope (the E5B9 tag from La/SS-B nuclear protein), rather than a naturally occurring tumor-associated antigen[1][2][4]. This system is modular and requires two separate components for activity: (1) T cells expressing the UniCAR receptor (with an scFv binding the unique epitope and signaling domains from CD28 and CD3ζ), and (2) soluble "target modules" (TMs), which are bispecific fusion proteins containing both a tumor-targeting moiety and the E5B9 epitope[1][2][3][4]. The UniCAR T cells remain functionally inert unless the appropriate TM is present, allowing precise temporal control of antitumor activity and rapid deactivation by withdrawing the TM[1][2][4]. Variants of TMs can be engineered to redirect UniCAR T cells to different tumor antigens, making this a flexible and potentially safer CAR T cell platform compared to conventional CARs[2][3].

Other names

UniCAR T cellsUniversal Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cellsswitchable CAR T cells

Induced T cell cytotoxicity via target module cross-linking (enables immune synapse formation) Controlled activation of T cells against tumor cells in presence of specific target modules