NCIt definition : Autologous T-lymphocytes transduced with a modified lentiviral vector expressing a
chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) consisting of an anti-CD19 scFv (single chain variable
fragment) and the zeta chain of the TCR/CD3 complex (CD3-zeta), coupled to the signaling
domain of 4-1BB (CD137), with potential immunomodulating and antineoplastic activities.
Upon transfusion, tisagenlecleucel directs the T-lymphocytes to CD19-expressing tumor
cells, thereby inducing a selective toxicity in CD19-expressing tumor cells. The 4-1BB
co-stimulatory molecule signaling domain enhances activation and signaling after recognition
of CD19 and the inclusion of this signaling domain may increase the antitumor activity
compared to the inclusion of the CD3-zeta chain alone. CD19 antigen is a B-cell specific
cell surface antigen expressed in all B-cell lineage malignancies. CD3-zeta (or CD247)
is a transmembrane signaling adaptor polypeptide that regulates the assembly of complete
TCR complexes and their expression on the cell surface.;