NCIt synonyms : Autologous TGF-betaR2KO/IL13R-alpha2-CAR T Cells; Autologous TGFbRII-KO Anti-IL13Ra2 CAR T-cells; Autologous TGFbRII-KO Anti-IL13Ra2 CAR-T Cells;
NCIt definition : A preparation of autologous T-lymphocytes engineered to express a chimeric antigen
receptor (CAR) specific for interleukin-13 receptor alpha 2 (IL13Ra2), and to knock
out the expression of transforming growth factor-beta receptor II (TGFbRII), with
potential immunostimulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, autologous
TGFbRII-KO anti-IL13Ra2 CAR T-cells target and bind to IL13Ra2 expressed on the surface
of tumor cells. This induces selective toxicity in tumor cells expressing IL13Ra2.
IL13Ra2, a cancer-associated receptor, is overexpressed by a variety of tumor cell
types including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM); it is associated with increased invasiveness
of tumor cells. By knocking out the expression of TGFbRII, the immunosuppressive cytokine
TGF-beta is unable to bind to the T-cells and prevent the activation of the T-cells.
TGF-beta contributes to the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment
(TME), and plays a key role in promoting tumor initiation, metastasis, and suppressing
anti-tumor immunity.;