allogeneic anti-BCMA/CS1 bispecific CAR-T cells

A preparation of allogeneic T lymphocytes that have been genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting both the tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA; TNFRSF17) and human CS1 (CD2 subset 1; SLAM family member 7; SLAMF7; CD319; CRACC), with potential immunomodulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, the allogeneic anti-BCMA/CS1 bispecific CAR-T cells target and bind to tumor cells expressing BCMA and/or CS1 and induce selective cytotoxicity in those cells. BCMA, a receptor for both a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) and B-cell activating factor (BAFF), is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF). BCMA is found on the surfaces of plasma cells, is overexpressed on malignant plasma cells and plays a key role in plasma cell proliferation and survival. SLAMF7 is a member of the signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) family of transmembrane receptors that modulate the function of immune cells through immunoreceptor tyrosine-based switch motifs (ITSMs) and intracellular adaptor proteins. SLAMF7 is highly expressed on certain malignant plasma cells and is minimally expressed on healthy immune cells. Targeting the two different TAAs highly expressed on malignant plasma cells may improve coverage and protect against antigen escape and resistance as tumor cells would need to lose both antigens.