BCMA-CD19 Compound CAR T Cells

**Semantic type:** Cell|Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A preparation of T-lymphocytes transduced with a lentiviral vector expressing a compound chimeric antigen receptor (cCAR) containing two distinct units of CARs, one specific for the tumor-associated antigen (TAA) B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA; tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 17; TNFRSF17) and one specific for the TAA CD19, with potential immunomodulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, the BCMA-CD19 cCAR T cells specifically and simultaneously target and bind to tumor cells expressing BCMA and/or CD19. This induces selective toxicity in tumor cells that express BCMA and/or CD19. BCMA, a tumor-specific antigen and 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) and plays a key role in the survival of B-lymphocytes and plasma cells. BCMA is found on the surfaces of B-cells and is overexpressed on malignant plasma cells. CD19 is a B-cell-specific cell surface antigen overexpressed in B-cell lineage malignancies. Targeting two different antigens may improve coverage and protect against antigen escape and relapse as it is less likely for tumor cells to lose both antigens.

**Synonyms:** - BCMA-CD19 cCAR T Cells - BCMA-CD19 cCAR T-cells