CD229 CAR T cells eliminate multiple myeloma and tumor propagating cells without fratricide

Nat Commun. 2020 Feb 7;11(1):798. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-14619-z.

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy and most patients eventually succumb to the disease. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting B-Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA) on MM cells have shown high-response rates, but limited durability. CD229/LY9 is a cell surface receptor present on B and T lymphocytes that is universally and strongly expressed on MM plasma cells. Here, we develop CD229 CAR T cells that are highly active in vitro and in vivo against MM plasma cells, memory B cells, and MM-propagating cells. We do not observe fratricide during CD229 CAR T cell production, as CD229 is downregulated in T cells during activation. In addition, while CD229 CAR T cells target normal CD229high T cells, they spare functional CD229neg/low T cells. These findings indicate that CD229 CAR T cells may be an effective treatment for patients with MM.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive / methods*
  • K562 Cells / immunology
  • Male
  • Mice, Inbred NOD
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology
  • Multiple Myeloma / therapy*
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / immunology*
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / metabolism
  • Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family / genetics
  • Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family / immunology
  • Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / transplantation
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • LY9 protein, human
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family