LMP2-Specific IL12-secreting TCR-T Cells in the Treatment of EBV-Positive Metastatic/Refractory Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

• Status: Not yet recruiting
• Trial end date: 2023-08-01

Summary

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections is known to be a high-risk factor to induce cervical cancers. To date, EBV-related nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is still a major concern in east Asia, especially in China. Concurrent therapies for NPC have limited response rate and high chance of relapse. However, EBV-induced cancers provided an ideal target for T cell-based immunotherapy due to the non-self origins. Engineered T cells bearing a TCR (TCR-T) that can specifically recognize the presented LMP2-epitope become a viable approach to treat this type of cancer. Though engineered T therapies have been well-recognized in hematological cancers, solid cancer treatment has been a major hurdle due to the immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment. Interleukin 12 (IL-12) seemed to represent the ideal candidate for tumor immunotherapy, due to its ability to activate both innate (NK cells) and adaptive (cytotoxic T lymphocytes) immunities. several clinical studies have been initiated in which IL-12 is applied as an adjuvant in cancer vaccines, in gene therapy including locoregional injections of IL-12 plasmid and in the form of tumor-targeting immunocytokines (IL-12 fused to monoclonal antibodies). Therefore, TCR-T cells armed with a IL12-secretion element could further enhance the efficacy of TCR-T in solid cancers.

• Phase: Phase 1/Phase 2

Details

• Lead Sponsor: Xinqiao Hospital of Chongqing
• Collaborator: TCRCure Biopharma Ltd