Definition

A preparation of allogeneic, off-the-shelf (OTS), universal transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN)-engineered T lymphocytes that have been genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting the tumor-associated antigen (TAA) human CS1 (CD2 subset 1; SLAM family member 7; SLAMF7; CD319; CRACC), with potential immunomodulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon transfusion of allogeneic CS1-specific universal CAR-expressing T lymphocytes UCARTCS1A, these cells target and bind to cancer cells expressing CS1. This induces selective toxicity in and causes lysis of CS1-expressing tumor cells. 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.