Definition

A preparation of autologous T lymphocytes that have been transduced with a retroviral vector encoding for a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific for the human tumor-associated antigen (TAA) B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA; tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 17; TNFRSF17) fused to the co-stimulatory domain of 4-1BB (CD137), with potential immunostimulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, the autologous anti-BCMA-CAR-4-1BB-expressing T cells NXC-201 specifically recognize and induce selective toxicity in BCMA-expressing tumor 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, found on the surfaces of plasma cells and overexpressed on malignant plasma cells, plays a key role in plasma cell survival.