Definition

Autologous human T lymphocytes transduced with a retroviral vector encoding a T-cell receptor (TCR) specific for the human melanoma antigen A4 (MAGE-A4) and the CD8alpha co-receptor, with potential immunostimulatory and antineoplastic activities. Upon leukapheresis, isolation, transduction, expansion ex vivo, and reintroduction into the patient, the autologous genetically-modified MAGE-A4 C1032 CD8alpha T cells bind to tumor cells expressing MAGE-A4. This may result in both inhibition of growth and increased cell death of MAGE-A4-expressing tumor cells. The tumor-associated antigen MAGE-A4, a member of the MAGE-A family of cancer testis antigens, is overexpressed by a variety of cancer cell types. Co-expression of CD8alpha may broaden the immune response against tumors and increase antitumor activity by converting CD4+ helper T cells into CD8+ cytotoxic T cells.