Definition

A preparation of autologous T lymphocytes that have been genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific for the T-cell surface glycoprotein CD1a, with potential immunostimulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, autologous anti-CD1a CAR T cells bind to and induce selective toxicity in CD1a-expressing tumor cells. CD1a, an antigen-presenting glycoprotein, is exclusively expressed in cortical T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and otherwise only normally expressed in developing cortical thymocytes and Langerhans cells.