Definition

A preparation of autologous activated T lymphocytes that have been coated with a bispecific antibody comprised of an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody heteroconjugated to an anti-signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family member 7 (SLAMF7; CD319; CRACC; CS-1) monoclonal antibody, with potential immunomodulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, autologous anti-CD3/anti-SLAMF7 bispecific antibody-armed activated T lymphocytes target and bind to both CD3 expressed on T cells and SLAMF7 expressed on tumor cells, thereby cross-linking CD3-expressing T cells and SLAMF7-expressing tumor cells. This results in the activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and selective cytotoxicity towards SLAMF7-expressing tumor cells. In addition, cytokine and chemokine secretion by the T cells further activates the immune system, which leads to the recruitment and activation of CTLs, and additional CTL-mediated tumor-specific cell lysis. 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.