Definition

A preparation of T lymphocytes engineered to express cell membrane-anchored and cell-surface vimentin (CSV)-targeted interleukin-12 (IL-12), with potential immunostimulatory and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, the cell membrane-anchored/CSV-targeted IL-12-expressing T lymphocytes are directed to and induce selective toxicity in CSV-expressing tumor cells. The cell membrane-anchored IL-12 cytokine promotes the secretion of interferon-gamma (IFNg), activates natural killer cells (NKs), and induces cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses against tumor cells locally, which may result in immune-mediated tumor cell death and the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation. Vimentin, overexpressed in various tumors, is associated with tumor growth and metastasis. Cell membrane-anchored IL-12 reduces the circulating levels of the inflammatory cytokine and the associated systemic adverse effects.