Abstract 3589: Preclinical evaluation of mesothelin-specific T cell receptor (TCR) fusion constructs (TRuC™s) utilizing the signaling power of the complete TCR complex: A new opportunity for solid tumor therapy

Despite success in treating hematological malignancies, T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have shown poor efficacy in solid tumor indications. The poor utility of CARs is thought to be due to a number of factors including T cell exhaustion and a lack of persistence. Utilizing only the CD3ζ chain of six distinct T cell receptor subunits in combination with a costimulatory domain, the CARs bypass the natural TCR signaling complex. The failure to initiate and harness a complete TCR response is arguably a primary underlying factor preventing CAR-T cell success in solid tumor indications. Here, we present a novel T cell engineering platform: T Cell Receptor Fusion Constructs (TRuC™s), which target tumors in a MHC non-restricted fashion. Unlike CARs, the constructs integrate into the TCR complex, harnessing the full potential of natural T cell activation, effector function and regulation. Here we demonstrate preclinical evidence underscoring the efficacy of TRuC™-T cells re-programmed to target the solid tumor antigen mesothelin (TC-210). TC-210 showed robust anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo in mesothelioma, lung and ovarian tumor models. Surprisingly, this activity was associated with less proinflammatory cytokine production compared to CAR-T cells with the same binder and was supported by strong TRuC™-T cell persistence. Taken together, mesothelin targeting TRuC™-T cells have potent anti-tumor activity and present a promising approach for treating mesothelin-expressing solid tumors. Citation Format: Jian Ding, Ekta Patel, Patrick Tavares, Justin Quinn, Rashmi Choudhary, Bonnie Le, Olga Kiner, Solly Weiler, Daniel R. Getts, Patrick Baeuerle, Robert Hofmeister. Preclinical evaluation of mesothelin-specific T cell receptor (TCR) fusion constructs (TRuC™s) utilizing the signaling power of the complete TCR complex: A new opportunity for solid tumor therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3589.