STAR (Synthetic T cell receptor and Antigen Receptor) - T, developed by the scientific team at BriSTAR Immunotech, is a TCR-like structure designed to engage tumor antigens more sensitively and to kill tumor cells more effectively. STAR design, inspired by the structure and function of TCR, combines the power of HLA-independent tumor targeting of CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cells) with the exquisite antigen engagement capability of TCR-T (T cell receptor engineered T-cells) to potentially achieve better tumor killing and safety profile. The signaling capacity of STAR is further enhanced by the addition of the co-stimulatory domain derived from OX40 receptor to the intracellular terminus of the TCR chain.

The T cell receptor-engineered therapy (TCR-T therapy) improves the affinity of TCRs and the power of immune cells by transducing antigen-specific TCRα/β heterodimers into the conventional T cells to improve the specific recognition and elimination of the antigen-presenting cells (virus-infected or tumor cells) in a HLA-dependent manner. BriSTAR’s internal TCR discovery engine focuses on discovery of TCR or TCR-like sequences that are specific to viral antigens and tumor neoantigens.