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Vector Systems

This page summarizes information about vector systems used to transduce the therapeutic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) into T lymphocytes. A precise understanding of the exact vector sequence is essential to evaluate how the CAR transgene is delivered, regulated, and maintained within the host genome. This includes identifying integration sites, assessing the role of promoters and regulatory elements in driving stable CAR expression, and optimizing vector design. Promoters and regulatory elements directly influence CAR expression levels, which in turn affect T cell activation, persistence, and potential toxicity—key factors in ensuring safety, maximizing therapeutic efficacy, and refining vector functionality (Ho et. al 2021, Hosseini et al 2020).

The most commonly used vectors include lentiviral and gamma-retroviral vectors, both of which integrate the CAR gene into the host genome for long-term expression. Emerging non-viral methods such as the Sleeping Beauty transposon system and mRNA electroporation are also being explored, offering potential alternatives for transient expression or cost-effective CAR T-cell production.

Vector Systems for FDA-Approved CAR T Therapies

1. Tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah)

  • Vector System: Lentiviral Vector, 3rd generation

2. Lisocabtagene Maraleucel (Breyanzi)

  • Vector System: Lentiviral Vector, 3rd generation

3. Idecabtagene Vicleucel (Abecma)

  • Vector System: Lentiviral Vector, 3rd generation

4. Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel (Carvykti)

  • Vector System: Lentiviral Vector, 3rd generation

5. Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Yescarta)

  • Vector System: Retroviral Vector (Gamma Retrovirus), 2nd generation

6. Brexucabtagene Autoleucel (Tecartus)

  • Vector System: Retroviral Vector (Gamma Retrovirus), 2nd generation

6. Obecabtagene Autoleucel (Aucatzyl; Autolus Inc),

  • Vector System: Lentiviral Vector