Chimeric antigen receptors with BCMA specificity and uses thereof

Abstract

B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is expressed on malignant plasma cells. The present invention provides BCMA-specific chimeric antigen receptors and cells expressing such chimeric antigen receptors. In certain embodiments, engineered cells expressing the chimeric antigen receptors of the present invention are capable of inhibiting the growth of tumors expressing BCMA. The engineered cells of the invention are useful for the treatment of diseases and disorders in which an upregulated or induced BCMA-targeted immune response is desired and / or therapeutically beneficial. For example, engineered cells expressing the BCMA-specific chimeric antigen receptors of the invention are useful for the treatment of various cancers, including multiple myeloma.