TCR-JANUS engager proteins enable bispecific targeting to overcome tumor heterogeneity in TCR-T cell therapy

T cell receptor (TCR)–based immunotherapy is limited by tumor antigen heterogeneity, which frequently leads to relapse. We developed a bispecific TCR-JANUS engager that functions synergistically with TCR engineered T cells (TCR-T). In contrast to conventional T cell engagers targeting CD3, TCR-JANUS engages both the variable region of a transgenic TCR (TRBV) and a tumor surface antigen. Using a model system targeting a humanized KRAS-G12V–specific TCR and trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (Trop2), we show that TCR-JANUS effectively redirects TCR-T cells to lyse Trop2-expressing tumor cells while preserving intrinsic specificity toward the cognate pHLA target, thereby enabling simultaneous dual-antigen recognition. In heterogeneous tumor models, the combination of TCR-JANUS with TCR-T cells, an integrated system termed T Cell Dual Arsenal Recon, potently suppressed tumor growth by clearing antigenically divergent populations. Moreover, TCR-JANUS maintained enhanced T cell functionality with reduced exhaustion compared to anti-CD3–based engagers upon chronic stimulation. Together, this approach offers a targeted and durable strategy to overcome antigenic heterogeneity, expanding the clinical prospects of TCR-T cell therapy for solid tumors.

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Publication Details

Journal
Science Advances
Published
2026-09-09
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aed9825
Primary Topic
CAR-T cell therapy research
Type
article
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article

TCR-JANUS engager proteins enable bispecific targeting to overcome tumor heterogeneity in TCR-T cell therapy

Fuming Qiu, Ye Tian, Pengju Yao, Shuguang Tan et al.
Science Advances
CAR-T cell therapy research
article

TCR-JANUS engager proteins enable bispecific targeting to overcome tumor heterogeneity in TCR-T cell therapy

Fuming Qiu, Ye Tian, Pengju Yao, Shuguang Tan, Xiaowen Li, Wenling Wang, Ni Yan, Chenxi Cheng, Danli Xie, Jie Wang, Huxuan Chen, Ting Liang
article en

Abstract

T cell receptor (TCR)–based immunotherapy is limited by tumor antigen heterogeneity, which frequently leads to relapse. We developed a bispecific TCR-JANUS engager that functions synergistically with TCR engineered T cells (TCR-T). In contrast to conventional T cell engagers targeting CD3, TCR-JANUS engages both the variable region of a transgenic TCR (TRBV) and a tumor surface antigen. Using a model system targeting a humanized KRAS-G12V–specific TCR and trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (Trop2), we show that TCR-JANUS effectively redirects TCR-T cells to lyse Trop2-expressing tumor cells while preserving intrinsic specificity toward the cognate pHLA target, thereby enabling simultaneous dual-antigen recognition. In heterogeneous tumor models, the combination of TCR-JANUS with TCR-T cells, an integrated system termed T Cell Dual Arsenal Recon, potently suppressed tumor growth by clearing antigenically divergent populations. Moreover, TCR-JANUS maintained enhanced T cell functionality with reduced exhaustion compared to anti-CD3–based engagers upon chronic stimulation. Together, this approach offers a targeted and durable strategy to overcome antigenic heterogeneity, expanding the clinical prospects of TCR-T cell therapy for solid tumors.

Science AdvancesVol. 12(37)
Wenzhou Medical University (CN), Institute of Microbiology (BY), Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Microbiology (CZ), Institute of Microbiology (CN), Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 13%
CAR-T cell therapy research
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