Researchers from Tianjin University have published data regarding development and preclinical characterization of a new anti-PD-L1/CD40 bispecific antibody (BsAb), BA-4415, designed to activate CD40 signaling specifically in the context of PD-L1 while simultaneously blocking PD-1/PD-L1 signaling.
Epitopea Ltd. has signed a license and research collaboration agreement with MSD (Merck & Co. Inc.) to identify Cryptigen tumor-specific antigens in an undisclosed solid tumor. Cryptigen TSAs are shared, nonmutated, aberrantly expressed antigens that are derived from what were thought to be noncoding regions of the genome.
Ona Therapeutics SL is accelerating development of its first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapeutics, targeting novel tumor-specific markers to eliminate hard-to-treat, resistant cancer cells for multiple large solid tumor types.
In a recently published study, researchers from Cima Universidad de Navarra and collaborators presented a novel SdAb-based CAR T-cell discovery platform that allows the generation, characterization and selection of SdAbs by several properties.
Bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) antibodies have shown efficacy in hematological malignancies and are being tested in a variety of solid tumors. Other strategies including bispecific antibodies in combination with monoclonal antibodies or targeting two different immune checkpoints on T cells are also undergoing clinical development.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the landscape of cancer management. However, acquired resistance and response variability point to rational combination strategies as the goal to achieve significant improvements in the field. Investigators at the National Cancer Center of Japan have found that stimulators of the innate immune response unexpectedly activated suppressive cells of the innate immune system.
The tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in the resistance of solid tumors to immunotherapy. In particular, fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts have been shown to contribute to immune evasion.
Stimulating the body’s immune defenses against a tumor can reduce or eliminate it. However, in cancer immunotherapy, when immune checkpoint inhibitors unleash the immune system, severe autoimmunity can result. A hematological technique, extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP), could offer a solution. It reduces the therapy-induced inflammation without altering antitumor immunity. According to scientists at the Universities of Basel and Freiburg, the key lies in adiponectin, a hormone produced by fatty tissue.
Work at Exelixis Inc. has led to the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) comprising antibodies targeting interleukin-13 receptor subunit α2 (IL-13RA2, IL-13R-α2) covalently linked to a payload. They are described as potentially useful for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
Xilio Therapeutics Inc. has announced three wholly owned preclinical programs for masked T-cell engagers targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) and six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 1 (STEAP1).
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