Antibodies That Stimulate Nk Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity

Technology Description

Current cancer therapies often have limitations such as off-target effects, development of resistance, and limited efficacy against certain cancer types. There is a pressing need for therapies that can specifically target cancer cells and enhance the body’s natural immune response against these malignant cells.

The inventors have developed a bispecific antibody therapy that targets Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptors (NCR1, NCR3) or CD-16 on Natural Killer (NK) cells and a specific antigen on the cancer cell. This therapy will enhance the cytotoxic response of NK cells towards the cancer cells, leading to targeted cell death. Bispecific targeting of NCR3 presents a novel opportunity to potently activate NK cells, thereby enhancing the antitumor immune responses.

Related Materials

• A functional mammalian display screen identifies rare antibodies that stimulate NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity - 08/03/2021

Data Availability

The inventors have developed a functional screen to identify antibodies that can activate NK cells. From this screen, antibodies specific for NCR1, NCR3, and CD-16 were identified. These antibodies bound with high affinity to NK cells, and the subsequent development of bispecific antibody constructs showed successful redirection of NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity towards CD20+ B cell lymphomas and HER+ breast cancer cells. 

Patent Status

Additional Patents Pending