AbLec platform antibody-lectin chimeras

AbLec platform antibody-lectin chimeras (AbLecs) are a novel class of bispecific biologic molecules designed for glyco-immune checkpoint blockade. These modular therapeutics combine a tumor-targeting monoclonal antibody arm with a lectin “decoy receptor” domain that binds to specific glycans on the surface of tumor cells. By blocking the interaction between tumor-associated glycans and immune cell lectins (such as Siglecs), AbLecs disrupt glyco-immune checkpoints—mechanisms by which tumors evade immune surveillance. This dual targeting enhances anti-tumor immunity by promoting macrophage phagocytosis and natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity, often outperforming combinations of monospecific antibodies and other glycan-disrupting therapies in preclinical models. The technology is highly modular; different antibodies or lectins can be incorporated to target various cancer types or immune pathways. The platform was developed based on research from Drs. Carolyn Bertozzi (Stanford University) and Jessica Stark (MIT), with exclusive development rights held by Valora Therapeutics[1][2][3][4][6].

Other names

AbLecsantibody-lectin bispecifics