Ad-BiME

Ad-BiME is an experimental oncolytic adenovirus engineered to express a bispecific macrophage engager (BiME). The BiME protein is designed to simultaneously bind a tumor-associated antigen (TAA) on cancer cells and an activating receptor on antigen-presenting cells (APCs), such as macrophages. This dual binding brings cancer cells and APCs into close proximity, significantly enhancing the phagocytosis of tumor cells and promoting the cross-presentation of tumor antigens to T cells. By utilizing an oncolytic virus for delivery, the BiME is produced locally within the tumor microenvironment, which helps to activate endogenous macrophages and induce a targeted immune response while minimizing systemic side effects like the attraction of regulatory T-cells (Tregs). Developed by researchers at the University of Oxford, Ad-BiME is being investigated as a potential mechanism for antigen-agnostic cancer vaccines for solid tumors, including colorectal cancer.