AL008

AL008 is a first-in-class, dual-function monoclonal antibody designed to enhance the anti-tumor immune response by targeting the inhibitory receptor Siglec-7 (Sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin 7). Siglec-7 is an immune checkpoint receptor primarily expressed on natural killer (NK) cells and certain subsets of T cells. Tumors often overexpress sialic acids, which bind to Siglecs to create an immunosuppressive environment and evade immune detection. AL008 works through a dual mechanism: it blocks the interaction between Siglec-7 and its sialic acid ligands to relieve immune suppression, and it simultaneously acts as an agonist to trigger activating signals or internalize the receptor, further boosting the activity of innate immune cells against solid tumors. Developed by Alector, the drug is currently being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of advanced solid malignancies.