bispecific CD137 x programmed death-ligand 1 antibody

Bispecific CD137 (4-1BB) x PD-L1 antibodies represent a class of next-generation cancer immunotherapies designed to overcome the limitations of monotherapy and reduce systemic toxicities. These molecules simultaneously target the inhibitory PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint and the costimulatory 4-1BB receptor. A key feature of this bispecific architecture is conditional agonism: the 4-1BB agonist activity is typically dependent on the cross-linking provided by binding to PD-L1 on tumor cells or in the tumor microenvironment. This localization aims to concentrate T-cell activation within the tumor, avoiding the severe hepatotoxicity observed with systemic 4-1BB monoclonal antibody agonists (like urelumab). Concurrently, the PD-L1 arm blocks the interaction with PD-1, preventing T-cell exhaustion. Several candidates are in clinical development, including acasunlimab (GEN1046/BNT311), evunpabart (ES101), and MCLA-145.

Other names

CD137 x PD-L1 bispecific antibodyCD-137 x PD-L1 bispecific antibodyCD 137 x PD-L1 bispecific antibody4-1BB x PD-L1 bispecific antibodyPD-L1 x CD137 bispecific antibodyPD-L-1 x CD137 bispecific antibodyPD-L 1 x CD137 bispecific antibodyPD-L1/4-1BB bispecific antibody