CD004

CD004 is a small molecule compound derived from Chinese herbal medicine that is being developed by researchers at China Medical University and China Medical University Hospital for use in cancer immunotherapy. Identified through database screening for its anti-inflammatory properties, CD004 has been shown to reprogram IL-17-producing CD8+ T cells (Tc17 cells)—which are conventionally considered tumor-promoting—into a cytotoxic, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)-producing Tc1-like phenotype. In preclinical studies, treatment with CD004 significantly upregulates the expression of IFN-γ, T-bet, and granzyme B while reducing IL-17A expression in Tc17 cells, enhancing their in vitro cytotoxicity against lymphoma cells. Adoptive transfer of CD004-treated Tc17 cells has demonstrated significant anti-tumor efficacy in vivo, and the compound has shown synergistic effects when combined with cisplatin.