HERA-GITRL

HERA-GITRL is a hexavalent GITR (Glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein) receptor agonist developed by Apogenix for the treatment of cancer. Utilizing the proprietary HERA (Hexavalent TNF Receptor Agonist) platform, the drug is a recombinant fusion protein composed of a trivalent single-chain GITR ligand (GITRL) receptor-binding domain (scGITRL-RBD) unit fused to a silenced IgG1-derived Fc-domain. This hexavalent structure mimics the natural clustering of TNF receptors, providing potent co-stimulatory signals to T cells. By agonizing GITR, HERA-GITRL enhances T cell activation, differentiation, and survival, while potentially modulating regulatory T cell activity to overcome immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment. Preclinical studies have demonstrated dose-dependent tumor growth inhibition and increased T cell infiltration in models of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and head and neck cancer.

Other names

scGITRL-RBD-FcGITR-fusion protein