tesnatilimab

Tesnatilimab (JNJ-64304500) is a monoclonal antibody targeting the **NKG2D** receptor (Killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily K member 1), an activating receptor expressed on natural killer (NK) cells, CD8+ T cells, and γδ T cells. Developed by **Janssen Research & Development**, it was designed to treat inflammatory bowel diseases by blocking the interaction between NKG2D and its ligands (such as MICA and MICB), which are typically overexpressed in the intestinal mucosa of patients with Crohn's disease. By inhibiting this pathway, tesnatilimab aims to reduce the pro-inflammatory response mediated by these immune cells. In the Phase 2b TRIDENT study, while the drug met its primary endpoint in the proof-of-concept phase (Part 1), it failed to demonstrate a clear dose-response signal in the subsequent dose-ranging phase (Part 2). Based on these inconsistent findings, Janssen discontinued the development of tesnatilimab for Crohn's disease.