Multiple antigens and immune receptors

The term 'Multiple antigens and immune receptors' does not refer to a single molecular entity but rather describes a therapeutic strategy involving the concurrent targeting of various cell-surface antigens and immune-modulating receptors. This approach is a cornerstone of modern immunotherapy, exemplified by bispecific antibodies and multi-antigen chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies designed to enhance specificity and overcome tumor resistance (Nature Medicine, 2026). By engaging multiple targets—such as a tumor-associated antigen and a T-cell activating receptor like CD3—these agents facilitate the recruitment and activation of immune effector cells directly at the site of the disease. Additionally, this category encompasses the modulation of innate immune receptors, such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and STING, to stimulate broad-spectrum immune responses against pathogens or malignancies (Frontiers in Immunology, 2022). While offering superior efficacy in treating heterogeneous diseases like pancreatic cancer or B-cell malignancies, targeting multiple immune pathways increases the risk of systemic inflammatory toxicities, including cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity. Consequently, this designation serves as a collective term for complex, multi-target interventions rather than a specific, individual drug target.

Other names

Multi-antigen targetingPolyspecific immune targetingCombinatorial immune targetsMulti-specific immunotherapy targets

Simultaneous or sequential modulation of multiple distinct molecular targets, such as tumor-associated antigens and T-cell co-receptors (e.g., CD3), to facilitate the formation of an immunological synapse and enhance therapeutic specificity (Exploration of Immunology, 2024).