Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) (PD-1/VEGF-A)

Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) are critical therapeutic targets in oncology that regulate immune evasion and tumor angiogenesis, respectively. PD-1 is an inhibitory checkpoint receptor expressed on the surface of T cells; its interaction with ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2 suppresses T-cell activation and allows tumors to escape immune surveillance (Summit Therapeutics, 2024). VEGF-A is a potent growth factor secreted by tumor cells to stimulate the formation of new blood vessels, ensuring nutrient supply and creating a hypoxic, immunosuppressive microenvironment (Akeso, 2024). Ivonescimab (AK112) is a first-in-class bispecific antibody designed to bind both PD-1 and VEGF-A with high affinity. This dual-targeting approach aims to synergistically restore anti-tumor immune responses while normalizing tumor vasculature, potentially overcoming resistance to standard checkpoint inhibitors (Journal of Hematology & Oncology, 2023). Clinical development of drugs targeting this dual axis, such as Ivonescimab, has shown significant promise in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly in patients with EGFR mutations or those who have progressed on prior therapies (ClinicalTrials.gov, 2024).

Other names

PDCD1CD279SLEB2hPD-1VEGFAVPFVascular permeability factor

Simultaneous blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint and the VEGF/VEGFR angiogenic pathway to enhance anti-tumor immunity and inhibit tumor vascularization.