Format-tuning of in vivo-launched bispecific T cell engager enhances efficacy against renal cell carcinoma
O’Connell RP, Liaw K, Wellhausen N, Chuckran CA, Bhojnagarwala PS, Bordoloi D, Park D, Shupin N, Kulp D, June CH, Weiner D. Format-tuning of in vivo-launched bispecific T cell engager enhances efficacy against renal cell carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer. 2024 Jun 4;12(6):e008733. doi: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008733. PMID: 38834201; PMCID: PMC11163651.
Abstract
Background: Advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a prevalent kidney cancer for which long-term survival rates are abysmal, though immunotherapies are showing potential. Not yet clinically vetted are bispecific T cell engagers (BTEs) that activate T cell-mediated cancer killing through intercellular synapsing. Multiple BTE formats exist, however, with limited cross-characterizations to help optimize new drug design. Here, we developed BTEs to treat ccRCC by targeting carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9) while characterizing the persistent BTE (PBTE) format and comparing it to a new format, the persistent multivalent T cell engager (PMTE). These antibody therapies against ccRCC are developed as both recombinant and synthetic DNA (synDNA) medicines.