Bispecific Immunomodulatory Antibodies for Cancer Immunotherapy

The recent advances in the field of immuno-oncology have dramatically changed the therapeutic strategy against advanced malignancies. Bispecific antibody-based immunotherapies have gained momentum in preclinical and clinical investigations following the regulatory approval of the T cell-redirecting antibody blinatu-momab. In this review, we focus on emerging and novel mechanisms of action of bispecific antibodies interacting with immune cells with at least one of their arms to regulate the activity of the immune system by redirecting and/or reactivating effector cells toward tumor cells. These molecules, here referred to as bispecific immunomodulatory antibodies, have the potential to improve clinical efficacy and safety profile and are envisioned as a second wave of cancer immunotherapies. Currently, there are more than 50 bispecific antibodies under clinical development for a range of indications, with promising signs of therapeutic activity. We also discuss two approaches for in vivo secretion, direct gene delivery, and infusion of ex vivo gene-modified cells, which may become instrumental for the clinical application of next-generation bispecific immunomodulatory antibodies.

Automated summary

Recent advances in immuno-oncology have led to a shift in therapeutic strategies for advanced malignancies, with bispecific antibody-based immunotherapies emerging as a promising new approach. These antibodies interact with immune cells to redirect and activate effector cells against tumor cells, potentially improving clinical efficacy and safety. Over 50 bispecific antibodies are currently in clinical development for various indications, showing signs of therapeutic activity, and new approaches for in vivo secretion are being explored for the application of next-generation bispecific immunomodulatory antibodies.