Bispecific antibodies targeting immunomodulatory checkpoints for cancer therapy

Advances in antibody engineering have led to the generation of more innovative antibody drugs, such as bispecific antibodies (bsAbs). Following the success associated with blinatumomab, bsAbs have attracted enormous interest in the field of cancer immunotherapy. By specifically targeting two different antigens, bsAbs reduce the distance between tumor and immune cells, thereby enhancing tumor killing directly. There are several mechanisms of action upon which bsAbs have been exploited. Accumulating experience on checkpoint-based therapy has promoted the clinical transformation of bsAbs targeting immunomodulatory checkpoints. Cadonilimab (PD-1 x CTLA-4) is the first approved bsAb targeting dual inhibitory checkpoints, which confirms the feasibility of bsAbs in immunotherapy. In this review we analyzed the mechanisms by which bsAbs targeting immunomodulatory checkpoints and their emerging applications in cancer immunotherapy.

Automated summary

Advances in antibody engineering have led to the development of innovative antibody drugs called bispecific antibodies (bsAbs). These bsAbs have attracted significant interest in cancer immunotherapy by targeting two different antigens and enhancing tumor killing. Cadonilimab (PD-1 x CTLA-4) is the first approved bsAb targeting dual inhibitory checkpoints, confirming the feasibility of bsAbs in immunotherapy. This review analyzes the mechanisms and emerging applications of bsAbs targeting immunomodulatory checkpoints in cancer immunotherapy.