Antigen-binding molecules that link to CD38 and / or CD28, and pharmaceuticals containing these molecules

Abstract

CD38 is expressed on malignant plasma cells. CD28 is a co-stimulatory molecule necessary for T cell activation and survival. The invention proposes novel anti-CD38 antibodies, anti-CD28 antibodies, and bispecific antibodies (bsAb) that bind to both CD38 and CD28 and act as co-stimulatory agents to activate T cells via CD80 and / or CD86 binding. According to certain designs, the double-specific antigen-binding molecules of the invention are capable of inhibiting the growth of tumors expressing CD38. These double-specific antigen-binding molecules of the invention are useful for the treatment of diseases and disorders in which a modulated or induced CD38-targeted immune response is necessary and / or therapeutically beneficial. For example, the dual-specific antibodies described in the invention are useful for the treatment of various cancers, including pancreatic tumors, lymphomas, and leukemia.