Bispecific EpCAM–CD137 Binding Agents for Tumor Immune Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapies lack effective agents and methods to target EpCAM and CD137 for treating or preventing tumors and cancers, as existing antibodies do not adequately stimulate anti-tumor immune responses.
Innovation Solution
Development of a binding agent comprising a first antigen-binding region that targets EpCAM and a second antigen-binding region that targets CD137, utilizing specific variable regions with defined sequences to enhance T-cell activation and proliferation, thereby boosting the immune response against tumors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing antibodies are used to target EpCAM and CD137, then tumor targeting capability is achieved, but anti-tumor immune response stimulation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate antibody specificities into a single bispecific binding agent that can simultaneously bind to EpCAM on tumor cells and CD137 on T cells. This merging of functions allows one molecule to perform both tumor targeting and immune activation, resolving the contradiction between reliability of immune response and adaptability of dual-target binding.
Solution Approach 2:
The bispecific binding agent is designed with universal applicability to target multiple antigens (EpCAM and CD137) through its dual antigen-binding regions. This multi-functionality enables a single agent to both locate tumor cells via EpCAM binding and activate T cells via CD137 stimulation, achieving both tumor specificity and robust immune response simultaneously.
2Reliability
If single-specificity antibodies are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but therapeutic efficacy against tumors is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate monospecific antibodies into one bispecific binding agent. While the structure is more complex than single-specificity antibodies, this consolidation enables simultaneous tumor targeting and immune activation, significantly improving therapeutic efficacy compared to using separate antibodies or single-specificity agents.
3Reliability
If conventional antibody therapies are used, then treatment approach is established, but T-cell activation and proliferation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bisspecific binding agent incorporates universal immune activation capability through CD137 engagement, which is known to stimulate T-cell proliferation and anti-tumor activity. By integrating this well-characterized immune checkpoint pathway into the tumor-targeting agent, the patent achieves reliable T-cell activation while leveraging existing knowledge and manufacturing approaches for CD137-targeting antibodies.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a binding agent that binds to EpCAM and to CD137 which is useful to treat or prevent a tumor or cancer, or to prevent progression of a tumor or cancer.