Anti-CD73 Antibody–IL-2 Fusion Protein for T-Cell Activation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cancer treatments fail to effectively activate immune cells and control the tumor microenvironment, leading to immunosuppression and cancer cell evasion.

Innovation Solution

A fusion protein dimer comprising an anti-CD73 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment and IL-2 is developed to inhibit adenosine production, blocking the A2AR and A2BR signaling pathways, thereby activating immune cells and controlling the tumor microenvironment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cancer treatments are used, then treatment is provided, but immune cells are not effectively activated and tumor microenvironment control is achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecancer treatment effectivenessVSAvoidimmunosuppression and immune cell evasion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines anti-CD73 antibody and IL-2 into a single fusion protein molecule, creating a dual-functional agent that simultaneously blocks adenosine production and activates immune cells. This merging resolves the contradiction by delivering two therapeutic actions through one molecule, overcoming both immunosuppression and ineffective immune activation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fusion protein represents a composite biological material combining two distinct functional components (anti-CD73 antibody and IL-2) into one integrated molecule. This composite structure enables simultaneous inhibition of the adenosine pathway and direct immune cell stimulation, addressing the limitations of conventional single-agent treatments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If adenosine signaling pathway is active, then immune suppressor cells are activated, but cytotoxic T cell and NK cell activity is inhibited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmune suppressor cell activationVSAvoidcytotoxic T cell and NK cell activity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-CD73 antibody component of the fusion protein preemptively blocks CD73 enzyme activity, preventing adenosine production before it can activate immune suppressor cells. This preliminary action stops the harmful signaling cascade at its source, protecting cytotoxic T cells and NK cells from suppression

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The fusion protein converts the harmful adenosine signaling pathway into a benefit by blocking CD73, thereby preventing immunosuppression. Simultaneously, the IL-2 component harnesses immune cell activity for anti-tumor purposes, transforming potential harm into therapeutic benefit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If IL-2 is used alone, then immune cell activity is enhanced, but tumor microenvironment control is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmune cell activityVSAvoidtumor microenvironment immunosuppression

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By merging anti-CD73 antibody and IL-2 into one fusion protein, the invention ensures that immune cell activation (via IL-2) occurs simultaneously with blockade of the immunosuppressive adenosine pathway (via anti-CD73). This resolves the contradiction by making the two actions inseparable, ensuring tumor microenvironment control accompanies immune activation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The fusion protein activates CD8+ and CD4+ T cells while inhibiting immunosuppressive cells, providing a therapeutic approach for cancer treatment by enhancing immune cell activity and inhibiting tumor growth.

Implementation Method 1

an antibody or a fragment thereof that specifically binds to CD73

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntigen-antibody binding:

Implementation Method 2

blocking the A2AR and A2BR signaling pathways

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal transduction inhibition:

Data Source

PatentUS12414984B2Fusion protein comprising anti-CD73 antibody and IL-2, and use thereof

Publication Date: 2025.09.16 GI INNOVATION INC

AI summary

A fusion protein in which an anti-CD73 antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof and IL-2 are linked to each other, and the use thereof are disclosed. The fusion protein or dimer thereof contains an anti-CD73 antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof and IL-2, and is able to inhibit adenosine production by binding to CD73 of cancer cells, thereby blocking the A2AR and A2BR signaling pathways, thus controlling the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, the fusion protein or dimer thereof is able to activate immune cells (CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T cells) along with less activation of immunosuppressive cells such as regulatory T cells (Tregs). In addition, IL-2 or a variant thereof in the fusion protein is able to activate immune cells. Therefore, the fusion protein and dimer thereof may be useful for preventing or treating cancer.