JN Biosciences has developed a proprietary MultYmab™ antibody engineering technology to generate hexameric IgG antibodies (MultYbody™). This innovative technology makes it possible to convert IgG antibodies to potent agonists against TNF receptor superfamily members, including death receptors and immune costimulatory molecules, that require trimerization for signal transduction. MultYbodies™ are capable of forming trimers or even larger multimers of TNF receptor family members for efficient signal transduction.
MultYbodies™ specific to each of death receptors 4 and 5 (DR4 and DR5, respectively), members of the TNF receptor superfamily, have been shown to strongly induce apoptosis of corresponding DR4- or DR5-expressing tumor cells. These anti-DR4 and DR5 MultYbodies™ are under development for treatment of hematological and solid cancers.
Another group of MultYbodies™ target TNF receptor family members of costimulatory molecules, such as CD40, OX40 and GITR, for enhancement of immune responses in the body. Engagement of these molecules by MultYbodies™ stimulates the immune system of the patient to mount a potent attack against tumor cells. These antibodies are currently being tested for their efficacy in cancer immunotherapy. The potent efficacy of an anti-OX40 MultYbody™ to enhance immune responses of T cells was presented at the Antibody Engineering and Therapeutics Meeting (click here for the poster).
For additional information of the MultYmab™ technology, a non-confidential brochure is available here.
