RE:RE:RE:ONCY pelareorep + CD3 bispecific antibody true-killer combo Activating the Tumor Microenvironment
Both bispecific T-cell engagers and oncolytic viruses are promising cancer therapies, but the new research demonstrates that combining the two approaches could work even better. The researchers first administered oncolytic reovirus to both syngeneic murine and humanized tumor models, then injected the CD3ε-bispecific antibodies. The combined treatment induced strong tumor regression and prolonged survival compared to each treatment option individually.
Preconditioning the tumor microenvironment with oncolytic reovirus resulted in the activation of immunologically cold tumors, explained the researchers. This in turn led to more successful engagement of bispecific antibodies, causing tumor cell death.
“Since we found the T cells that entered the tumor after oncolytic virus treatment were virus-specific and not tumor-specific, we needed an original way to use these T cells for tumor killing,” said Dr. van Montfoort. “The bispecific antibodies allowed us to redirect them towards the tumor. Reovirus and bispecific antibodies are a true tumor-killer combo that would not be effective without each other.”
Up next, the researchers hope to move the combination of oncolytic viruses and bispecific antibodies to the clinic. They are now looking to replicate their success using human bispecific antibodies already in the pipeline for immunotherapy treatment of solid cancer tumors.
Both the anti-CD3ε / TRP-1 bispecific and anti-CD3ε / HER2 bispecific used in the study are available for purchase off-the-shelf.
https://absoluteantibody.com/general/using-bispecific-antibody-reagents-to-further-research/