Mechanism of action of bispecific antibody-drug conjugates in cancer therapy

Delhi, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Bispecific Antibody Conjugates, Clinical Trials, Patents, Business Opportunities and Outlook Report highlights:

• Report answers the question of why there is a need for bispecific antibody-drug conjugates
• Information on more than 60 bispecific antibody-drug conjugates in clinical trials
• Bispecific antibody-drug conjugate clinical trials: perspective by company, country, indication and phase
• Bispecific antibody-drug conjugates in combination therapy according to indication and clinical phase
• Leading companies involved in the development of antibody-bispecific drug conjugates

Download report:

The mechanism of bispecific antibody-drug conjugates in cancer treatment represents a sophisticated and highly specific approach to combat malignancies. These antibodies are designed with two distinct binding sites, allowing them to simultaneously interact with two different antigens. This dual-targeting mechanism provides a level of precision that significantly improves their efficacy in cancer therapy. By specifically binding to both cancer cells and immune cells or other relevant cellular components, bispecific antibody-drug conjugates can trigger direct tumor cell killing while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

At the core of their mechanism, bispecific antibodies are designed to bind to tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) on cancer cells, which serve as a marker of malignant tissue. These antigens are often overexpressed proteins on the surface of cancer cells, making them an ideal target for therapies. The other binding site of the bispecific antibody is typically directed at immune cells, such as T cells or natural killer (NK) cells, which are then recruited to the tumor site. This dual-binding ability creates a bridge between cancer cells and immune cells, facilitating the elimination of cancer cells by the immune system.

One of the most common bispecific antibody formats used in cancer treatment is bispecific T-cell receptor (BiTE), which binds to both a T-cell receptor (CD3) and a tumor antigen, such as CD19 or HER2. Upon binding, the bispecific antibody brings T cells into close proximity with tumor cells, triggering them to release cytotoxic molecules, such as perforin and granzymes, leading to tumor cell destruction. This immune-mediated killing mechanism is highly effective, as it leverages the body’s natural defense mechanisms to attack and destroy cancer cells without relying on external cytotoxic agents.

Another key mechanism by which bispecific antibody-drug conjugates work is by delivering cytotoxic payloads directly to the tumor site. In these cases, the bispecific antibody is conjugated to a small drug or toxin molecule that is released upon binding to the cancer cell. The antibody’s dual-targeting ability ensures that the cytotoxic agent is delivered specifically to the tumor, reducing the risk of systemic toxicity. Once the bispecific antibody binds to the tumor-associated antigen, the cytotoxic payload is internalized by the cancer cell, leading to its destruction from within. This targeted delivery system is particularly beneficial in solid tumors, where traditional chemotherapy often results in widespread damage to healthy tissues.

The mechanism of bispecific antibody-drug conjugates is also evolving to act on multiple antigens simultaneously. Tumor heterogeneity, where different cells within the same tumor express different antigens, is a major challenge in cancer treatment. By designing bispecific antibodies that can recognize multiple tumor antigens, researchers hope to improve tumor coverage and reduce the likelihood of resistance. This multitarget approach is expected to be particularly useful in cancers that are prone to rapid genetic mutations or that show significant diversity in antigen expression.

In addition to activating the immune system, bispecific antibody-drug conjugates can also disrupt key signaling pathways that are essential for tumor survival. By binding to receptors or ligands that promote cancer cell growth and proliferation, bispecific antibodies can inhibit these pathways and trigger tumor cell death. This mechanism is particularly effective in cancers that rely on specific growth factors or signaling molecules to maintain their rapid proliferation.

Overall, the mechanism of bispecific antibody-drug conjugates in cancer treatment represents a significant advance in targeted therapy. By simultaneously targeting cancer cells and the immune system, these drugs offer a highly effective and precise method of killing tumor cells. As research in this area continues to advance, bispecific antibody-drug conjugates are expected to play an increasingly important role in the treatment of various types of cancer, offering new hope to patients with previously untreatable malignancies.

Neeraj Chawla
Research Head
Kuick Research
neeraj@kuickresearch.com