Immunoreceptors targeted by BioInvent antibodies
BioInvent is developing antibodies to cells and immunoreceptors controlling both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. BioInvent’s innovative antibodies have the potential to significantly improve the efficacy of currently available immune checkpoint-blocking therapies e.g., anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4, and may help activate anti-cancer immunity in non-responding patients.
THE INNATE ARM OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
BioInvent has a broad program targeting the antibody checkpoint FcγRIIB. Clinical and preclinical research show that the activity of many antibodies used in cancer treatment is modulated by FcγR-s. BioInvent has both preclinical and clinical data suggesting that the effect of such antibodies can be boosted by specifically targeting FcγRIIB. BioInvent evaluates this in ongoing clinical trials with BI-1206 and BI-1607, which both target FcγRIIB.
THE ADAPTIVE ARM OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Cancer-associated regulatory T cells (Tregs) modulate the immune system and are of key significance for retaining tolerance of the body’s own antigens as well as for preventing autoimmune diseases. Tregs are immunosuppressive cells whose most important task is to switch off cell-mediated immunity at the end of an immune reaction, suppressing autoreactive effector T cells. Since Tregs suppress the effect of the immune system so effectively, their abnormal expansion and activation in cancer provide ways for the tumor to elude the body's immune defense. Several publications show a clear correlation between the number of tumor Tregs and a poor prognosis. Conversely, effector T cell numbers and the ratio of effector T cells to Tregs correlate with survival.
BT-001 targeting CTLA-4 and BI-1808 targeting TNFR2 both reduce intratumoral Tregs and expand antitumor CD8+ effector T cells.