AgenTus iNKTs plus Agenus Checkpoint Antibodies Are Curative in Colon and Lung Cancer Models
Expansion and Activation of iNKT cells by αGalCer (an iNKT activating lipid ligand) promotes lung tumor clearance in combo with checkpoint antibodies
Agenus has a suite of key proprietary immune modulators that will enable near-term clinical iNKT cell combination therapy development. Although there is a wide library that is available through the collaboration, we will initially focus on two of Agenus’ assets:
- Balstilimab, an anti-PD-1 inhibitory antibody in registrational studies for cervical cancer
- Zalifrelimab, an anti-CTLA-4 inhibitory antibody in registrational studies for cervical cancer
Conclusions:
- iNKT cells activated by α-GalCer have greater tumor infiltration and reduction of metastases
- Combinations with PD1 inhibitors and/or FC enabled CTLA-4 inhibitors further expand infiltration and reduce metastases