Tumor-derived human monoclonal antibody targeting an intracellular antigen shared across multiple cancers
A fully human monoclonal antibody isolated from a patient with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), recognizes IGF2BP3, an intracellular oncofetal protein expressed in multiple human cancers but with limited expression in most healthy adult tissues. This antibody offers a potential new strategy to target cancer-associated antigens that are inaccessible to conventional antibody therapies.
Unmet Need: Expanding antibody therapies to intracellular cancer antigens
Most therapeutic antibodies target proteins expressed on the surface of viable cancer cells, restricting their access to the large repertoire of tumor-associated antigens located inside cells. Furthermore, relatively few surface antigens are broadly expressed across different malignancies while remaining minimally expressed in healthy tissues. These limitations create a significant need for new antibody-based approaches capable of targeting cancer antigens shared across multiple tumor types.
The Technology: A fully human antibody recognizing a shared intracellular tumor antigen
The technology is a fully human recombinant monoclonal antibody derived from an expanded tumor-infiltrating plasma cell clone isolated from a patient with NSCLC. The antibody specifically recognizes IGF2BP3, an intracellular RNA-binding protein aberrantly expressed in numerous malignancies but with limited expression in most healthy adult tissues. Unlike conventional therapeutic antibodies that require surface antigen expression, the antibody recognizes its target following release from dying tumor cells. The resulting antigen–antibody immune complexes activate innate immune cells and enhance antitumor immune responses. This distinctive mechanism offers opportunities to develop the technology as a novel cancer immunotherapy, particularly in combination with treatments that induce tumor cell death such as Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy or Immune Checkpoint Blockade.
Applications:
Development of antibody-based immunotherapies for NSCLC and other IGF2BP3-expressing malignancies
Combination with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immune checkpoint inhibitors to potentially enhance antitumor immune responses
Development of engineered antibody constructs, including antibody-drug conjugates, to target tumor-associated material containing IGF2BP3
Advantages:
Fully human antibody derived from a naturally expanded plasma cell clone within a human tumor
Specific recognition of IGF2BP3, a shared cancer-associated antigen expressed across multiple malignancies
Potential to target intracellular tumor antigens released during tumor cell death, overcoming a major limitation of conventional antibody therapies
Limited IGF2BP3 expression in most healthy adult tissues offers potential for tumor-selective applications
Potential compatibility with existing anticancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy
Lead Inventor:
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU27062
Licensing Contact: Jerry Kokoshka