So far, compared with traditional cancer treatment strategies, immunotherapy is considered the most promising systemic tumor treatment method. Among them, monoclonal antibodies have become a key and effective treatment in cancer therapy due to their specific targeting ability of a molecule. However, due to the complex pathogenesis of tumors, monoclonal antibodies targeting a single target often fail to exhibit sufficient therapeutic effects. Therefore, bispecific antibody therapy targeting multiple targets has emerged, revolutionizing the field of tumor immunotherapy.
Bispecific antibody therapy can work wonders due to its unique mechanism of action:
T Cell-Mediated Tumor Killing
Bispecific antibodies can simultaneously bind to CD3 (a protein on T cells) and tumor antigens (like CD19, BCMA), bringing the T cells and tumor cells closely together, forming an immunological synapse. This essentially sends an attack signal to the T cells, activating them to release perforin and granzymes, directly "eliminating" the tumor cells.
Bridging Different Cells or Molecules
These antibodies can also bring effector cells (such as NK cells, macrophages) next to the target cells, enhancing antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) or promoting phagocytosis (ADCP), like rallying a group of "helpers" to fight the enemy together.
Dual Pathway Blockade
Some bispecific antibodies can simultaneously block two important signaling pathways within tumor cells (such as EGFR and MET), breaking the tumor cell's resistance mechanisms, thereby inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis.
Functional Mimicry
Take Emicizumab as an example. It can mimic the function of coagulation factor VIII by linking FIXa and FX, helping Type A hemophilia patients restore coagulation function.
Updated: Apr 07, 2025
