anti-EpCAM/anti-CD40 bispecific antibody KK2269

A bispecific antibody directed against both the tumor-associated antigen (TAA) human epithelial cell adhesion molecule (Ep-CAM; EpCAM; CD326) and the cell surface receptor CD40, with potential immunostimulatory and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration of anti-EpCAM/anti-CD40 bispecific antibody KK2269, the anti-EpCAM moiety targets and binds to EpCAM expressed on tumor cells, and the agonistic anti-CD40 moiety targets and binds to various CD40-expressing immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). This induces EpCAM-dependent activation of CD40-mediated signaling pathways, and triggers the proliferation and activation of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and activates T cells. This results in an enhanced cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated immune response against tumor cells. CD40, a stimulatory receptor and a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF), is expressed on various immune cells, such as macrophages, B lymphocytes, and dendritic cells (DCs); it plays a key role in the activation of the immune system. EpCAM, a cell surface protein upregulated on many tumor cell types, promotes the proliferation, migration and invasiveness of tumor cells.