FUNCTIONAL ASSAYS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGONISTIC ANTIBODIES

September 14th, 8AM PT/ 11AM ET / 3PM GMT

WaTCh Now

About this Webinar

Agonistic antibodies are emerging as promising therapeutics for targeting immune checkpoints, particularly those within the TNF receptor superfamily, as they play a crucial role in regulating immune cell function, especially in the context of cancer treatment. In addition, there is a growing focus on the potential of agonistic antibodies to selectively activate co-inhibitory checkpoint receptors. These antibodies offer a promising avenue for suppressing inflammation in autoimmune diseases and restoring tolerance in graft-vs-host disease (GvHD) while avoiding the complications of global immunosuppression.

While a substantial number of clinical trials are currently underway for oncology and autoimmune indications, there is a notable scarcity of commercially available assays to support the clinical development of this class of therapeutics, impacting their time-to-clinic. Existing assays frequently fail to accurately assess the agonistic activity of antibodies as they are unable to replicate the necessary physiologically relevant conditions.

In this context, we present several case studies that highlight the pivotal role of cell-based assay approaches in driving the characterization and clinical development of agonistic antibody therapeutics targeting various checkpoint receptors. Additionally, we will discuss our data demonstrating the indispensable role of FcyR-mediated antibody clustering in establishing the otherwise elusive agonistic activity of antibodies.

Key Takeaways

  • Learn about qualified, ready-to-use bioassays that evaluate the true mechanism of action for the therapeutic action of antagonistic and agonistic antibodies targeting immune checkpoints
  • Hear about case studies highlighting how physiologically relevant cell-based assay design can elucidate agonistic effects in antibodies that were otherwise characterized as antagonists
  • Discover how various Fc receptors differently augment the agonistic response of antibodies in co-culture assay formats.
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