Orchestrating NK and T cells via tri-specific nano-antibodies for synergistic antitumor immunity

Nat Commun. 2024 Jul 23;15(1):6211. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-50474-y.

Abstract

The functions of natural killer (NK) and T cells in innate and adaptive immunity, as well as their functions in tumor eradication, are complementary and intertwined. Here we show that utilization of multi-specific antibodies or nano-antibodies capable of simultaneously targeting both NK and T cells could be a valuable approach in cancer immunotherapy. Here, we introduce a tri-specific Nano-Antibody (Tri-NAb), generated by immobilizing three types of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), using an optimized albumin/polyester composite nanoparticle conjugated with anti-Fc antibody. This Tri-NAb, targeting PDL1, 4-1BB, and NKG2A (or TIGIT) simultaneously, effectively binds to NK and CD8+ T cells, triggering their activation and proliferation, while facilitating their interaction with tumor cells, thereby inducing efficient tumor killing. Importantly, the antitumor efficacy of Tri-NAb is validated in multiple models, including patient-derived tumor organoids and humanized mice, highlighting the translational potential of NK and T cell co-targeting.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal* / immunology
  • B7-H1 Antigen / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes* / immunology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Killer Cells, Natural* / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred NOD
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C / immunology
  • Nanoparticles* / chemistry
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9 / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • B7-H1 Antigen
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C
  • CD274 protein, human
  • KLRC1 protein, human
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9