A TNFR2 biparatopic antagonist reverses immune suppression through a crosslinking-resistant and ADCC- independent mechanism

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ID: 318630
2026
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Abstract
Abstract Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) is a promising immunotherapeutic target due to its high upregulation on immunosuppressive populations, like regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). The clinical efficacy of conventional bivalent TNFR2 antagonists, such as BI1808, is fundamentally constrained by a heavy reliance on Fc-mediated effector functions and a significant risk of ‘agonistic conversion’ upon crosslinking within the tumor microenvironment. To overcome these liabilities, we engineered Duo1, a novel biparatopic antagonist that enables simultaneous, monovalent engagement of two distinct TNFR2 epitopes. Biophysical analysis confirmed Duo1 forms stable 1:1 complexes with TNFR2 with high-affinity (KD = 0.165 nM), structurally locking the target to prevent the receptor oligomerization required for agonistic signaling. Crucially, while conventional bivalent frameworks convert into potent agonists upon cross-linking, Duo1 maintains absolute, durable antagonism regardless of FcγR engagement. Functionally, Duo1 potently suppressed Treg differentiation and reversed Treg-mediated immunosuppression in vitro without impairing CD8+ effector T cell or CD4+ conventional T cell function.. In a TNFR2-humanized MC38 syngeneic model, Duo1 mediated significant, dose-dependent tumor growth inhibition comparable to benchmark BI1808. Notably, this anti-tumor efficacy was fully preserved in an effector-silent (PGLALA) variant, confirming that its therapeutic mechanism operates through pure antagonistic signaling blockade, independent of Fc-mediated effector functions. Furthermore, treatment with Duo1 significantly remodeled the tumor microenvironment, markedly reducing immunosuppressive populations and increasing the intratumoral CD8+/Treg ratio. By uncoupling anti-tumor activity from both the risks of cross-linking induced agonistic conversion and a dependence on immune cell mediated effector function, Duo1 represents a highly superior next-generation immunotherapeutic paradigm for TNFR2-rich, immunosuppressive malignancies.
Reference Key
openalex_W7165801087 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Shusu Liu, Zhichao Ai, Jinli Xie, Kai Yu, Fei Chen, Zhongzhou Zheng, Yijie Gao, Zhipeng Yan
Journal journal of leukocyte biology
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/jleuko/qiag086
URL
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