A potential novel cancer immunotherapy: Agonistic anti-CD40 antibodies

Cheng-Zhe Jian; Li Lin; Chia-Lang Hsu; Yu-Hsin Chen; Chiun Hsu; Ching-Ting Tan; Da-Liang Ou

doi:10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103893

A potential novel cancer immunotherapy: Agonistic anti-CD40 antibodies

Drug Discov Today. 2024 Mar;29(3):103893. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103893. Epub 2024 Jan 23.

Authors

Cheng-Zhe Jian¹, Li Lin¹, Chia-Lang Hsu², Yu-Hsin Chen³, Chiun Hsu⁴, Ching-Ting Tan⁵, Da-Liang Ou⁶

Affiliations

¹ Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan.
² Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10051, Taiwan.
³ Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan; Stem Cell Core Laboratory, Center of Genomic Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan.
⁴ Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan; Department of Medical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei 10051, Taiwan.
⁵ Stem Cell Core Laboratory, Center of Genomic Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan; Department of Otolaryngology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan; Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsinchu 302, Taiwan. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁶ Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan; YongLin Institute of Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 38272173
DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103893

Abstract

CD40, a novel immunomodulatory cancer therapy target, is expressed by B cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs) and mediates cytotoxic T cell priming through the CD40 ligand. Some tumors show promising responses to monotherapy or combination therapy with agonistic anti-CD40 antibodies. The development of improved anti-CD40 antibodies makes CD40 activation an innovative strategy in cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we trace the history of CD40 research and summarize preclinical and clinical findings. We emphasize the ongoing development of improved anti-CD40 antibodies and explore strategies for effective combination therapies. Guided by predictive biomarkers, future research should identify patient populations benefiting the most from CD40 activation.

Keywords: CD40; CD40 ligand; immune checkpoint inhibitor; immunomodulatory; immunotherapy.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

CD40 Antigens*
Dendritic Cells
Humans
Immunotherapy
Macrophages
Neoplasms* / drug therapy
T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic

Substances

CD40 Antigens