Antibodies to programmed cell death protein 1 that are PD-1 agonists

Smart overview of the Invention

The patent application discusses novel antibodies and antigen-binding fragments that specifically target the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). These antibodies act as PD-1 agonists, which means they can activate PD-1 directly rather than blocking its interaction with PD-L1. This mechanism is distinct from most existing anti-PD-1 therapies that inhibit the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction to enhance immune responses against cancer cells.

Mechanism of Action

These antibodies bind to an epitope on PD-1 that does not overlap with the binding site of PD-L1, thus not competing with it. By binding to this specific site, they activate signals in immune cells, promoting cytokine production and enhancing immune cell proliferation. This activation could potentially lead to improved immune responses in conditions such as cancer and infections.

Applications

The antibodies have potential therapeutic applications, particularly in treating cancer. Administering these antibodies or their fragments to a patient could stimulate or enhance the patient's immune response. The patent also covers polynucleotides encoding these antibodies and host cells containing such polynucleotides, providing a comprehensive approach to their production and application.

Technical Details

The invention provides detailed descriptions of the antibody's structure, including the light and heavy chain variable regions. Specific amino acid sequences are provided for these regions, highlighting the diversity and specificity of the binding sites. The sequences are designed to ensure precise binding to the PD-1 protein, contributing to the antibody's agonistic properties.

Research and Development

The patent includes a sequence listing submitted in XML format, which supports the detailed technical specifications of the antibodies. This information is crucial for researchers aiming to develop or modify these antibodies for various therapeutic applications. The invention represents a significant advancement in immunotherapy by offering a new strategy for modulating immune responses through PD-1 activation.