CANCER THERAPY TARGETING NKG2A

Smart overview of the Invention

The patent application discusses a novel cancer therapy involving anti-NKG2A antibodies, which can be used alone or in combination with other antibodies such as anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, anti-EGFR, or anti-HER2. These antibodies aim to enhance the immune response in patients and offer new treatment options for various cancers. The application also includes details on pharmaceutical compositions containing these antibodies and their potential therapeutic benefits.

Background

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with limited treatment options for certain types like HER2-overexpressing gastric cancer and metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Current treatments are often tailored to specific genetic profiles of tumors. NKG2A is an inhibitory receptor expressed on immune cells that cancer cells exploit to evade immune detection. The overexpression of NKG2A and its ligand HLA-E in tumors correlates with poor prognosis, highlighting the need for therapies targeting these molecules.

Therapeutic Strategy

The application proposes a therapeutic strategy that includes administering an anti-NKG2A antibody, which may be combined with antibodies against PD-1, PD-L1, EGFR, or HER2. This combination aims to block multiple pathways that cancer cells use to suppress the immune system, potentially leading to improved clinical outcomes. The therapy can be tailored to individual patient needs based on their tumor's genetic profile.

Antibody Compositions

The described antibodies target specific epitopes and are characterized by their unique amino acid sequences. For example, the anti-NKG2A antibody competes for binding to NKG2A with known sequences. Similarly, detailed sequence information is provided for anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, and anti-EGFR antibodies. These sequences are crucial for the antibodies' binding specificity and therapeutic efficacy.

Potential Impact

By targeting NKG2A along with other immune checkpoints, this therapy offers a promising approach to overcoming cancer's immune evasion tactics. The combination of antibodies could lead to enhanced immune activation against tumors, providing a significant advancement over current treatments. The detailed sequence listings ensure precise targeting and efficacy of the proposed therapeutic agents.