A potential novel cancer immunotherapy: Agonistic anti-CD40 antibodies

•Many immune cells possess CD40 whose activation is associated with immune functions.•CD40 activation serves as a bridge connecting innate and adaptive immunity.•CD40 is a potential immune checkpoint inhibitor in cancer.•CD40 activation as part of cancer immunotherapy is an innovative strategy.•Seve...

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Published in:Drug discovery today 2024-03, Vol.29 (3), p.103893-103893, Article 103893
Main Authors: Jian, Cheng-Zhe, Lin, Li, Hsu, Chia-Lang, Chen, Yu-Hsin, Hsu, Chiun, Tan, Ching-Ting, Ou, Da-Liang
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
CD40
CD40 Antigens
CD40 ligand
Dendritic Cells
Humans
immune checkpoint inhibitor
immunomodulatory
Immunotherapy
Macrophages
Neoplasms - drug therapy
T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic
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Summary:•Many immune cells possess CD40 whose activation is associated with immune functions.•CD40 activation serves as a bridge connecting innate and adaptive immunity.•CD40 is a potential immune checkpoint inhibitor in cancer.•CD40 activation as part of cancer immunotherapy is an innovative strategy.•Several agonistic antibodies targeting CD40 have undergone rigorous investigation in clinical trials. 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.
ISSN:1359-6446
1878-5832
DOI:10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103893