Abstract IA14: Engaging T cells against cancer: BLINCYTO® and beyond – the BiTE® platform

T-cell-based cancer immunotherapies are at the forefront of a new era in cancer treatment. Engaging T cells through BiTE® (bispecific T-cell engager) antibody constructs is one of the most advanced immunotherapeutic approaches. BiTE® antibody constructs have a unique design and mechanism of action. They are constructed by genetically linking the minimal binding domains of monoclonal antibodies for a tumor-associated surface antigen and for the T-cell receptor-associated molecule CD3 onto a single polypeptide chain. Concurrent engagement of the target cell antigen and CD3 leads to activation of polyclonal cytotoxic T-cells, resulting in target cell lysis. The first BiTE®, blinatumomab, targeting CD19 and CD3, is being investigated in a broad range of B-cell malignancies and has recently received an accelerated approval by the US FDA for Philadelphia chromosome-negative relapsed/refractory B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia under the trade name BLINCYTO®. In addition, several BiTE® antibody constructs targeting other tumor antigens have entered the clinical stage of development. Most recent updates about the BiTE® platform will be presented. Citation Format: Dirk Nagorsen. Engaging T cells against cancer: BLINCYTO® and beyond – the BiTE® platform. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR Inaugural International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; September 16-19, 2015; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(1 Suppl):Abstract nr IA14.