Express targeting antigens in cancer cells, Boehringer Ingelheim received new immunotherapy technology

▎Editor of WuXi AppTec Content Team On September 21, 2021, Boehringer Ingelheim announced the acquisition of Abexxa Biologics
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This acquisition will enable Boehringer Ingelheim to gain Abexxa's expertise in targeting cancer-specific proteins located inside cells and expand the range of potential cancer antigen targets
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The cancer immunotherapy developed by Abexxa's proprietary innovative technology platform is expected to be effective for a wider range of patients and cancer types
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 Abexxa focuses on the development of innovative immunotherapies around the intracellular antigens presented by atypical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules on cancer cells to directly kill tumors or mediate tumor death through immune regulation
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Atypical MHC class I molecular complexes have been shown to play an important role in regulating innate and adaptive immune responses
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Abexxa's platform can generate highly specific human antibodies against these targets
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The company has developed specific expertise for the atypical MHC class I molecule HLA-E, which has the potential to affect a wider range of cancer antigens
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Specifically, Abexxa has developed a potential "first-in-class" antibody that is similar to T cell receptor (TCR).
By binding to HLA-E, it can block its expression on natural killer cells and T cells.
The inhibitory immune checkpoint receptor NKG2A binds to activate natural killer cells and effector T cells
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Abexxa molecules can also be used to recruit immune cells to target HLA-E peptide complexes on tumors
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▲The mechanism of action of antibodies similar to TCR (picture source: reference [2]) "The acquisition of Abexxa strengthens our ability in tumor antigen discovery and provides a new method for targeting intracellular antigens
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" Boehringer Ingelheim Dr.
Clive R.
Wood, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Discovery Research, said, “By expanding the antibody pipeline that binds to innovative intracellular tumor antigens, we are working hard to develop unique and widely applicable new immunotherapies for cancer patients
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"Reference: [1] Boehringer Ingelheim Acquires Abexxa Biologics to Further Expand its Research Efforts in Cancer Immunology and Novel Immunotherapeutic Approaches.
Retrieved September 21, 2021, from https:// /Boehringer-Ingelheim-Acquires-Abexxa-Biologics-to-Further-Expand-its-Research-Efforts-in-Cancer-Immunology-and-Novel-Immunotherapeutic-Approaches[2] UTA's AbeXXa Biologics named one of 40 "Best University Startups 2017" by National Council of Entrepreneurial Tech Transfer.
Retrieved September 21, 2021, from https://news.
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