Overview
- University of Southampton researchers report in Nature Communications that engineered multivalent antibodies more effectively activate CD8+ T cells than standard Y‑shaped antibodies.
- The molecules target the co‑stimulatory receptor CD27 and drive receptor clustering by recruiting a second cell via FcγRIIB engagement.
- In studies using human immune cells and mouse models, the approach produced stronger anti‑tumour responses than conventional antibody formats.
- Authors present the strategy as a blueprint for developing next‑generation CD27‑directed immunotherapies, noting the work remains preclinical.
- Funding came from Cancer Research UK, and disclosures state inventorship on related anti‑CD27 patents and prior research funding from Celldex Therapeutics.