Generation of therapeutic antibodies from lung cancer patients

Tumor-targeting antibodies or reactivation of immune cells by immune checkpoint inhibition have added new treatment strategies in various types of cancer patients. In preliminary experiments, we found antibody-forming cells in NSCLC patients with tumor-binding capacity. Here, we will examine the specificity of antibodies to tumors, comprehensively characterize them, and test their therapeutic potential. Specifically, we will express antibodies recovered from the patients in different isotype formats, compare their tumor binding capacity and examine binding to tumor targets and endogenous viral associated targets. We will structurally characterize the mechanism of target recognition by these antibodies and use this structural information to augment their potency. Finally, we will examine the therapeutic potential of these antibodies in a mouse model of lung cancer. The findings can lead to the discovery of new anti-tumor antibodies, revealing targets that may be superior in tumor binding and patient treatment over traditional existing ones.