Generation of a dual-function multi-engager antibody for simultaneous targeting NK cells and tumor cells

11:00 AM EDT | May 22, 2025

The relentless pursuit of innovative cancer immunotherapies has unveiled natural killer (NK) cells as formidable agents in the fight against malignancies. While these innate immune cells possess inherent tumor-killing capabilities, their full potential remains constrained by regulatory mechanisms and tumor evasion strategies. At the forefront of this research stands ADAM17, a membrane-associated protease that functions as both a negative regulatory checkpoint in NK cells and a tumor-associated antigen overexpressed in various malignancies. Creative Biolabs is honored to invite Dr. Bruce Walcheck to introduce the Targeted ADAM17 Blocker and Killer (TABK), an ingenious multi-engager antibody complex that simultaneously enhances NK cell proliferation while directing these empowered immune cells to engage and eliminate ADAM17-expressing tumor cells. Join us to explore how this innovative approach leverages ADAM17's unique dual role to create a potent immunotherapeutic strategy with promising implications for cancer treatment.

During this webinar, we will discuss the following key points:

• ADAM17 functions as a negative regulatory checkpoint in NK cells and is a tumor-associated antigen
• Development of the multi-engager antibody complex Targeted ADAM17 Blocker and Killer (TABK)
• TABK selectively blocks ADAM17 in NK cells and synergizes with IL-15 stimulation to enhance NK cell activation and proliferation
• TABK engages ADAM17 overexpressed by various malignancies, linking NK cells to tumor cells to mediate their killing

Bruce Walcheck
Professor at the University of Minnesota

Bruce Walcheck, Ph.D. Professor of Immunology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Walcheck's postdoctoral training occurred at Boehringer Ingelheim (Connecticut), and his Ph.D. training was at Montana State University. He has been continuously funded by the NIH for over 20 years. His current research focuses on increasing the anti-tumor function of natural killer (NK) cells. The membrane-associated metalloprotease ADAM17 functions, in part, as a negative regulatory checkpoint in NK cells and exhibits overexpression in various malignancies, including ovarian cancer. Dr. Walcheck's group has generated a unique multi-engager complex that selectively blocks ADAM17 in NK cells and simultaneously targets these cells to ADAM17 in tumor cells, resulting in enhanced NK cell activation, proliferation, and tumor cell killing.

For research use only. Not intended for any clinical use.