Available Technologies

Background

Bendamustine is one of the widely used anticancer drugs with high therapeutic efficacy against B-cell lymphoma and it has the effect of modifying signals from various tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptors. However, it is also known to cause a reduction in CD4-positive T cells over an extended period, starting from the initiation of treatment and lasting for several months after its conclusion, which increases the risk of opportunistic infections and severe cases of coronavirus infections.

Description and Advantages

Kyoto University researchers found that the signal for T cell survival from OX40, one of TNF receptors, is converted into a cell death signal by bendamustine, leading to a decrease in CD4-positive T cells. Consequently, it was discovered that by inhibiting the signaling between OX40 and its ligand (OX40L) using anti-OX40L antibodies during bendamustine administration, the number of T cells could be maintained without compromising the therapeutic effect on B-cell lymphoma (Fig.1).

⮚ Suppression of CD4-positive T cell reduction by bendamustine (Fig. 2)
 

⮚ Safety of anti-OX40L antibodies

　The basic safety of anti-OX40L antibody is confirmed in clinical trials for other indications.