Local delivery of monoclonal antibodies for cancer immunotherapy

Agonist monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are a class of immunomodulatory agents which activate co-stimulatory receptors on immune cells, leading to activation, proliferation, and enhanced effector function. These therapies have led to robust responses in preclinical models. However, systemic administration of agonist mAbs has been plagued by potentially fatal dose limiting toxicities, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Additionally, systemic overstimulation of the immune system risks the development of autoimmune disorders. With that in mind, my project will explore the efficacy of locally administered agonist mAbs, achieving durable anti-tumor responses while avoiding the adverse effects associated with systemic delivery.