Day One: Wednesday 13 June 2012

10.15 FEATURED PRESENTATION ON MODELLING BISPECIFIC DESIGN
Mathematical modelling on informing the design and format selection of bispecific antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies are valuable as anticancer therapeutics because of their ability to selectively bind tumor-associated target proteins like receptor tyrosine kinases. However, most tumors are addicted to more than one pathway which asks for rational antibody combinations or bispecific antibodies.  In our presentation, we will illustrate the use of kinetic computational models that capture protein–protein interactions to explore antibody combinations vs. bispecific antibodies, different formats of bispecific antibodies, to set antibody design specifications such as affinity and valence, and to predict potency.

Dr Birgit Schoeberl, VP, Discovery, Merrimack, USA

11.20 Versatility of CH3-heterodimer platforms enable bispecific antibody discovery and development

Abstract tbc

Dr Justin Scheer, Scientist, Research and Early Development, Genentech, USA

Time tbc - Bifunctional fusion proteins mimicking an induced self phenotype promote antitumoral natural killer cell cytotoxicity

Induced self-expression of ligands for stimulatory receptors facilitates NK cell-mediated elimination of stressed cells. Specific modulation of NK cell cytotoxicity by selectively increasing the surface density of activating ligands on tumour cells may therefore represent an innovative approach to develop novel treatment strategies. Novel fusion proteins specifically triggering NKG2D and Nkp30 were designed to enhance NK cell-based immune responses against tumour cells.

Dr Matthias Peipp, Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, University of Kiel, Germany