Definition

A humanized immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) agonistic monoclonal antibody targeting the costimulatory receptor CD137 (4-1BB; tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 9; TNFRSF9), with potential immunostimulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, anti-CD137 agonistic monoclonal antibody YH004 targets and binds to CD137, thereby activating CD137 expressed on a variety of leukocyte subsets including activated T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. This enhances CD137-mediated signaling, induces cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) proliferation, cytokine production and promotes a CTL-mediated anti-tumor immune response as well as induces NK-mediated tumor cell killing and suppresses the immunosuppressive activity of T-regulatory cells (Tregs). CD137, a surface glycoprotein of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, is an inducible costimulatory receptor that plays a key role in T-cell proliferation, survival and cytolytic activity.