Definition

A humanized agonistic antibody targeting the immune checkpoint human B-cell surface antigen CD40, with potential immunostimulatory and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, anti-CD40 agonist antibody YH003 targets and binds to CD40 on a variety of immune cell types. This induces CD40-dependent signaling pathways, triggers the proliferation and activation of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and activates T cells. This results in an enhanced cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated immune response against tumor cells. CD40, a cell surface receptor and member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF), is expressed on various immune cells, such as dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages and B cells, and plays a key role in the activation of the immune system.