Definition

A recombinant agonistic pentameric immunoglobulin M (IgM) monoclonal antibody directed against human death receptor type 5 (DR5), also called tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptor 2 (TRAILR2), with potential pro-apoptotic and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, anti-DR5 agonistic monoclonal antibody IGM-8444, containing ten binding sites specific for DR5, specifically targets and binds to DR5, which mimics the interaction of DR5 with its natural ligand TRAIL. This cross-links and activates DR5 receptors, and activates the death receptor signaling pathway. This results in the activation of caspase cascades, the induction of tumor cell apoptosis and a reduction in proliferation of DR5-expressing tumor cells. DR5, a member of the TNF receptor superfamily (TNFRSF), is expressed on the surfaces of a variety of tumor cells and plays a key role in the induction of tumor cell apoptosis.