Definition

A fully human monoclonal antibody directed against tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2; tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 1B; TNFRSF1B), with potential immune checkpoint inhibiting, immunomodulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, anti-TNFR2 monoclonal antibody NBL-020 targets and binds to TNFR2 expressed on immune suppressive cells, such as tumor-associated regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). This prevents the activation of TNFR2 by endogenous tumor necrosis factor (TNF), inhibits TNFR2-mediated signaling, and blocks the activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) signaling pathway, which halts TNFR2-mediated immunosuppression, inhibits the proliferation and function of Tregs, induces and expands intra-tumoral CD8+ T cells, and enhances cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated anti-tumor immune responses. TNFR2 plays a role in tumor necrosis factor signaling, tumor expansion and survival.