Definition

A human immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) agonistic monoclonal antibody directed against the inducible T-cell costimulatory receptor CD137 (4-1BB; tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 9; TNFRSF9), with potential immunostimulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, anti-CD137 monoclonal antibody PE0116 is selectively activated in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and targets, binds to, crosslinks and activates CD137 expressed on a variety of leukocyte subsets including activated T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. This enhances CD137-mediated signaling, induces T-cell proliferation, cytokine production and promotes T-cell mediated anti-tumor immune responses. 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 to promote anti-tumor immunity.