Definition

A monoclonal antibody directed against the collagen-binding immune inhibitory receptor leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor 1 (LAIR1; LAIR-1; CD305), with potential immune checkpoint inhibitory and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, anti-LAIR1 monoclonal antibody NGM438 targets, binds to and blocks LAIR1, thereby preventing its interaction with tumor-associated and stromal-derived collagens and the formation of the stromal checkpoint LAIR1-collagen complex. This may inhibit LAIR1-collagen complex-mediated downstream signaling pathways and abrogates LAIR1-collagen complex-mediated myeloid cell immune suppression and inhibition of antitumor immunity. This may also inhibit the physical exclusion of immune cells from the tumor by the LAIR1-collagen complex and enhance T-cell infiltration of the tumor. LAIR1, an immune inhibitory receptor expressed on immune cells and upregulated in various cancers along with stromal-derived collagens, plays an important role in tumor infiltration, immunosuppression and immune tolerance.