Definition

An antibody drug conjugate (ADC) composed of a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the cell surface adhesion molecule and tumor-associated antigen (TAA) nectin-4 (PVRL4), site-specifically conjugated, via a linker, to the cytotoxic agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), with potential antineoplastic activity. Upon administration of the anti-nectin-4 ADC 9MW2821, the anti-nectin-4 antibody targets and binds to nectin-4 expressed on tumor cells. Upon binding and internalization, MMAE binds to tubulin and inhibits its polymerization, which results in G2/M phase arrest and induces apoptosis in nectin-4-expressing tumor cells. Nectin-4, a TAA belonging to the nectin family, is overexpressed in a variety of cancers, but has a restricted distribution in normal tissue.