Definition

A tri-specific natural killer (NK) cell engager targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), with potential immunostimulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, EGFR tri-specific NK cell engager DF9001 targets and binds to EGFR on tumor cells and simultaneously binds to NK cells, thereby bringing EGFR-expressing tumor cells and NK cells together. This stimulates the NK cells and results in the selective NK cell-mediated killing of EGFR-expressing tumor cells. In addition, the NK cells activate T- and B-cells, and enhance a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated immune response against EGFR-expressing tumor cells. EGFR, overexpressed by a variety of cancers, plays a key role in tumor cell proliferation and survival.