Definition

A recombinant, bispecific, single chain antibody directed against both the T-cell surface-associated costimulatory molecule CD28 and a melanoma-associated proteoglycan (MAPG) with potential antitumor activity. By targeting both CD28 and MAPG, recombinant bispecific single-chain antibody rM28 enhances cytotoxic T-cell recognition of melanoma cells, which may result in immune effector cell-mediated tumor cell death and a decrease in distant metastases. This agent appears to have a long serum half-life secondary to the formation of dimers. When activated, CD28 facilitates interactions between T-cells and other immune effector cells resulting in cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses; MAPG is a surface antigen expressed on the majority of melanomas, including primary cutaneous, ocular and metastatic melanomas.