Fully Humanized Bispecific T Cell Engager Shows Potent Activity in Central Nervous System and Peripheral Tumors

Bispecific T cell engagers (BTEs) induce MHC-independent cytotoxicity by bridging T cells to tumor cells via binding a T cell-activating receptor and a tumor-associated antigen. BTEs have proven effective in hematologic malignancies and some solid tumors, yet their potential in glioblastoma (GBM) is largely unexplored. We developed a fully humanized BTE (hBTE) targeting interleukin-13 receptor alpha 2 (IL13RA2), a tumor-associated antigen widely expressed in GBM and associated with poor prognosis. In vitro, hBTE activated T cells and induced antigen-dependent cytokine release and cytotoxicity against IL13RA2-positive GBM cells. In vivo, hBTE showed robust target-specific activity and markedly prolonged survival in primary and recurrent GBM xenograft models, without detectable off-target local or systemic toxicity. Beyond GBM, hBTE also exhibited antitumor activity in IL13RA2-expressing solid tumors, demonstrating selective tumor accumulation and therapeutic efficacy in models of breast cancer brain metastases and extracranial lung cancer. This work highlights the therapeutic potential of BTEs in IL13RA2-expressing tumors and establishes a strong preclinical rationale for advancing hBTE therapy toward clinical translation in GBM and other tumors.