Improving T-cell engager efficacy in glioblastoma with multi-antigen targeting and novel delivery approaches

Glioblastoma remains a challenging disease to approach with immunotherapy due to pronounced antigen heterogeneity, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and barriers to effective molecule delivery within the central nervous system. T-cell engagers provide an off-the-shelf approach to redirect endogenous T cells toward tumor cells. However, bispecific formats are constrained by intra- and interpatient antigen heterogeneity, which can limit therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we examine trispecific T-cell engagers (TriTEs) as an emerging strategy to address this limitation by simultaneously targeting multiple tumor-associated antigens. We discuss principles guiding antigen selection in glioblastoma, summarize available preclinical evidence supporting multispecific engagement, and outline key design considerations, including molecular architecture, stability, half-life extension, and safety optimization. We further review delivery strategies, such as gene-encoded expression, cellular carriers, and blood-brain barrier modulation, that may improve tumor access and the durability of TriTEs. Together, these considerations position TriTEs as a modular immunotherapy platform relevant to glioblastoma and other heterogeneous solid tumors.

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Publication Details

Journal
Acta Neuropathologica
Published
2026-08-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00401-026-03063-w
Primary Topic
Monoclonal and Polyclonal Antibodies Research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Improving T-cell engager efficacy in glioblastoma with multi-antigen targeting and novel delivery approaches

Kristen D. Pawlowski, Arushi Tiwari, Irina V. Balyasnikova
Acta Neuropathologica
Monoclonal and Polyclonal Antibodies Research
article

Improving T-cell engager efficacy in glioblastoma with multi-antigen targeting and novel delivery approaches

Kristen D. Pawlowski, Arushi Tiwari, Irina V. Balyasnikova
article en

Abstract

Glioblastoma remains a challenging disease to approach with immunotherapy due to pronounced antigen heterogeneity, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and barriers to effective molecule delivery within the central nervous system. T-cell engagers provide an off-the-shelf approach to redirect endogenous T cells toward tumor cells. However, bispecific formats are constrained by intra- and interpatient antigen heterogeneity, which can limit therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we examine trispecific T-cell engagers (TriTEs) as an emerging strategy to address this limitation by simultaneously targeting multiple tumor-associated antigens. We discuss principles guiding antigen selection in glioblastoma, summarize available preclinical evidence supporting multispecific engagement, and outline key design considerations, including molecular architecture, stability, half-life extension, and safety optimization. We further review delivery strategies, such as gene-encoded expression, cellular carriers, and blood-brain barrier modulation, that may improve tumor access and the durability of TriTEs. Together, these considerations position TriTEs as a modular immunotherapy platform relevant to glioblastoma and other heterogeneous solid tumors.

Acta NeuropathologicaVol. 152(1)
Northwestern University (US), University of Michigan (US), Michigan Medicine (US), Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University
National Institutes of Health
Responsible consumption and production
Openalex Percentile: Top 10%
Monoclonal and Polyclonal Antibodies Research
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