A novel IL-13E13Y-based T cell engager, 313TE, promotes anti-tumor function against IL-13Rα2-positive tumor

The interleukin-13 receptor α2 (IL-13Rα2) is overexpressed in a variety of solid tumors with restricted expression in normal tissues, making it a promising tumor target. However, there’s been limited progress in IL-13Rα2 targeting tumor therapy. Here, we designed 313TE, a novel IL-13E13Y-based T cell engager targeting IL-13Rα2 and CD3 and evaluated its function in vitro and in vivo. The results demonstrated that 313TE binds strongly to IL-13Rα2-positive cells and T cells, bridging T cells and tumor cells. It effectively promoted T cell-mediated IL-13Rα2-dependent cytotoxicity against tumor cells and elicited the production of immune-stimulatory cytokines. In the xenograft tumor model, 313TE treatment significantly delayed tumor growth and reduced tumor weight, with efficacy strictly dependent on IL-13Rα2 expression. Our findings establish 313TE as a novel T cell engager capable of bridging T cells and IL-13Rα2-positive tumors, promoting anti-tumor function both in vitro and in vivo, offering a promising immunotherapeutic strategy for IL-13Rα2-positive solid malignancies.