(Anaveon) ANV700 is a novel proximity-activated IL-21 receptor agonist designed to selectively reinvigorate tumor-reactive PD-1 expressing T cells

Abstract

Background

Selective delivery of IL-21 to PD-1+ cells through a Proximity-Activated Cytokine (PAC)IL-21 has the potential to increase the cytotoxicity and maintain survival of tumor reactive CD8⁺ T cells in chronic antigen exposure settings, such as cancer. Clinical studies with recombinant IL-21 showed promising therapeutic benefit, which was limited by dose-limiting toxicity and immunosuppressive effects on antigen-presenting cells. ANV700 addresses these limitations by targeting a novel proximity-activated IL-21 specifically to PD-1-expressing cells. This approach aims to reinvigorate tumor-specific T cells while minimizing off-target effects.