Targeting CD47 with CC-90002: Unleashing the Immune System's Anti-Tumor Potential

CD47 is a protein found on all human cells but is more abundant on tumor cells, preventing them from being destroyed by the immune system. A new monoclonal antibody, CC-90002, has been developed with a strong affinity for CD47 and can block its interaction with SIRPα on macrophages, which is crucial for immune evasion by tumor cells. Unlike other anti-CD47 antibodies, CC-90002 does not cause hemagglutination while effectively binding to CD47 and inhibiting its interaction with SIRPα. In vitro tests showed that CC-90002 can promote the phagocytosis of various types of cancer cells, including those from blood, bone marrow, and solid tumors. The antibody's effect was found to be concentration-dependent in some cell lines. It also helped in phagocytosis of resistant multiple myeloma and AML cells, as well as solid tumor lines from various cancers. In vivo studies using xenograft models demonstrated significant antitumor activity and tumor regression with CC-90002 treatment, along with increased survival in a disseminated AML model. The mechanism of action was confirmed through binding to tumor cells and macrophage recruitment. CC-90002 is currently undergoing early clinical trials.