From tumors to autoimmune diseases, TCE bispecific antibody sees new opportunities emerging

T-cell engager bispecific antibodies (TCEs) represent the most widely utilized bispecific antibody mechanism. They function by simultaneously binding to tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and CD3, a fixed component of the T-cell receptor (TCR) complex (CD3 × TAA).T-cell engager bispecific antibodies (TCEs) have demonstrated robust therapeutic efficacy in hematologic malignancies. For instance, CD20/CD3 glofitamab achieved a 50% complete response (CR) rate in patients with ≥2L relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), while retaining a cost advantage over CAR-T therapies. Current development priorities for next-generation CD3 bispecific antibodies include reducing cytokine release, improving response rates, and extending half-life . Current challenges in solid tumors include: 1. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS); 2. Off-target toxicity due to tumor antigen shedding; 3. Insufficient T-cell infiltration into the tumor microenvironment and recruitment of immunosuppressive T-cell subsets.Whether TCE bispecific antibodies can achieve deep tissue clearance, maintain long-term efficacy with continued use, and whether they will reduce efficacy when combined with immunosuppressants remain to be verified with long-term data. It is possible that CAR-T and TCE bispecific antibodies may co-exist in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, with TCE offering advantages such as “on-demand” use, improved safety, and lower costs.