Fc-optimized GITR antibody enhances a CD4 T cell–dendritic cell crosstalk to promote antitumor immunity

Abstract

Targeting the stimulatory immune checkpoint glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein (GITR) using agonistic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy that activates effector T cells and eliminates regulatory T cells. The antitumor activity of anti-GITR mAbs depends on the engagement of the fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain to their receptors (FcγRs); however, this has not been comprehensively investigated in human anti-GITR mAbs. Here, we used Fc protein and glycan engineering to modify the FcγR interactions of anti-GITR human mAbs and characterized them in humanized mice. We identified an Fc-optimized human IgG scaffold that enhances antitumor efficacy through multiple FcγR-mediated mechanisms, including regulatory T cell depletion and mutual engagement and activation of CD4+ T cells and dendritic cells, leading to antitumor cytotoxicity of CD4+ T cells and enhanced CD8+ T cell activity. Our findings suggest a strategy to optimize human anti-GITR mAbs, harnessing beneficial immune pathways to improve their therapeutic potential. Avraham et al. engineered an anti-GITR human antibody with an optimized Fc domain that engages the activating Fcγ receptors IIa and IIIa to enhance antitumor efficacy through the depletion of regulatory T cells and activation of CD4+ T cells and dendritic cells.