Targeted T cell death

The abnormal activation of T cells underpins chronic inflammatory responses, leading to conditions such as autoimmune diseases, allergic reactions, transplant rejection and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). While immunosupressants can control aggressive T cells, their long-term use can cause problems.

AbGenomics Corp. believes that it has developed an antibody - called 168 - that can target and remove disease-causing T cells while sparing a functional T cell repertoire by interfering with P selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) (CD162) molecules. Last week, Boehringer Ingelheim (Ingelheim, Germany) licensed exclusive global rights to the humanized antibody. AbGenomics (Taipei, Taiwan) has an option to co-promote the antibody in selected Asian countries. ...