Precision Targeting of Highly Cytotoxic T Cells in Autoimmune Disease

Abcuro is developing ABC008 for autoimmune disorders. ABC008 is a monoclonal antibody designed to selectively deplete highly cytotoxic T cells by targeting KLRG1 (killer cell lectin-like receptor G1), a marker selectively expressed on these highly cytotoxic T cells.

In autoimmune diseases such as inclusion body myositis, cytotoxic T cells are a major source of chronic tissue damage. ABC008 has demonstrated potent depletion of KLRG1⁺ T cells in patients with inclusion body myositis 2021 ACR Poster in phase 1.

In cancer, inhibition of KLRG1, an inhibitory immune checkpoint not targeted by any of the currently available therapies, can activate highly cytotoxic T and NK cells and leverage their potent anti-tumor activity. Abcuro is advancing ABC015, a KLRG1-blocking antibody through preclinical development for immune-oncology applications.