Multivalent Tri-Functional T-cell Engagers by Chemically Induced Protein Self-Assembly

Abstract

T-cell engagers (TCEs) show promise in cancer immunotherapy but face challenges in solid tumors due to heterogeneity, antigen escape, and limited T-cell infiltration. To address this, we developed a modular platform using chemically self-assembled nanorings (CSANs). We engineered a bifunctional fusion protein, E1-DHFR2-CD3, with an EGFR-binding fibronectin (E1) and an anti-CD3 scFv on a DHFR2 scaffold. With bis-methotrexate, the monomers formed multivalent cis-CSANs. Both monomers and CSANs bound EGFR+ tumor cells and T-cells, were internalized, and induced dose-dependent, EGFR- and T-cell-dependent cytotoxicity in co-culture assays. The system was reproducible across T-cell donors. To expand targeting, E1-DHFR2-CD3 co-assembled with other DHFR2 monomers targeting GFP or EpCAM, forming trispecific CSANs capable of binding multiple antigens and mediating cytotoxicity. This platform enables the discovery of potent multispecific TCEs to address antigen escape and solid tumor heterogeneity. Future work will focus on optimizing antigen combinations to enhance efficacy across breast cancer subtypes.