Unmet Need
- NKp46 is a key NK activating receptor, specifically expressed on NK cells. Importantly it is expressed in NK/T cell lymphoma and specific T-cell lymphoma subsets (e.g., GI T-cell LPD, PTCL, ALCL, mycosis fungoides).
- NK/T cell lymphoma are currently incurable.
Our Innovation
- We develop two complementary therapeutics against NK/T cell lymphoma: an ADC (for payload delivery) and CAR-T (for direct cytotoxicity).
- ADC uses an internalizing anti-NKp46 antibody demonstrated to internalize/degrade the receptor, enabling efficient drug release.
- CAR-T is built from a non-internalizing binder to maximize stable surface recognition and signaling.
Advantages
- Validated internalization for ADC – a key requirement for efficient payload delivery .
- Disease-relevant target expression across NK/T and specific T-cell lymphomas, supporting indication selection .
- Dual-modality program (ADC + CAR-T) enables independent development paths and future combination strategy .
- Existing antibody/hybridoma assets accelerate CMC and scaling (sequence access, reproducibility) .
- Potential safety utility: reagents may serve as an “antidote” for NK-cell immunotherapies to curb uncontrolled proliferation (concept tool) .
- Active collaborations with chemistry and pathology groups streamline translational studies
Commercial Opportunity
- We are seeking collaboration with oncology biopharma advancing ADC pipelines, cell-therapy companies (CAR-T/CAR-NK), and CDMOs for conjugation and manufacturing, to co-develop, license, and advance the NKp46 ADC and NKp46 CAR-T into in-vivo validation and IND-enabling studies for NK/T and selected T-cell lymphomas.
Contact in Yissum: Ariela Markel
