| introduction | monalizumab is a potential first-in-class immune checkpoint inhibitor that targets NKG2A receptors expressed on tumor-infiltrating cytotoxic CD8 T cells and NK cells. NKG2A is a HLA-E inhibitory checkpoint receptor. By expressing HLA-E, cancer cells can protect themselves from NKG2A immune cells. HLA-E is often overexpressed in cancer cells of many solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Monalizumab may reconstruct extensive anti-tumor responses mediated by NK and T cells and may enhance the cytotoxic potential of other therapeutic antibodies. |
| use | monalizumab is the first immune checkpoint inhibitor targeting natural killer cell population 2A(NKG2A), which can be used in the study of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). |
| target | NKG2A |
| mechanism of action | monalizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody against NKG2A, which can increase IFNY production, so as to promote the function of natural killer cells. |