Bispecific Antibody Architecture and TNFRSF Target Selection Determine CD8+ T Cell Differentiation and Anti-tumour Immunity

Abstract

Tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF)-targeting bispecific antibodies (bsAb) enable tumour-localised T cell co-stimulation, yet how antibody architecture and receptor choice govern activity remains unclear. Here we define how bsAb format and TNFRSF target selection shape CD8+ T cell responses and anti-tumour immunity. Using B7-H3 as a tumour-associated antigen, we show that dual-bivalent 2x2 bsAb elicit maximal agonistic activity, whereas the corresponding monovalent 1x1 format is least active. A 2x1 format retaining TNFRSF bivalency but monovalent B7-H3 binding preserves substantial activity, identifying co-stimulatory receptor bivalency as a key determinant of efficacy. Across TNFRSF targets, 4-1BB drives the strongest cytotoxic CD8+ T cell differentiation and anti-tumour response. This superiority is conserved in human T cells and reproduced by cognate ligands, indicating that the observed functional hierarchy reflects receptor-intrinsic biology. Mechanistically, efficacy requires tumour-associated B7-H3 and T cell-dependent 4-1BB signalling. Together, these findings establish general principles linking antibody architecture and receptor biology to co-stimulatory bsAb efficacy and provide a framework for rational design leading to optimal therapeutics.