Researchers from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have developed a promising new antibody therapy, designated as 77A, which has demonstrated the ability to enhance immune responses against various cancers. This investigational therapy specifically targets a cancer survival protein known as HSP70, effectively activating T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. The findings were presented on December 6, 2025, at the 67th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition.
Jun Wei, M.D., Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Lymphoma & Myeloma department, led the study alongside Robert Z. Orlowski, M.D., Ph.D., a professor in the same department. According to Wei, “There is tremendous promise in the way 77A is capable of rewiring the immune system, enabling it to respond effectively against multiple cancers.” The study’s results suggest that 77A could pave a new pathway for immunotherapy and patient treatment.
Mechanism of Action for 77A
The mechanism behind 77A’s effectiveness lies in its ability to target HSP70, a heat shock protein that plays a critical role in helping tumors evade immune detection. Overproduction of HSP70 is often observed in various blood cancers and solid tumors, contributing to a suppressive tumor environment. In laboratory models, 77A has shown significant antitumor effects by enhancing the activity of both innate and adaptive immune cells, particularly NK cells and T cells.
The antibody not only improved the detection and destruction of cancer cells by immune cells but also demonstrated synergistic effects when combined with other treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immune checkpoint blockade. It has also shown potential in combination with adoptive T cell therapy, a leading-edge treatment that involves administering lab-grown immune cells to patients to target cancer.
Future Steps and Clinical Trials
The research team has observed that 77A was effective across various cancer types in laboratory settings. Preliminary tests involving human immune cells from healthy donors indicated that the therapy could enhance immune responses, laying the groundwork for potential clinical trials. Orlowski expressed optimism about the findings, stating, “These results give us confidence that 77A could become a versatile immunotherapy.”
The next phase involves advancing a humanized version of the antibody into clinical trials to evaluate its efficacy in patients with different cancer types. The development of the 77A humanized antibody is underway, and researchers are eager to explore its potential as a new therapeutic option.
The study received support from Blood Cancer United, formerly known as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. A comprehensive list of collaborating authors and their disclosures is available in the study’s abstract.
As the field of cancer treatment continues to evolve, the introduction of innovative therapies like 77A signifies a hopeful advancement in the quest for more effective and lasting solutions against blood cancers and solid tumors.
