Clasp2 is a novel, patented protein that was designed to target and bind to the CD3 complex on the surface of T-cells. This interaction results in the activation of T-cells, which leads to an increased production of cytokines and other immune response molecules. In addition, Clasp2 has been shown to potently inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells in vitro.
The mechanism by which Clasp2 inhibits cancer cell proliferation is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve the downregulation of certain cell cycle regulatory proteins. In particular, Clasp2 has been shown to bind and inhibit the activity of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), a key regulator of G1/S phase progression in the cell cycle. This binding event leads to a reduction in CDK4 activity, resulting in cancer cells being unable to progress through their cell cycle and divide.
In preclinical studies, Clasp2 has demonstrated significant antitumor activity against a variety of different types of solid tumors including breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer and melanoma. Moreover, Clasp2 appears to be well tolerated with minimal side effects observed in animal studies thus far. These encouraging results have led to the initiation of clinical trials evaluating Clasp2’s safety and efficacy in human patients with advanced solid tumors. Early data from these clinical trials are promising and suggest that Clasp2 may represent a new therapeutic option for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.