An agonistic anti-Tie2 antibody suppresses the normal-to-tumor vascular transition in the glioblastoma invasion zone

Abstract

Brain tumours: antibody blocks blood vessel abnormality An antibody targeting key signalling pathways could prevent brain tumor vessels from being abnormal, thereby improving drug delivery into tumor tissues. Glioblastoma multiforme is considered one of the most deadly cancers and it invades brain tissue coupled with the loss of vascular integrity. This pathological vascular changes are closely associated with the hyperactivation of a signalling pathway called VEGFR2 and inactivation of another pathway, Tie2. Now, Injune Kim at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Weon Sup Lee at PharmAbcine Inc., both in Daejeon, South Korea, and co-workers have developed a Tie2-activating antibody that effectively stops vascular abnormalization in and around glioblastoma in the spontaneous mouse tumor model. As well as activating Tie2, the antibody suppresses the VEGFR2 pathway. The study therefore reveals a potential strategy for improving glioblastoma treatment through multiple vascular mechanisms.