A cytokine receptor-masked IL2 prodrug selectively activates tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes for potent antitumor therapy

Abstract

While recognized as the first effective immunotherapy for human cancer, IL-2 based immunotherapy still encounters several limitations in the clinic. Here, the authors design a cytokine receptor-masked IL-2 mutein prodrug that is selectively activated by matrix metalloproteinases in the tumor microenvironment, promoting anti-tumor immune response while minimizing systemic toxicity.