CLEVER-1 targeting antibody, bexmarilimab, supports HLA-DR expression and alters ex vivo responsiveness to azacitidine and venetoclax in myeloid malignancies.

ABSTRACT: Treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) requires new therapy options, especially for patients uneligible for intense chemotherapy or with relapsed or refractory disease. CLEVER-1 is a myeloid checkpoint protein, which can be targeted with a therapeutic function blocking antibody, bexmarilimab. Bexmarilimab has shown clinical efficacy in different solid tumors. Here, we show preclinical data demonstrating expression of CLEVER-1 on immature malignant myeloid cells and their derivates in MDS and AML bone marrow samples and AML cell lines. Highest CLEVER-1 levels were observed in AML with monocytic differentiation. Ex vivo treatment of AML/MDS bone marrow samples with bexmarilimab led to an increase in antigen-presenting human leukocyte antigen DR isotype (

SUBMITTER: Aakko S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12078569 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature