SummaryCheckpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer treatment. However, only a minority of patients respond to these immunotherapies. Here, we report that blocking the inhibitory NKG2A receptor enhances tumor immunity by promoting both natural killer (NK) and CD8+ T cell effector functions in mice and humans. Monalizumab, a humanized anti-NKG2A antibody, enhanced NK cell activity against various tumor cells and rescued CD8+ T cell function in combination with PD-x axis blockade. Monalizumab also stimulated NK cell activity against antibody-coated target cells. Interim results of a phase II trial of monalizumab plus cetuximab in previously treated squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck showed a 31% objective response rate. Most common adverse events were fatigue (17%), pyrexia (13%), and headache (10%). NKG2A targeting with monalizumab is thus a novel checkpoint inhibitory mechanism promoting anti-tumor immunity by enhancing the activity of both T and NK cells, which may complement first-generation immunotherapies against cancer.

Highlights d IPH5201 and IPH5301 block cell-borne and soluble CD39 and CD73, respectively d IPH5201 maintains immunogenic extracellular ATP d When used in combination with chemotherapy, IPH5201 promotes antitumor immunity d Targeting CD39 and CD73 synergistically promotes cancer patient T cell activation

Highlights d NK cell engagers are multifunctional Abs targeting tumor antigens, NKp46 and CD16 d NKCEs bring tumor cells and NK cells together and trigger tumor-cell destruction d NKCEs can show killing potency superior to therapeutic Abs in vitro and in vivo d NKCEs may improve benefit-risk profile for cancer treatment compared to BiTEs

Although preB cell-receptor (pre-BCR) formation and cell-surface expression is essential for B cell development, pre-BCR generation of signal transduction remains elusive. Here, we report that recombinant pre-BCRs and the surrogate light chain bind specifically to the bone marrow stromal cell galectin-1 (GAL1), an S-type lectin. The surrogate light chain͞GAL1 association is a direct protein-protein interaction (K a ‫؍‬ 2 ؋ 10 6 M ؊1 ), and the NH2 extra loop of -like is the major binding element. Pre-BCR binding to stromal cells depends upon GAL1 anchoring to glycosylated counter-receptors, and these complexes completely relocalize to form a synapse at the contact zone between preB and stromal cells. This immune developmental synapse is accompanied by the initiation of intracellular tyrosine kinase activity and signal transduction from the pre-BCR.