AWT020: a novel fusion protein harnessing PD-1 blockade and selective IL-2 Cis-activation for enhanced anti-tumor immunity and diminished toxicity.

Background: The clinical success of the immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) has revolutionized cancer treatment. However, the full potential of PD-1 blockade therapy remains unrealized, as response rates are still low across many cancer types. Interleukin-2 (IL-2)-based immunotherapies hold promise, as they can stimulate robust T cell expansion and enhance effector function - activities that could synergize potently with PD-1 blockade.