Novel anti-CD38 humanized mAb SG003 possessed enhanced cytotoxicity in lymphoma than Daratumumab via antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

Background: In vivo use of monoclonal antibodies has become routine clinical practice in the treatment of human cancer. CD38 is an attractive target, because it has double roles, as a receptor and an ectoenzyme. Daratumumab, an anti-CD38 antibody, is currently in the clinical trials for multiple myeloma.

Results: Here we obtained a humanized anti-CD38 antibody, SG003, using SDR-grafting method. SG003 possessed stronger antigen binding activity than Daratumumab, and its epitope was far from that of Daratumumab, an anti-CD38 antibody currently in the clinical trials for multiple myeloma; besides, SG003 showed enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity function and in vivo inhibitory efficacy of tumor growth in xenograft mice model.

Conclusion: SG003 seemed to be a good option to improve the curative effect of CD38-related cancers.