Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

A Nonviral Approach to Generate Transient Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells Using mRNA for Cancer Immunotherapy
Published on: February 21, 2025
RECRUIT-TandAbs: harnessing the immune system to kill cancer cells
Fionnuala McAleese1, Markus Eser
1Affimed Therapeutics AG, Technologiepark, Im Neuenheimer Feld 582, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany. f.mcaleese@affimed.com
Abstract:
Tandem diabodies (TandAbs) are tetravalent bispecific molecules comprised of antibody variable domains with two binding sites for each antigen. RECRUIT-TandAbs can simultaneously engage an immune system effector cell, such as a natural killer cell or a cytotoxic T cell, and an antigen expressed specifically on a cancer cell, thus leading to killing of the cancer cell. Recruitment of immune effector cells is highly specific and mediated via binding of the TandAb to molecules expressed on the surface of these cells. Furthermore, the absence of an Fc domain allows TandAbs to avoid certain IgG-mediated side effects. With a molecular weight of approximately 110 kDa, TandAbs are far above the first-pass renal clearance limit, offering a pharmacokinetic advantage compared with smaller bispecific antibody formats. This article reviews the RECRUIT-TandAb technology and the therapeutic potential of these molecules.
Insights
RECRUIT-Tandem diabodies (TandAbs) are novel bispecific molecules that target cancer cells and immune effector cells. This technology offers specific cancer cell killing with reduced side effects and improved pharmacokinetics.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Tandem diabodies (TandAbs) are tetravalent bispecific molecules engineered from antibody variable domains.
- They possess dual binding sites for distinct antigens, enabling simultaneous engagement of targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the RECRUIT-TandAb technology.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of RECRUIT-TandAbs in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- TandAbs are designed to bind specifically to antigens on cancer cells and immune effector cells (e.g., NK cells, cytotoxic T cells).
- The absence of an Fc domain in TandAbs mitigates certain IgG-mediated side effects.
- Their molecular weight (~110 kDa) exceeds the renal clearance limit, enhancing pharmacokinetic properties.
Main Results:
- RECRUIT-TandAbs facilitate targeted recruitment of immune effector cells to cancer cells.
- This engagement leads to specific killing of cancer cells.
- TandAbs demonstrate potential for improved safety and pharmacokinetic profiles compared to other bispecific formats.
Conclusions:
- RECRUIT-TandAb technology represents a promising approach for cancer immunotherapy.
- These molecules offer a unique mechanism for engaging the immune system against cancer with potential clinical advantages.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Tumor Immunotherapy
Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Stem Cell Therapy for Tissue Regeneration
Types of Stem Cells used in Stem Cell Therapy
The two main cell types that...

