The application of antibody-based agents in cancer therapy based on their mechanisms of action

Kewen Qian1, Guangyao Li2, Shuyi Zhang2

  • 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.

Fundamental Research
|January 30, 2026
PubMed

Monoclonal antibodies and antibody-based agents are undergoing remarkable development in cancer immunotherapy. Based on their structural components, these antibodies mediate the crosslinking of tumor cells and the immune system, enabling specific antigen targeting and broad immune responses. Novel engineering strategies are aimed at improving both specificity and affinity of antigen recognition and enhancing the recruitment and activation of immune cells. Antibody-based therapeutics have been expanded for use in combination with other immunotherapies such as cellular immunotherapy and therapeutic vaccines. In this review, we provide comprehensive updates on the ongoing clinical development and evolving practices in the field, with a specific emphasis on the intricate mechanisms of action.

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