Retifanlimab

Retifanlimab is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1)–blocking antibody that potentiates T-cell activity and boosts the immune response against cancer cells. PD-1 is found on the surface of T-cells, and when it binds to its ligands, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and programmed death-ligand 2 (PD-L2), it inhibits T-cell proliferation and cytokine production. In normal conditions, cells produce PD-L1 and PD-L2 to maintain self-tolerance and ensure that the immune system does not attack health cells. However, in certain types of cancers, PD-L1 and PD-L2 are upregulated, contributing to a lower active T-cell immune surveillance of tumors. Retifanlimab binds to the PD-1 receptor and blocks its interaction with PD-L1 and PD-L2. By preventing the activation of this inhibitory pathway, retifanlimab promotes immune reactivity and enhances anti-tumor immune response.