Abstract Background: CCR8 has recently emerged as a promising target in the treatment of solid tumors. DT-7012 is a novel humanized anti-CCR8 IgG1 monoclonal antibody engineered for optimized binding and enhanced effector functions to preferentially deplete tumor-resident Tregs while maintaining peripheral immune integrity. Objectives: To complete the preclinical characterization of DT-7012, focusing on its binding properties, effector-function potencies, and selectivity compared with clinical-stage CCR8-targeting antibodies. Methods: A comprehensive series of in vitro assays were conducted to assess DT-7012’s binding properties and functional activities. Data were compared against leading clinical-stage anti-CCR8 competitors to elucidate potential clinical advantages. Assays were conducted under tumor-microenvironment-mimicking conditions to evaluate functional robustness. Results: DT-7012 displayed a unique binding profile, conferring high-affinity interaction and superior FcγR engagement. In cell-based assays, DT-7012 induced potent selective killing activities, including under tumor-microenvironment-mimicking conditions. Collectively, these findings support DT-7012 as a potential best-in-class CCR8-depleting candidate. Conclusions: With distinct binding and effector characteristics, DT-7012 emerges as a promising therapeutic for selective modulation of the tumor microenvironment. These results provide the preclinical rationale for clinical evaluation in patients with advanced solid tumors. Citation Format: María Dolores García Fernández, Christel Franchet, Luc Baron, Solène Rose, Aurélie Janvier, Malaury Schappler, Lelièvre Hélène, Mélanie Frauli, Orphée Blanchard, Thibaut Brugat, Stephan Schann, Nathalie Lenne. Comprehensive characterization of DT-7012, a highly differentiated anti-CCR8 depleting antibody abstract. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 4356.
Fernandez et al. (Fri,) studied this question.