CD137 stimulation enhances the vaccinal effect of anti-tumor antibodies

Some evidence suggests that monoclonal antibodies (mAb) can induce an adaptive immune response against tumor cells ("vaccinal effect"). Recently, we have shown that an anti-CD137 mAb can enhance the "vaccinal effect" of an anti-tumor mAb (cetuximab), thereby transforming a passive, monoclonal, short-term immunotherapy into an active, polyclonal, long-lasting immune response.