What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to develop VHH-based T-cell engagers that target a novel quaternary epitope on the TCR complex.

April 5, 2026

Abstract 5538: Pan-αβ-T-cell reactive anti-TCR VHH bispecifics demonstrate potent cytotoxicity through novel constant region targeting

Key Points

The aim is to develop VHH-based T-cell engagers that target a novel quaternary epitope on the TCR complex.
Developed VHHs using yeast selections against human and cynomolgus TCRα/β heterodimers.
Employed synthetic libraries and llama immunization for affinity optimization of VHHs.
Conducted epitope mapping with TCR constant-region mutant libraries using error-prone PCR.
Solved structures of VHH-TCR complexes and assessed bispecifics in T-cell-dependent cytotoxicity assays.
Identified multiple VHH lineages targeting a conserved quaternary epitope at the TCRα/β interface.
Bispecifics showed potent T-cell-dependent cytotoxicity comparable to clinical CD3 controls.
Functional activity confirmed in human and cynomolgus systems, supported by preliminary cytokine data.

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: All approved T-cell engagers target CD3ε, but alternative engagement sites on the TCR complex may yield differentiated functional properties. We developed VHH-based T-cell-engaging (TCE) arms that bind a previously unexploited quaternary epitope formed at the TCRα/β constant-region interface. These binders exhibit pan-αβ-T-cell reactivity with inherent human-cynomolgus cross-reactivity. Methods: Anti-TCR VHHs were identified using yeast-based selections against recombinant human and cynomolgus TCRα/β heterodimers, employing both synthetic libraries and llama immunization. Affinity optimization of VHHs maintained cross-species recognition. Epitope mapping was performed using TCR constant-region mutant libraries generated by error-prone PCR. Structures of VHH-TCR complexes were solved. Bispecifics incorporating anti-tumor associated antigen (TAA) domains were assessed in T-cell-dependent cytotoxicity (TDCC) assays across tumor models and benchmarked against clinical CD3 controls. Results: Multiple VHH lineages that recognize a conserved quaternary epitope at the TCRα/β constant-region interface were isolated, providing TRBC1/C2 coverage and human-cynomolgus cross-reactivity. Structural analyses established the binding mode. Despite moderate monovalent affinities, anti-TCR bispecifics demonstrated potent TDCC activity comparable to or exceeding benchmark CD3 bispecifics and clinically active controls. Functional activity was confirmed in both human and cynomolgus assay systems, including preliminary cytokine readouts. Conclusions: VHH-based bispecifics that target a quaternary epitope within the TCR constant region constitute an emerging class of T-cell-engagers with potent cytotoxic activity and broad αβ-T-cell coverage. The combination of TRBC1/C2 inclusivity, structural definition, and human-cynomolgus cross-reactivity positions TCR constant-region targeting as a promising alternative for next-generation T-cell-redirecting therapeutics. Citation Format: Michael B. Battles, . Pan-αβ-T-cell reactive anti-TCR VHH bispecifics demonstrate potent cytotoxicity through novel constant region targeting 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 5538.

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