title: BiTEs: bispecific antibody constructs with unique anti-tumor activity.
abstract: Bispecific T-cell engager molecules (BiTEs) constitute a class of bispecific single-chain antibodies for the polyclonal activation and redirection of cytotoxic T cells against pathogenic target cells. BiTEs combine a unique set of properties that have not yet been reported for any other kind of bispecific antibody construct, namely extraordinary potency and efficacy against target cells at low T-cell numbers without the need for T-cell co-stimulation. Here we review novel insights into the mechanism of BiTE action, which help to explain the unique features of BiTEs, as well as data from various animal models demonstrating the outstanding therapeutic potential of BiTEs for the treatment of malignant diseases.
authors.affiliation: Micromet AG, Staffelseestr. 2, 81477 Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Evelyn
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wolf
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hofmeister
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kufer
authors.forename: Bernd
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Schlereth
authors.forename: Patrick A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Baeuerle
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018033:Antibodies, Bispecific / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D018033:Antibodies, Bispecific