Protein binding NKG2D, CD16 and a fibroblast activation protein

ABSTRACT Multi-specific binding proteins that bind NKG2D receptor, CD16, and fibroblast activation protein (FAP) are described, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and therapeutic methods of the multi-specific binding proteins useful for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune disease, or fibrosis.

The Problem

BACKGROUND Cancer continues to be a significant health problem despite the substantial research efforts and scientific advances reported in the literature for treating this disease. Some of the most frequently diagnosed cancers include prostate cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men. Breast cancer 25 25 remains a leading cause of death in women. Current treatment options for these cancers are not effective for all patients and/or can have substantial adverse side effects. Other types of cancers also remain challenging to treat using existing therapeutic options. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in cancers often promote malignancy and inhibit cancer therapies. Cancer immunotherapies are desirable because they are highly specific and can 30 30 facilitate destruction of cancer cells using the patient’s own immune system. Fusion proteins such as bi-specific T-cell engagers are cancer immunotherapies described in the literature that 26 Feb 2026 bind to tumor cells and T-cells to facilitate destruction of tumor cells. Antibodies that bind to bind to tumor cells and T-cells to facilitate destruction of tumor cells. Antibodies that

In existing solutions, practitioners face limitations in achieving desired outcomes efficiently. This invention directly addresses these gaps by introducing novel technical approaches and mechanisms.

What This Invention Does

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention provides multi-specific binding proteins that bind the NKG2D receptor and CD16 receptor on natural killer cells, and FAP on a cancer cell. In certain 15 20 are not to be limited to any particular section. The terms “a” and “an” as used herein mean “one or more” and include the plural 25 As used herein, the term “antigen-binding site” refers to the part of the regions of the heavy (“H”) and light (“L”) chains.

The integration of these technical elements creates a system capable of delivering improved performance over existing alternatives. The inventors have identified and implemented solutions to key challenges that have limited previous approaches in this field.

Key Features

Innovative Technical Integration. The system seamlessly combines multiple functional components to work as a coordinated whole, enabling capabilities that would be difficult or impossible with standalone elements.

Dynamic Parameter Management. The invention includes mechanisms for adapting operational parameters based on conditions and requirements, allowing for optimized performance across diverse scenarios.

Enhanced Efficiency and Capability. Through its novel architecture and control mechanisms, the system achieves superior performance metrics compared to conventional approaches in the field.

Who Is Behind It?

Dragonfly Therapeutics, Inc. has brought this innovation to the patent system with expertise from a skilled team of inventors: CHANG, Gregory P.; CHEUNG, Ann F.; DU, Jinyan; GRINBERG, Asya; HANEY, William; WAGTMANN, Nicolai; LUNDE, Bradley M.; PRINZ, Bianka. This represents their commitment to advancing technology in this important field.

Why It Matters

This patent application demonstrates significant innovation in an important technical area. The solutions described in the specification have the potential to improve how practitioners approach problems and deliver value in real-world applications.

The international patent classifications include A61K 39/395 (2006.01) C07K 16/46 (2006.01) C07K 16/28 (2006.01). These codes situate the invention within the broader landscape of technological innovation and represent important areas of advancement.

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AU 2026201454 was published in the Australian Official Journal of Patents on 19 March 2026 and is open for public inspection. Patent applications represent inventions that are sought to be protected and do not necessarily reflect commercially available products.

Related Concepts

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that destroy tumour and virally infected cells without prior sensitisation. NKG2D and CD16 are activating receptors on NK cells that can be exploited by multi-specific binding proteins to redirect NK-cell cytotoxicity toward cancer cells expressing fibroblast activation protein. This strategy, related to cancer immunotherapy, targets not only tumour cells but also the immunosuppressive stromal microenvironment.