LILRB2 inhibition by blocking antibody ES009 reprograms immunosuppressive myeloid cells and enhances T-cell-mediated tumor immunity

The inhibitory receptor leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B2 (LILRB2), expressed on myeloid cells like monocytes and tumor-resident myeloid cells, sustains an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and promotes tumor progression. Phase 1 clinical studies of LILRB2-targeting drug candidates have shown favorable safety, dose-dependent target engagement, and preliminary antitumor activity, both as monotherapy and in combination with anti-PD-1. These findings support the blockade of LILRB2 to reprogram myeloid cells and enhance immunotherapy. Building on this, we have developed ES009, a nanomolar affinity LILRB2 blocking antibody using hybridoma technology. The activity of ES009 was evaluated in preclinical studies and compared to clinical-stage reference antibodies. ES009 demonstrated comparable or superior efficacy, attributed to its nanomolar affinity for a unique epitope. It effectively reprogrammed anti-inflammatory myeloid cells toward pro-inflammatory phenotypes, overcoming macrophage-mediated T cell suppression both as a single agent and in synergy with anti-PD-1 blockade. These preclinical findings support the development of ES009 as a novel LILRB2-targeting therapeutic.

ES009; LILRB2; PD-1; immunotherapy; myeloid cells; tumor microenvironment.