3D render illustration of T cell cancer cell synapse overlayed with blue/orange gradient.
3D render illustration of T cell cancer cell synapse overlayed with blue/orange gradient.
SCIENCE

Next-wave
precision
immunology

The right activation of the right T cells: An important biological discovery expands horizons for T cell immunity
Driven by a deep understanding of TCR biology, Marengo scientists discovered a unique approach to selectively targeting and activating subsets of T cells present in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) of solid tumors. Unlike immune checkpoint inhibitors, Marengo’s Vβ chain-targeting constructs promote the selective activation and expansion of a new population of memory T cells that reinvigorate a potent and durable immune response to tumors.
Pie chart of % T cells activated correlated to TCR structure
Targeting Vβ T cell subsets with broad therapeutic opportunities
Through the use of cutting-edge genomics and analysis of complex human TCR sequencing datasets, Marengo’s scientific team continues to uncover associations between Vβ T cell subsets and diseases, including specific cancers, autoimmune and infectious diseases. Our versatile antibody technology platforms allow us to deploy different technologies to modulate these Vβ T cell subsets in different ways to support the rapid development of clinic-ready therapeutics for a range of clinically important diseases.
We have three proprietary platforms:

(1) Bi-specific Selective Dual T Cell Agonists (STAR platform)
(2) Tri-specific Precision T Cell Engagers (Tri-STAR platform)
(3) Novel Precision T Cell Depleters (MSTAR platform)

Marengo is working to selectively reprogram the right T cells for the right therapeutic solution to create a world in which everyone’s immune system can defeat cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Two oncology platforms cover a broad range of cancers both “HOT” and “COLD”

Our STAR bi-functional molecules pair our first-in-class anti-Vβ antibodies with various T cell costimulatory signals into a single, dual T cell activator molecule that delivers a dual boost to T cells to reinvigorate the anti-tumor immune response to T cell-infiltrated “Hot” tumors.

Building on clinical validation of the STAR platform to harness the power of our Vβ T cells for the treatment of immunologically “Cold” tumors, Marengo has developed a new class of next-gen precision T cell engager (TCE). Our TriSTAR platform simultaneously achieves selective expansion and tumor-targeting of Vβ T cells to promote more potent and durable anti-tumor activity than first-generation canonical anti-CD3 TCEs in refractory solid tumors.
Scientific illustration depicting the efficacy, durability, and safety of potent Vβ-based therapeutics.
1 Potent Efficacy
  • Potent single-agent antitumor activity
  • Rapid expansion of activated CD8 + CD4 Vβ T cells (< 5 days)
  • Central memory reprogramming results in non-exhausted tumor infiltrating T cells
2 Durable Memory
  • Memory effector Vβ T cells drive long-term durability / tumor immunity
3 Improved Safety
  • Vβ variant activates <10% of the T cell compartment
  • Less pro-inflammatory cytokines
  • Regulatory T cells unaffected
1 Potent Efficacy
  • Potent single-agent antitumor activity
  • Rapid expansion of activated CD8 + CD4 Vβ T cells (< 5 days)
  • Central memory reprogramming results in non-exhausted tumor infiltrating T cells
2 Durable Memory
  • Memory effector Vβ T cells drive long-term durability / tumor immunity
3 Improved Safety
  • Vβ variant activates <10% of the T cell compartment
  • Less pro-inflammatory cytokines
  • Regulatory T cells unaffected
HOT TUMORS

STAR Platform delivers a selective dual boost to endogenous Vβ T cells to tackle cancer

Marengo’s STAR platform activates T cell subsets consistently enriched in TILs through co-stimulation of the TCR and a secondary signal. Our technology allows us to develop pan-tumor immunotherapies by expanding tumor-specific Vβ T cells in antigen-rich or “hot” tumors.

COLD TUMORS

TriSTAR T cell–engager platform brings reinvigorated Vβ T cells to “cold” tumors

Our TriSTAR platform was developed to redirect better T cells to antigen-low or “cold” tumors with superior anti-tumor activity. TriSTAR offers a targeted therapeutic approach with a differentiated mechanism of action in which we expand and traffic memory Vβ T cells directly to tumors.

Two precision autoimmune platforms cover a broad range of immune-driven diseases

T CELL DEPLETION

MSTAR Platform selectively depletes pathogenic T cell subsets

Our MSTAR Platform is a first-in-class selective T cell–depletion platform derived from Marengo’s proprietary library of antibodies targeting a germline-encoded TCR variable region of the TCR. Combining novel T cell–depleting functionality and germline TCR-targeting, Marengo’s MSTAR multi-specific constructs achieve precision depletion of subsets of T cells that encompass pathogenic T cells (e.g., malignant, autoreactive, etc.).

B CELL DEPLETION

TriSTAR Platform redirects selective Vβ T cell subsets to target and deplete pathogenic B cells

Our TriSTAR platform offers a targeted precision T cell–engager therapeutic approach with a differentiated mechanism of action in which we expand and traffic memory Vβ T cell subsets (~5-10% of total T cells) to kill pathogenic B cells while creating a wider therapeutic index for better safety.

Learn more about our
transformative portfolio
PIPELINE