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Publication Abstract from PubMed

IKZF2 (Helios) is a transcription factor that is selectively expressed by Tregs and is essential for preserving the function and stability of Tregs in the tumor microenvironment (TME), where it suppresses the anti-tumor immune response. Targeted IKZF2 degradation by small molecules represents a promising strategy for the development of a new class of cancer immunotherapy. Herein, we describe the discovery of PVTX-405, a potent, effective, highly selective, and orally efficacious IKZF2 molecular glue degrader. PVTX-405 degrades IKZF2 (DC(50) = 0.7 nM and D(max) = 91%) while sparing other CRBN neo-substrates. Degradation of IKZF2 by PVTX-405 increases production of inflammatory cytokine IL-2 and reduces the suppressive activity of Tregs, leading to an increase in Teff cell proliferation. Once-daily oral administration of PVTX-405 as single agent significantly delays the growth of MC38 tumors in a syngeneic tumor model using humanized CRBN mice. PVTX-405 in combination with anti-PD1 or anti-LAG3 significantly increases animal survival compared to anti-PD1 or anti-LAG3 alone. Together, these results demonstrate that PVTX-405 is a promising IKZF2 degrader for clinical development for the treatment of human cancers.

Development of PVTX-405 as a potent and highly selective molecular glue degrader of IKZF2 for cancer immunotherapy.,Chen Z, Dhruv H, Zhang X, Rej RK, Bai L, McEachern D, Kirchhoff P, Nagilla R, Jolivette LJ, Rice CT, Orth P, Strickland CO, Priestley ES, Mohammad HP, Wang M, Wen B, Sun D, Sui Z, Wang S Nat Commun. 2025 May 1;16(1):4095. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-58431-z. PMID:40312344^[3]

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.