Discovery and Optimization of the Novel Immunotoxins Targeting TROP2 for Cancer Therapy

Background

Trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP2) is widely overexpressed in epithelial cancers and associated with poor prognosis, representing an attractive target for cancer treatment. Recent clinical studies reported favorable outcomes of TROP2-targeting antibody-drug conjugates. However, heterogeneity of human cancers and development of resistance encourage the exploration of alternative cytotoxic payloads. In this regard, bacterial immunotoxin is a viable treatment option owing to the unique and potent mechanism of action.