| abstract |
The present invention provides isolated monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind LAG-3 and have optimized functional properties compared to previously described anti-LAG-3 antibodies, such as antibody 25F7 (US 2011/0150892A1 ). These properties include reduced deamidation sites while still retaining high affinity binding to human LAG-3, and physical (ie thermal and chemical) stability. Also provided are nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of the invention, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of the invention, as well as immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies. The invention also provides methods for detecting LAG-3 and methods of treatment using the anti-LAG-3 antibodies of the invention to stimulate an immune response. Combination therapies are also provided wherein the antibody is co-administered with at least one additional immunostimulatory antibody. |