Technology

TOBI™ Platform

HCW Biologics has combined a deep understanding of disease-related immunology with expertise in advanced protein engineering to develop TOBI™ (Tissue factOr-Based fusIon), a proprietary immunotherapeutic drug design and discovery platform^1,2. 

By harnessing this modular and tunable technology, we have generated novel molecules that we believe are capable of activating and targeting desired immune responses against diseased or infected cells as well as blocking unwanted autoimmune/inflammatory activities^1,2.

Built around a Tissue Factor (TF) scaffold, the TOBI platform packs multiple protein targets, including cytokines, single-chain antibodies, and ligands, into a fusion molecule. These molecules are capable of engaging immunostimulatory functions and addressing many signaling pathways simultaneously. Some of these fusion protein complexes have ex vivo and in vivo applications. Moreover, the TOBI platform is reproducible and suitable for cGMP manufacturing^1,2.

1. Zhu X, et al. A novel interleukin-2-based fusion molecule, HCW9302, differentially promotes regulatory T cell expansion to treat atherosclerosis in mice. Front Immunol. 2023 Jan 25;14:1114802.
2. Shrestha N, et al. A “Prime and Expand” strategy using the multifunctional fusion proteins to generate memory-like NK cells for cell therapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2024 Jul 3;73(9):179.