image: PD-1/IL-2 bifunctional molecules block PD-1i mmunosuppressive signals while cis-activating T cells.

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Credit: ©Science China Press

Researchers at Peking Union Medical College Hospital have mapped out why pairing two well-known cancer drugs can turn “sleepy” immune cells back into tumor killers. In a new Perspective published today, they trace the story behind the newest lab-designed proteins: one end releases the brake called PD-1 on T cells, while the other end gently hands the same cells a safer, souped-up version of the growth signal interleukin-2 (IL-2).

Immune checkpoint inhibitors like programmed death-1 (PD-1) blockade have transformed cancer care, but their effectiveness as a standalone therapy is limited. A key issue is that high PD-1 expression is linked to the terminal differentiation and exhaustion of immune cells, particularly T cells, creating a contradiction that reduces treatment efficacy and response rates.​

IL-2, a critical immune-regulating cytokine, was one of the earliest approved cancer immunotherapies. However, its wide-ranging and complex effects have held back its full potential. Recent research, as highlighted in the review, shows that combining PD-1 blockade with IL-2 can work synergistically. This combination eases T cell exhaustion and boosts the cells’ ability to fight tumors, leading to better treatment outcomes.​

Building on this discovery, scientists have developed bi-functional molecules. These innovative substances can simultaneously block PD-1 and deliver IL-2 or its engineered variants directly to target immune cells. The review catalogs all nine PD-1/IL-2 bi-functional agents now in clinical trials, mapping the field from IL-2Rbg -biased/IL-2Ra-biased designs to non-blocking PD-1 antibodies and the masked pro-drug design, details the mechanisms behind these bi-functional molecules, their potential in cancer treatment, and how they could drive future innovations in immunotherapy.

About Peking Union Medical College Hospital

Established in 1921, Peking Union Medical College Hospital is a top-tier academic medical center in Beijing. Renowned for its expertise in treating complex diseases, PUMCH is committed to advancing medical science through innovative research and collaboration with global partners.

Journal

Science Bulletin

DOI

10.1016/j.scib.2025.08.008

Method of Research

Literature review

Media Contact

Bei Yan

Science China Press

[email protected]

Journal
Science Bulletin
DOI
10.1016/j.scib.2025.08.008

Journal

Science Bulletin

DOI

10.1016/j.scib.2025.08.008

Method of Research

Literature review

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Keywords
/Life sciences

/Health and medicine

/Life sciences/Immunology

/Life sciences/Molecular biology

/Health and medicine/Clinical medicine/Medical treatments/Cancer treatments/Cancer medication

/Health and medicine/Clinical medicine/Medical treatments/Cancer treatments

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Keywords

Tags: cancer drug pairing strategiescancer treatment innovationsenhancing T cell responseimmune checkpoint inhibitorsimmunotherapy advancementsinterleukin-2 role in immunotherapylab-designed proteins in cancerovercoming immunosuppressive signalsPD-1 and IL-2 combination therapyPeking Union Medical College researchreviving sleepy T cellstumor-killing immune cells