Bispecific monoclonal antibodies are used in therapy for what main purpose?

Bispecific monoclonal antibodies are specifically designed to engage two different antigens simultaneously, which makes them particularly valuable in cancer therapy. This dual targeting capability allows for enhanced specificity in treatment, as one binding site can attach to a cancer cell while the other binds to an effector cell, such as a T cell. This engagement can facilitate the immune system's attack on tumor cells more effectively, making bispecific antibodies a promising tool in immunotherapy.

The ability to target two different antigens provides a significant therapeutic advantage, as it can potentially overcome challenges faced by traditional monoclonal antibodies that target only one antigen. This strategy can help direct immune responses more directly to cancer cells, improving treatment outcomes by increasing the destruction of tumors while sparing normal tissue.