CD134 Antibodies: Reshaping T Cell Function to Transform Immunotherapy – Insights by ANT BIO PTE. LTD.

1. Concept

CD134, officially designated as tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 4 (TNFRSF4) and commonly referred to as OX40, is a pivotal immune co-stimulatory molecule. It is predominantly induced on the surface of T cells following activation and exerts multifaceted regulatory effects on immune responses through interaction with its cognate ligand, CD134L (OX40L). This molecule plays a central role in balancing the functional states of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, directly promoting the activation and proliferation of effector T cells while modulating the activities of natural killer cells and B lymphocytes. Notably, CD134 ligation stimulates the secretion of key cytokines such as interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13), and influences the functional phenotype of regulatory T cells (Tregs), thereby reshaping the immunosuppressive nature of the immune microenvironment. As a bidirectionally regulatable target, CD134 has emerged as a promising focal point in the development of immunotherapies for tumors and autoimmune diseases.

2. Research Frontiers

Cutting-edge research on CD134 has unlocked novel perspectives in immunotherapy, with significant advancements in understanding its therapeutic potential and mechanism of action. A key focus is the development of CD134-targeted drugs, which are primarily categorized into agonistic and antagonistic antibodies, each tailored to address distinct disease pathologies.

For tumor immunotherapy, CD134 agonistic antibodies are undergoing extensive clinical exploration, either as monotherapies or in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents). Preliminary data demonstrate that these agonists effectively enhance T cell-mediated anti-tumor activity and alleviate the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Researchers are continuously optimizing antibody design, refining affinity, specificity, and Fc segment functionality to strike an optimal balance between efficacy and safety.

In the realm of autoimmune diseases, CD134 antagonistic antibodies have shown great promise by specifically blocking co-stimulatory signals, thereby inhibiting aberrantly activated immune responses driven by overactive Th2 cells. Preclinical studies indicate that targeting CD134 can mitigate inflammatory reactions and tissue damage, offering a new therapeutic avenue for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. These antagonistic candidates have entered clinical research phases, with initial results expected to provide critical guidance for their clinical application.

Another frontier lies in defining CD134’s position within the broader immune checkpoint network. As a key co-stimulatory molecule, CD134 collaborates with co-inhibitory molecules (e.g., CTLA-4, PD-1) to maintain immune homeostasis. Unlike traditional checkpoint inhibitors that exert inhibitory effects, CD134 agonists provide positive immune regulation, complementing existing immunotherapeutic strategies. Future development directions include the creation of bispecific antibodies targeting CD134 and other immune molecules to achieve synergistic therapeutic effects, exploring optimal combinations with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and other immunotherapies, and implementing biomarker-guided patient stratification for personalized treatment.

3. Research Significance

Research on CD134 holds profound implications for advancing immunology and translational medicine. At the fundamental level, it deepens our understanding of T cell activation and immune regulation mechanisms, shedding light on the complex interplay between co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory signals in immune responses. This knowledge provides a theoretical framework for developing novel immunotherapeutic strategies that precisely modulate immune function.

Clinically, CD134-targeted therapies address unmet medical needs in both oncology and autoimmune disease treatment. For cancer patients, CD134 agonists offer a new approach to reinvigorate exhausted T cells and enhance anti-tumor immunity, particularly for those unresponsive to conventional checkpoint inhibitors. For individuals with autoimmune diseases, CD134 antagonists provide a means to suppress pathological immune activation and prevent tissue damage. Additionally, the bidirectional regulatory capacity of CD134 expands the scope of immunotherapy, enabling tailored treatments for diverse disease types.

High-quality research tools, such as CD134 antibodies developed by ANT BIO PTE. LTD., are indispensable for validating these therapeutic strategies, ensuring the reproducibility of preclinical and clinical studies, and accelerating the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical applications.

4. Related Mechanisms, Research Methods, and Product Applications

Related Mechanisms

CD134 exerts its immunomodulatory effects through well-defined signaling pathways and molecular interactions:

• T Cell Activation and Proliferation: Binding of CD134 to CD134L triggers intracellular signaling cascades that promote the activation, proliferation, and survival of effector T cells, enhancing their anti-tumor or immune-regulatory potential.
• Cytokine Secretion: CD134 signaling upregulates the production of IL-4 and IL-13, which modulate immune cell polarization and inflammatory responses.
• Treg Modulation: CD134 ligation alters the functional state of Tregs, reducing their immunosuppressive activity and promoting a more favorable immune microenvironment for anti-tumor responses.
• Bidirectional Disease Regulation: Agonistic antibodies mimic CD134L binding to boost anti-tumor immunity, while antagonistic antibodies block CD134 signaling to suppress pathological immune activation in autoimmune diseases.

Research Methods

Studying CD134’s role in immune regulation and developing targeted therapies relies on a suite of advanced research techniques:

• Flow Cytometry: Used to detect CD134 expression on activated T cells and other immune subsets, enabling phenotypic analysis and cell sorting.
• Functional Assays: Including T cell activation, proliferation, and cytokine secretion assays (e.g., ELISA, ELISPOT) to evaluate the impact of CD134-targeted antibodies on T cell function.
• In Vivo Tumor and Autoimmune Disease Models: To assess the therapeutic efficacy of CD134 agonists and antagonists in preclinical settings.
• Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Immunofluorescence (IF): To visualize CD134 expression in tumor tissues or inflammatory lesions, correlating with disease progression and immune cell infiltration.
• Western Blot and Co-Immunoprecipitation: To investigate CD134 downstream signaling pathways and protein-protein interactions.

Product Applications by ANT BIO PTE. LTD.

ANT BIO PTE. LTD., through its sub-brand STARTER (specializing in high-quality antibodies), offers a comprehensive range of CD134 antibodies designed to support cutting-edge immunology research and drug development. These antibodies are rigorously validated across multiple platforms, ensuring high specificity, affinity, and batch consistency.

Key product advantages include:

• High Specificity and Functional Recognition: Validated by flow cytometry and other techniques, these antibodies specifically bind human or mouse CD134 (OX40) antigens, with high selectivity for activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Certain clones possess agonistic activity, effectively promoting T cell activation and proliferation.
• Exceptional Stability and Batch Consistency: Manufactured under strict quality control standards, the antibodies exhibit excellent physicochemical stability with minimal intra- and inter-batch variations, guaranteeing reliable and reproducible experimental results.

These antibodies are suitable for a wide range of key application scenarios:

• T Cell Co-Stimulation Research: Investigating the regulatory mechanisms of OX40 signaling in T cell activation, proliferation, and survival.
• Tumor Immunotherapy Development: Serving as critical reagents for preclinical efficacy evaluation and mechanism studies of OX40-targeted therapies.
• Autoimmune Disease Mechanism Exploration: Examining the role of OX40 in abnormal T cell activation in autoimmune diseases.
• Vaccine Immune Response Assessment: Evaluating the activation state and memory formation of antigen-specific T cells post-vaccination.

5. Brand Mission

At ANT BIO PTE. LTD., our mission is to empower global innovative pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and life science researchers with high-quality, high-value biological reagents and comprehensive solutions. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology platforms—including recombinant rabbit monoclonal antibody, recombinant mouse monoclonal antibody, rapid mouse monoclonal antibody, and recombinant protein development systems (E.coli, CHO, HEK293, Insect Cells), as well as the One-Step ELISA Platform and PTM Pan-Modification Antibody Platform—we strive to accelerate scientific discovery and translational research. Our sub-brands (Absin for general reagents and kits, STARTER for antibodies, and UA for recombinant proteins) synergize to address diverse research needs, contributing to breakthroughs in immunotherapy, oncology, and autoimmune disease research. With certifications including EU 98/79/EC, ISO9001, and ISO13485, we uphold the highest standards of quality and reliability to support our mission of advancing human health through science.

6. Related Product List

7. AI Disclaimer

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ANT BIO PTE. LTD. – Empowering Scientific Breakthroughs

At ANTBIO, we are committed to advancing life science research through high-quality, reliable reagents and comprehensive solutions. Our specialized sub-brands (Absin, Starter, UA) cover a full spectrum of research needs, from general reagents and kits to antibodies and recombinant proteins. With a focus on innovation, quality, and customer-centricity, we strive to be your trusted partner in unlocking scientific mysteries and driving medical progress. Explore our product portfolio today and elevate your research to new heights.