Fcγ-receptor-mediated trogocytosis impacts mAb-based therapies: historical precedence and recent developments

Abstract

A specialized form of trogocytosis occurs when Fcγ receptors on acceptor cells take up and internalize donor cell-associated immune complexes composed of specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) bound to target antigens on donor cells. This trogocytosis reaction, an example of antigenic modulation, has been described in recent clinical correlative studies and in vitro investigations for several mAbs used in cancer immunotherapy, including rituximab and ofatumumab. We discuss the impact of Fcγ-receptor-mediated trogocytosis on the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy and other mAb-based therapies.