Development of a human phage display-derived anti-PD-1 scFv antibody: an attractive tool for immune checkpoint therapy

BACKGROUND: The PD-1 checkpoint pathway plays a major role in tumor immune evasion and the development of the tumor microenvironment. Clinical studies show that therapeutic antibodies blocking the PD-1 pathway can restore anti-tumor or anti-virus immune responses by the reinvigoration of exhausted T cells. Because of the promising results of anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies in cancer treatment, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases, the PD-1 has emerged as an encouraging target for different diseases. RESULTS: In the present study, we employed a human semi-synthetic phage library for isolation of some scFvs against the extracellular domain of PD-1 protein by panning process. After the panning, a novel anti-PD-1 scFv (SS107) was found that exhibited specific binding to PD-1 antigen and stimulated Jurkat T cells. The selected anti-PD-1 scFv could restore the production of IL-2 and IFN-γ by Jurkat T cells that were co-cultured with PD-L1 positive tumor cells. CONCLUSION: This anti-PD-1 scFv with high specificity and the ability to reactivate exhausted T cells has the potential to be developed as an anti-cancer agent or to be used in combination with other therapeutic approaches. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12896-022-00752-8.