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CD22

CD22, also known as Siglec-2, is a B-cell-restricted transmembrane that serves as an inhibitory receptor modulating (BCR) signaling to regulate and prevent excessive B-cell activation. Structurally, CD22 is a type I with a molecular weight of approximately 140 , featuring seven extracellular immunoglobulin-like —the most membrane-distal of which (domain 1) is a V-set domain responsible for binding—an intracellular tail with three immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs) containing six residues, and 12 N-linked sites that influence its function and interactions. Expression of CD22 begins in the of early B-cell precursors, appears on the surface of mature B cells where it reaches maximal levels, and is downregulated on plasma cells, making it a hallmark marker of mature B lymphocytes across species including humans and mice. Functionally, CD22 binds specifically to α2,6-linked residues on glycoproteins such as surface IgM (sIgM) and CD45 in cis (on the same cell) or in trans (on adjacent cells like T cells or endothelial cells), which triggers of its ITIMs and recruitment of the SHP-1 to dephosphorylate BCR signaling molecules, thereby dampening calcium mobilization, , and production in response to antigens or innate signals. This inhibitory role is essential for establishing B-cell signaling thresholds, maintaining peripheral B-cell tolerance, and averting , as evidenced by hyperresponsive B cells and increased production in CD22-deficient mice. Given its restricted expression and regulatory function, CD22 has emerged as a prime therapeutic target for B-cell disorders; , a CD22-directed antibody-drug conjugate, received FDA approval in 2017 for adults with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and was expanded on March 6, 2024, to include pediatric patients aged 1 year and older with relapsed or refractory CD22-positive disease, demonstrating complete remission rates of up to 81% in clinical trials. Additionally, CD22-targeted chimeric receptor () T-cell therapies have shown promise in B-ALL, particularly for patients relapsing after CD19-directed treatments, with over 100 clinical studies conducted, many ongoing as of 2025, evaluating their safety and efficacy in addressing antigen escape and improving durable responses.

Introduction

Definition and Discovery

CD22, also known as sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin 2 (Siglec-2), is a transmembrane glycoprotein that functions as a co-receptor on B lymphocytes, modulating B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling to regulate B-cell activation and inhibit excessive immune responses, thereby contributing to immune homeostasis. As a member of the Siglec family of lectins, CD22 recognizes sialylated glycans, primarily in cis on the same cell surface, which influences its inhibitory role in B-cell responses. This regulatory function helps prevent autoimmunity by setting a threshold for BCR activation and promoting tolerance. CD22 was initially identified in the early as a B-lymphocyte-restricted cell surface antigen through screening with monoclonal antibodies that specifically bound to human B cells but not T cells or other leukocytes. It was formally designated as CD22 during the Second International Workshop on Human Leukocyte Differentiation Antigens held in in , where clustering of monoclonal antibodies recognizing the same B-cell-specific confirmed its unique expression pattern. This workshop established the () system, transitioning the antigen's name from earlier descriptors like B-lymphocyte (BL-CAM) to the standardized CD22. The molecular characterization of CD22 advanced significantly with the cloning of its full-length cDNA in from B-cell lines, revealing a type I with seven extracellular immunoglobulin-like domains homologous to myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), suggesting roles in and signaling. This effort demonstrated that CD22 exists in two isoforms, CD22α and CD22β, arising from , and highlighted its potential as a mediator of B-B interactions. Subsequent studies confirmed its restricted expression to B cells, appearing on the surface from the immature B-cell stage through mature B cells.

Expression Pattern

CD22 expression is tightly regulated during B-cell ontogeny, beginning with cytoplasmic localization in pro-B cells within the bone marrow. As B cells progress to the pre-B cell stage, CD22 remains predominantly intracellular, associated with early markers like CD19 but preceding surface expression of CD20. Surface expression of CD22 emerges at the immature B-cell stage, coinciding with IgM expression, and persists at high levels through mature B-cell differentiation in the bone marrow and periphery. However, CD22 is absent on the surface of plasma cells and hematopoietic stem cells, marking a loss of expression upon terminal differentiation. In terms of tissue distribution, CD22 mRNA and protein levels are highest in B-lineage-rich lymphoid organs, including the , lymph nodes, , and , where it is selectively expressed on subsets of lymphocytes. Data from comprehensive tissue profiling indicate CD22 expression across 159 human tissues, but it remains predominantly B-cell specific, with notably lower levels in peripheral blood B cells compared to those in secondary lymphoid tissues. In (CLL), CD22 surface protein and mRNA are significantly downregulated on malignant B cells relative to normal counterparts. The spatiotemporal expression of CD22 is under transcriptional control, with the B-cell-specific coactivator BOB.1/OBF-1 playing a key role in repressing its levels during early development. In BOB.1/OBF.1-deficient models, surface CD22 expression is selectively upregulated on B-lineage cells, highlighting its regulatory influence on CD22 during B-cell maturation.

Molecular Structure

Gene Organization

The is located on the long arm of human at cytogenetic band 19q13.33, with genomic coordinates 35,319,261–35,347,361 on the forward strand (GRCh38 assembly), spanning approximately 28 kb. The consists of 15 exons in its originally described , with the first exon containing the major transcriptional start sites and exons 4–10 encoding the seven immunoglobulin-like domains of the protein. The canonical transcript (ENST00000341773) is protein-coding and includes 12 exons, though produces up to 40 transcripts. The mouse ortholog, Cd22, maps to chromosome 7 at position 30.56–30.58 Mb (GRCm39 assembly), spanning about 15 kb with transcripts containing up to 15 exons. There is high sequence conservation between human and mouse CD22, with approximately 60% amino acid identity in the protein, reflecting evolutionary preservation of key functional domains. The promoter region of CD22 lacks a TATA box but includes potential binding sites for transcription factors such as NF-κB, AP-1, and the B-cell-specific factor Oct-2 within 300 bp upstream of the transcription start sites; a 400-bp promoter fragment drives activity in B cells. Regulatory elements upstream include multiple Alu repetitive sequences, and B-cell-specific expression is maintained through lineage-restricted mechanisms, though the core promoter shows activity in both B and T cells in reporter assays. Polymorphisms in the CD22 gene, such as the c.2304C>A synonymous variant (exon 13) in Japanese populations, are associated with reduced surface CD22 expression on B cells and increased susceptibility to autoimmune conditions like systemic sclerosis. Evolutionarily, CD22 (Siglec-2) resides within a on 19q13 that includes other family members, such as myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG/Siglec-4), highlighting a shared genomic organization among sialic acid-binding lectins involved in immune regulation. This clustering underscores the co-evolution of in modulating leukocyte interactions.

Protein Domains

CD22 is a type I transmembrane expressed primarily on B cells, with a mature form exhibiting an apparent molecular weight of approximately 140 due to extensive . The human CD22 precursor protein consists of 847 , including a of 19 residues that is cleaved to yield the mature polypeptide. The protein spans the membrane once, featuring an extracellular domain, a single transmembrane , and a cytoplasmic tail. The extracellular region comprises seven immunoglobulin-like (Ig-like) domains, numbered 1 through 7 (–d7), which adopt a rod-like conformation extending approximately 300 from the surface. Domains –d6 are primarily involved in recognition and intermolecular interactions, while d7 is positioned closest to the and contributes to structural proximity and stability. The domain is of the V-set type, whereas d2 is C1-set, and d3–d7 are C2-set, with interdomain angles facilitating an extended architecture. This organization is conserved across and essential for the protein's surface presentation. The cytoplasmic tail spans 141 and contains six conserved residues (Y773, Y783, Y817, Y828, Y843, Y863 in mature numbering), which serve as sites for signaling regulation. Among these, three s (Y783, Y843, Y863) are embedded within canonical immunoreceptor -based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs), while Y773 resides in an ITAM-like sequence. These motifs enable recruitment of SH2 domain-containing phosphatases upon . Post-translational modifications significantly influence CD22's and . The extracellular harbors 12 N-linked sites, which contribute to the protein's mature mass and conformational integrity. Additionally, CD22 undergoes sialylation, primarily on its own glycans, which modulates its oligomeric state and accessibility.

Ligands and Binding

Extracellular Ligands

CD22's extracellular domain primarily recognizes α2,6-linked sialic acids present on various glycoproteins, enabling both and interactions that modulate B-cell function. In interactions, CD22 binds to sialylated glycans on the same B cell, including surface (sIgM) and the tyrosine phosphatase CD45, which are abundant self-ligands that maintain CD22 in a masked state on resting B cells. These ligands, along with other B-cell surface molecules bearing α2,6-sialylated N-acetyllactosamine structures, engage the V-set immunoglobulin domain of CD22, preventing excessive and ensuring dynamic of receptor availability. In trans interactions, CD22 engages sialylated glycans on adjacent cells, facilitating homotypic binding between B cells or heterotypic interactions with T cells, erythrocytes, dendritic cells, and endothelial cells such as those in high endothelial venules. These trans ligands allow CD22 to mediate cell-cell contacts, with multivalent sialylated antigens capable of overcoming cis masking to promote ligand engagement. The binding affinity of CD22 for α2,6-sialic acid is moderate, with dissociation constants typically in the range of 100–300 μM for monovalent sialyllactose, primarily mediated by the V-set domain. This relatively , combined with ligand masking, ensures that CD22 remains poised for only upon high-avidity encounters. Functionally, these ligand interactions regulate B-cell homing to lymphoid tissues like the and gut-associated structures, while also enabling contact-dependent inhibition of B-cell responses to maintain immune . The specificity for α2,6-linked sialic acids, as opposed to α2,3-linkages, underpins these regulatory roles, with further details on recognition mechanisms addressed elsewhere.

Sialic Acid Recognition

CD22, as a member of the family of sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like , recognizes s through a conserved binding pocket in its N-terminal V-set immunoglobulin-like domain (Ig domain 1). This domain features key residues, notably Arg120, which forms a with the negatively charged group at the C1 position of , stabilizing the interaction. Additional residues, such as Arg131, contribute to the specificity by interacting with hydroxyl groups on the , a signature mechanism shared across the family that ensures selective binding to sialylated glycans. These s are essential for the high-affinity recognition, with mutations in these arginines abolishing binding activity. Human CD22 exhibits a strong preference for α2,6-linked s over α2,3 linkages, driven by residues Tyr64 and Arg131 in the binding pocket that accommodate the axial orientation of the α2,6 while causing steric clashes with the equatorial α2,3 configuration. It tolerates (Neu5Ac) as the primary sialic acid variant, with a binding affinity of approximately 281 μM, but shows reduced or no binding to other forms like (Neu5Gc) or 9-O-acetylated sialic acids due to steric hindrance from Trp128. This selectivity underscores CD22's role in distinguishing subtle differences on cell surfaces. Structural studies have elucidated these interactions through high-resolution crystal structures of the CD22 ectodomain. The unliganded structure (PDB: 5VKJ) reveals a preformed in Ig domain 1, spanning the F, G, and C–C′ loop regions, while the liganded complex with α2,6-sialyllactose (PDB: 5VKM) shows minimal conformational changes upon , with a of 0.35 for Cα atoms, indicating the site's readiness for engagement without major unmasking. These structures highlight how the pocket's conserved triad coordinates the sialic acid's carboxylate and hydroxyls, facilitating precise recognition. Sialidase enzymes modulate CD22's sialic acid recognition by cleaving terminal s from cis ligands on the same B-cell surface, thereby reducing competition and enhancing binding to sialylated ligands on opposing cells. This unmasking promotes stronger CD22-mediated interactions at immune synapses, amplifying inhibitory signaling thresholds during B-cell activation. In B-cells, sialidase activity leads to remodeling, such as desulfation or replacement, further boosting engagement and fine-tuning immune responses.

B-Cell Receptor Signaling

Inhibitory Functions

CD22 serves as an inhibitory coreceptor that negatively regulates (BCR) signaling primarily through its intracellular immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs). Upon BCR crosslinking, family kinases phosphorylate the tyrosine residues within CD22's ITIMs, enabling the recruitment of the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 (PTPN6). SHP-1 then dephosphorylates key BCR signaling components, such as the ITAMs on Igα () and Igβ (CD79b), thereby attenuating downstream . This phosphatase recruitment is essential for CD22's suppressive role, as demonstrated by studies showing that mutations in CD22 ITIMs abolish SHP-1 binding and inhibitory function. By dampening BCR signaling, CD22 reduces calcium influx and activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in B cells. These effects limit B-cell proliferation and antibody production in response to antigenic stimulation, preventing excessive immune responses. For instance, CD22-mediated inhibition modulates the strength of BCR-induced signals to maintain appropriate activation thresholds during antigen encounter. CD22 plays a critical role in setting the signaling threshold for B-cell activation, thereby promoting anergy in response to self-antigens and avoiding hyperactivation. Defects in CD22 function disrupt this balance, leading to enhanced BCR responsiveness. Experimental evidence from CD22 mice reveals heightened calcium mobilization, increased , and spontaneous production, culminating in autoimmune phenotypes.

Activating Functions

While primarily recognized for its inhibitory roles, CD22 also exerts positive regulatory effects on B-cell signaling through specific motifs in its cytoplasmic tail, which contains ITIMs alongside ITAM-like sequences capable of recruiting stimulatory effectors. Upon (BCR) engagement, the Lyn phosphorylates residues within these ITAM-like motifs of CD22, such as the YXXM sequence at position 828 in mice (Y807 in humans), enabling the recruitment of downstream signaling molecules that promote cell survival. This phosphorylation event activates the PI3K pathway by binding the p85 regulatory subunit of PI3K, leading to the production of PIP3 and subsequent activation of Akt, which delivers anti-apoptotic signals essential for B-cell survival during development and activation. In addition to PI3K, phosphorylated CD22 interacts with adapter proteins that further modulate positive signaling outcomes. These include Grb2 and SHC1, which form complexes to link CD22 to the Ras-MAPK pathway, enhancing and cytoskeletal reorganization in response to BCR stimulation, as demonstrated in studies of tyrosine-phosphorylated CD22 immunoprecipitates from activated B cells. CD22 also binds INPP5D (SHIP), which, in certain contexts, fine-tunes by hydrolyzing PIP3 to PIP2, thereby influencing cytoskeleton dynamics and supporting B-cell migration and adhesion without fully abrogating survival signals. These adapter interactions collectively amplify BCR co-stimulation, contributing to robust B-cell responses. The activating functions of CD22 are highly context-dependent, often triggered by the dissociation of its ligands, which unmasks the receptor and allows its closer association with the BCR for enhanced signaling. For instance, in B cells, ligand unmasking facilitates CD22-mediated , promoting and in response to antigenic challenge. Experimental evidence from CD22 mutants supports this role; disruption of the ITAM-like motifs, such as through tyrosine-to-phenylalanine substitutions, impairs B-cell maturation and the formation of precursors, as observed in transgenic models where such mutations lead to reduced survival and developmental progression in the .

Physiological Roles

Immune Regulation

CD22 plays a crucial role in maintaining immune by setting activation thresholds for B cells, thereby preventing through the inhibition of responses to self-antigens. As an inhibitory co-receptor of the (BCR), CD22 recruits phosphatases such as SHP-1 upon ligand binding, dampening BCR signaling and reducing the activation of autoreactive B cells. In CD22-deficient models, this regulatory function is lost, leading to heightened B-cell responsiveness and predisposition to autoimmune conditions, underscoring CD22's essential role in establishing tolerance to self-antigens. In addition to its signaling roles, CD22 facilitates B-cell trafficking to specific lymphoid tissues, promoting homing to Peyer's patches in the gut via interactions with ligands on cells. The extracellular domain of CD22 binds α2,6-linked on vascular , guiding mature B cells to mucosal sites for immune surveillance and response initiation. This lectin-mediated homing mechanism ensures efficient B-cell positioning in , supporting localized immune regulation without excessive systemic activation. CD22 also fine-tunes by modulating responses to T-dependent antigens, balancing the magnitude and duration of reactions. Through its inhibitory effects on BCR and signaling, CD22 prevents overactivation during T cell-dependent responses, allowing for optimal affinity maturation and differentiation while avoiding hyperresponsiveness. This regulatory input helps maintain controlled production of high-affinity antibodies, contributing to effective yet restrained adaptive immunity. Beyond peripheral B-cell functions, CD22 influences neuroimmune regulation in the by modulating microglial , where its upregulation impairs homeostatic clearance of debris and synapses. In aged , elevated CD22 expression acts as a negative , reducing phagocytic activity and linking to age-related and cognitive decline. Blocking CD22 in these contexts restores phagocytic function, highlighting its role in balancing neuroimmune during .

B-Cell Development and Trafficking

Surface expression of CD22 first appears at low levels on immature B cells in the , where it modulates (BCR) signaling thresholds through its inhibitory function. Beyond development, CD22 facilitates B cell trafficking by providing homing signals through -mediated adhesion to endothelial cells. Specifically, CD22 recognizes α2,6-linked ligands on sinusoidal endothelial cells in the and high endothelial venules (HEVs) in lymphoid organs such as Peyer's patches, promoting the entry and retention of recirculating B cells. This adhesion mechanism supports the migration of mature B cells back to the for long-term survival and to gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) for mucosal immunity. Studies in CD22-deficient mice provide key evidence for these roles, revealing altered B cell distribution with a marked reduction in recirculating mature B cells in the and impaired homing to GALT, including defective formation and B cell accumulation in Peyer's patches. These phenotypes underscore CD22's importance in maintaining proper B cell compartmentalization across lymphoid compartments. CD22's adhesive functions integrate with chemokine receptor signaling to coordinate B cell positioning, enhancing CXCR5-dependent migration and entry into B cell follicles within secondary lymphoid organs. This synergy ensures efficient follicular localization for encounter and immune responses.

Pathological Implications

In Autoimmunity

CD22 plays a critical role in maintaining B-cell tolerance, and its dysregulation contributes to the of autoimmune diseases through impaired inhibitory signaling. In , reduced CD22 function diminishes the recruitment of protein tyrosine phosphatases like SHP-1 to immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs), leading to unchecked (BCR) activation, enhanced B-cell survival, and increased production of autoantibodies. This hyperactivation disrupts immune , promoting self-reactive B-cell expansion and chronic characteristic of conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Genetic variants in the CD22 gene have been linked to altered protein function and increased susceptibility to specific autoimmune disorders. For instance, the Q152E missense variant in the extracellular domain of CD22 introduces a charge change that may affect protein stability or ligand interactions, though studies have not confirmed it as a major risk factor for SLE in humans. In cutaneous systemic sclerosis (SSc), the synonymous polymorphism rs34826052 (c.2304C>A, p.P768P) is associated with disease susceptibility, particularly the limited cutaneous subtype, and correlates with decreased CD22 surface expression on B cells, potentially exacerbating B-cell hyperactivity and autoantibody production. These variants highlight how subtle changes in CD22 can lower the threshold for B-cell activation in fibrotic autoimmune conditions. Mutations in the sialic acid acetylesterase (SIAE) gene, which generates 9-O-acetylated ligands essential for CD22 binding, further impair CD22-mediated inhibition and are implicated in multiple autoimmune diseases. Rare loss-of-function SIAE variants reduce ligand availability, leading to diminished ITIM signaling and B-cell hyperresponsiveness; such mutations occur at higher frequency in patients with SLE, (RA), and (PBC) compared to healthy controls. In RA, these defects contribute to synovial B-cell accumulation and autoantibody-driven joint inflammation, while in PBC, SIAE variants associate with cholestatic liver autoimmunity through dysregulated B-cell responses against biliary epitopes. Overall, SIAE alterations underscore the importance of the CD22- axis in preventing across diverse tissues. Therapeutic strategies targeting CD22 aim to restore its inhibitory function and have been investigated in preclinical and early clinical studies for autoimmune diseases. The epratuzumab engages CD22 on B cells, promoting of BCR-associated proteins and modulating signaling to reduce B-cell activation without depletion; however, the phase 3 EMBODY trials failed to meet primary endpoints for efficacy in reducing SLE disease activity. As of 2025, development of epratuzumab for SLE has been discontinued. Additionally, synthetic sialoside agonists that bind CD22 with high affinity (e.g., GSC718, GSC839) have been explored to enhance inhibitory signaling by mimicking endogenous ligands, suppressing autoreactive B-cell proliferation in models of while sparing normal responses. These approaches, with sialosides remaining in preclinical stages as of 2025, highlight the potential of CD22 activation in re-establishing in SLE and related conditions.

In Malignancies

CD22 is expressed on the surface of malignant B cells in a variety of hematologic malignancies, including non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) and B-cell (B-ALL). In NHL subtypes such as , , and , CD22 demonstrates strong and consistent expression across tumor cells, making it a viable therapeutic target. Similarly, in B-ALL, CD22 is present on 60–90% of cases, with expression levels often exceeding 90% of blasts in a significant proportion of patients, and it tends to be more uniformly retained on leukemic cells compared to , which can be lost in up to 10–20% of relapses following CD19-targeted therapies. This retention positions CD22 as a complementary in cases of antigen escape. In (CLL) and (DLBCL), CD22 expression is also prevalent but can exhibit functional alterations that contribute to disease progression. Reduced surface sialylation of CD22 or its ligands may diminish cis-interactions that normally inhibit (BCR) signaling, potentially unmasking activating pathways and enhancing survival signals in these malignancies; for instance, modifications such as 9-O-acetylation of sialic acids impair CD22 ligand binding, which has been linked to progression. In CLL specifically, CD22 levels are often downregulated at both the mRNA and protein levels compared to normal B cells, correlating with disease advancement. These changes highlight how dysregulated influences CD22's inhibitory role, promoting aberrant B-cell survival in the . The prognostic implications of CD22 expression vary across B-cell malignancies. High CD22 expression has been associated with poorer outcomes in certain aggressive B-cell leukemias, potentially reflecting a more mature or resistant , while in CLL, downregulation of CD22 during progression predicts worse survival, particularly in IGHV-mutated subtypes. For example, low CD22 mRNA levels negatively correlate with prognosis in CLL patients. Recent studies from 2024 underscore the value of dual /CD22 targeting to mitigate escape; in relapsed/refractory B-ALL, allogeneic bispecific /CD22 CAR T-cell therapy achieved durable complete remissions in treated patients, demonstrating prevention of relapse through combined engagement. These findings emphasize CD22's role as both a and strategic target in risk stratification and management of B-cell cancers.

Therapeutic Applications

Antibody-Drug Conjugates

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and immunotoxins targeting CD22 represent a targeted approach to deliver cytotoxic payloads directly to malignant B cells expressing this , which is prevalent in various B-cell malignancies such as (ALL) and . These agents leverage the specificity of anti-CD22 antibodies to internalize toxins, minimizing off-target effects compared to traditional . Inotuzumab ozogamicin is a humanized IgG4 anti-CD22 conjugated to the derivative N-acetyl-γ-calicheamicin via an acid-labile linker. Upon binding to CD22 on the cell surface, the conjugate is internalized into lysosomes, where the linker cleaves to release the payload, which binds the minor groove of DNA and induces double-strand breaks, leading to . The U.S. (FDA) approved in 2017 for adults with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor ALL, with expanded approval in 2024 for pediatric patients aged 1 year and older. Moxetumomab pasudotox is a recombinant immunotoxin consisting of the Fv portion of an fused to a truncated form of A (PE38). It binds CD22, undergoes , and translocates to the , where the inhibits protein synthesis by ADP-ribosylating elongation factor 2, ultimately triggering caspase-mediated . The FDA granted accelerated approval to moxetumomab pasudotox in 2018 for adults with relapsed or refractory after at least two prior systemic therapies, though commercial availability was discontinued in 2023 for non-safety reasons. In clinical trials, has demonstrated significant efficacy in relapsed or refractory B-ALL, with the pivotal INO-VATE phase 3 trial reporting a complete remission or complete remission with incomplete hematologic recovery rate of 80.7% compared to 29.4% with . This improvement in response rates translated to better overall survival, though common adverse effects include (such as sinusoidal obstruction syndrome) and myelosuppression (e.g., , , and anemia). Prior to 2025, has been evaluated in expanded clinical trials for , including phase 2 studies in combination with rituximab showing objective response rates around 87% in , though a phase 3 trial in aggressive was discontinued due to futility.

CAR-T and Other Immunotherapies

CD22-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy represents a promising adoptive cellular immunotherapy for B-cell malignancies, where CAR constructs incorporate single-chain variable fragments (scFv) derived from monoclonal antibodies specific to CD22 to redirect T cells against tumor cells expressing this antigen. Standalone CD22 CAR-T cells, such as the fully human CD22.BB.z construct featuring an anti-CD22 scFv linked to a 4-1BB costimulatory domain, have demonstrated durable clinical activity in relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphomas, with phase I trials reporting complete responses in a subset of patients. To address antigen escape and relapse commonly observed with CD19-directed therapies, tandem or dual CD19/CD22 CAR-T approaches have been developed, either as sequential administration or co-expression in a single construct, showing improved long-term survival in post-hematopoietic stem cell transplant relapsed B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), with five-year outcomes indicating superior event-free survival compared to CD19 monotherapy. Recent advances in 2024–2025 have focused on optimizing dual-targeting designs to enhance efficacy and persistence. A novel loop-structure-based bispecific CD19/CD22 CAR-T (BS LoopCAR-T) has shown safety and effectiveness in high-risk diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytic syndrome, achieving high response rates with manageable cytokine release syndrome. At the ESMO Congress in October 2025, CAR2119, a dual-targeting CD19/CD22 CAR-T, demonstrated a 100% overall response rate in patients with relapsed/refractory LBCL following standard first-line therapy. In B-ALL trials, these dual CAR-T constructs have reported improved complete remission rates, particularly in minimal residual disease-positive cases, by mitigating single-antigen loss. Preclinically, single-domain antibody (sdAb)-based CD22 CAR-T derived from llama immunization has exhibited potent antitumor activity in Jurkat cell models and primary T cells, with hinge and transmembrane optimizations enhancing specificity and reducing off-target effects independent of affinity variations. Beyond CAR-T, other immunotherapies leverage CD22 for immune redirection or modulation. Bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) targeting CD22 and CD3, such as novel constructs with in vitro cytotoxicity against CD22-positive cells, have demonstrated synergistic activity with CD19-directed BiTEs like in preclinical models of , promoting T-cell-mediated tumor lysis without excessive cytokine release. agonists, including cis-binding synthetic glycopolypeptides that engage CD22 on B cells, offer a modulatory approach by inducing inhibitory signaling to suppress aberrant B-cell activation, with potential applications in controlling B-cell hyperactivity in malignancies through targeted mimicry. Key challenges in CD22-targeted immunotherapies include variability in on tumor cells, which can diminish CAR-T potency and lead to incomplete responses, as lower CD22 expression correlates with reduced T-cell activation and persistence in preclinical and clinical settings. Ongoing phase II and III trials are evaluating CD22 CAR-T and dual constructs in refractory lymphomas, aiming to refine dosing and combination strategies to overcome these hurdles and expand applicability in CD22-expressing B-cell cancers.

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