How Zynlonta Works for B-Cell Lymphoma

Zynlonta (generic name: loncastuximab tesirine-lpyl) is a type of immunotherapy drug called an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). ADCs are designed to target and destroy specific types of cancer cells.

How Zynlonta Works:

1. Antibody Targeting: Zynlonta is made up of a monoclonal antibody that is specifically designed to bind to a protein called CD19, which is found on the surface of B-cells, including B-cell lymphoma cells. When Zynlonta is injected into the body, it circulates in the bloodstream until it finds and binds to CD19-positive B-cells.

2. Drug Delivery: Once Zynlonta is attached to the CD19-positive B-cell, it releases its cytotoxic payload, which consists of a chemotherapy drug called pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) dimer. The PBD dimer damages the DNA of the B-cell, leading to cell death.

3. Bystander Effect: In addition to directly targeting and killing CD19-positive B-cells, Zynlonta can also induce a "bystander effect." When Zynlonta-treated B-cells die, they release molecules called cytokines that activate other immune cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages. These activated immune cells can then help to further destroy B-cell lymphoma cells.

4. Immune System Stimulation: Zynlonta may also stimulate the immune system by activating T-cells, which play a crucial role in anti-tumor immune responses. T-cells can recognize and target B-cell lymphoma cells, helping to eliminate them from the body.

Overall, Zynlonta works by targeting CD19-positive B-cells, delivering a cytotoxic drug payload to kill these cells, stimulating the bystander effect, and activating the immune system to help fight B-cell lymphoma.