Blog

Blog

Drug Target Encyclopedia Series (31) —CD22

Linkedin

Release Time：

2026-03-03 14:20

 

  

CD22 is a B-cell–restricted transmembrane sialic acid–binding immunoglobulin-like lectin (Siglec-2) that functions as a negative regulator of B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling.

Because of its highly selective expression on mature B cells and most malignant B cells, CD22 has become a validated and commercially actionable target in hematologic oncology — particularly in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

CD22 is highly expressed in:

• B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)

• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)

• Follicular lymphoma

• Hairy cell leukemia

• Mantle cell lymphoma

CD22 expression is largely restricted to the B-cell lineage, making it an ideal therapeutic target with minimal off-lineage toxicity.

Targeting CD22 in hematologic malignancies

1）Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)

CD22 is rapidly internalized upon antibody binding — a critical feature for ADC development.

CD22-directed ADCs deliver cytotoxic payloads selectively into malignant B cells, driving high response rates in relapsed/refractory B-ALL.

2）CAR-T cell therapy

CD22 CAR-T has emerged as a strategy to overcome CD19-negative relapse after CD19 CAR-T therapy.

Dual-target CD19/CD22 CAR constructs are increasingly explored to reduce antigen escape.

3）Bispecific antibodies

CD22 × CD3 bispecific T-cell engagers are under investigation to redirect cytotoxic T cells toward malignant B cells.

4）Combination regimens

CD22-targeted agents are being evaluated in combination with:

• CD19-targeted therapies

• BTK inhibitors

• Chemotherapy

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors

to improve durability and prevent antigen-loss relapse.

5）mRNA-based research tools

mRNA platforms are increasingly used to:

• Validate CD22 CAR constructs

• Model antigen density thresholds

• Study BCR signaling modulation

• Rapidly prototype bispecific and CAR designs

• Support translational immunotherapy research

Key challenges

• Antigen modulation and density variability

• Lineage switching or antigen-loss relapse

• CAR-T persistence and exhaustion

• Optimizing payload selection for ADCs

• Managing B-cell aplasia

Current research directions

• Dual-antigen CAR strategies (CD19/CD22)

• Next-generation CD22 ADC payload engineering

• Conditional CAR activation systems

• mRNA-based rapid construct screening

• Biomarker-driven patient stratification

Need CD22 tools for your research?

 

Fill out the form below, or visit the link: to browse the complete list of available in-stock products.  

 

Prev

Drug Target Encyclopedia Series (32) —CD47

Drug Target Encyclopedia Series (30) —PTK7

Next