CytoDyn Reveals New CCR5 Inhibition Methods and Long-Term Survival Signals for …

CytoDyn Inc. presented groundbreaking findings at the AACR Immuno-Oncology Conference regarding leronlimab’s role in treating metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC). Leronlimab, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the CCR5 receptor, shows promise in modulating the tumor immune microenvironment and enhancing responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). By blocking CCR5 signaling, leronlimab may overcome immune checkpoint resistance in TNBC patients.

Professor Richard Pestell, Lead Consultant in Preclinical and Clinical Oncology at CytoDyn, discussed the study’s findings. Through patient-derived datasets and molecular analyses, researchers found that CCR5 expression correlated with elevated cytotoxic T-lymphocyte signatures in TNBC patients, suggesting a potential benefit of CCR5 inhibition. Additionally, leronlimab increased the abundance of PD-L1 and PD1, known markers for improved response to ICIs. In animal and cell culture studies, leronlimab induced PD1 expression in T cells and breast cancer cells, respectively.

Furthermore, CCR5 blockade with leronlimab reduced the secretion of immunosuppressive mediators from TNBC cells, promoting an anti-tumor immune response. Notably, a retrospective clinical analysis of 28 heavily pretreated mTNBC patients revealed a favorable safety profile for leronlimab, with 17.9% of patients showing long-term survival after more than 63 months of follow-up.

Dr. Jacob Lalezari, CEO of CytoDyn, highlighted the significance of these findings in supporting leronlimab’s role in mTNBC treatment. The combination of mechanistic insights and positive clinical outcomes underscores the potential of leronlimab in improving patient outcomes. Dr. Lalezari emphasized the importance of ongoing clinical trials to evaluate leronlimab’s efficacy in combination with other immunotherapies.

On February 19, 2026, Associate Professor Xuanmao Jiao presented a poster at the conference, showcasing the research titled “Leronlimab is associated with long-term survival in metastatic TNBC: Enhancing PD-L1 expression, ICI response, and the role of T cell exhaustion.” The data presented further supports the therapeutic potential of leronlimab in treating mTNBC.

CytoDyn, a clinical-stage oncology company, is dedicated to advancing innovative treatments like leronlimab to improve patient outcomes across various indications. Their commitment to integrity, responsibility, and service drives their mission to bring transformative therapies to patients worldwide.

In conclusion, CytoDyn’s research on leronlimab’s role in mTNBC treatment demonstrates promising results that could potentially revolutionize current treatment strategies. The combination of mechanistic insights, favorable safety profiles, and long-term survival signals supports further investigation into leronlimab as a promising therapeutic option for patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.