• Findings published in Science Immunology resolve how human LAG-3 binds to its main ligand providing a better foundation for development of blocking LAG-3 therapeutics, including Immutep's anti-LAG-3 small molecule program
• Data also supports eftilagimod alfa's (efti) preferential binding to a subset of MHC Class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells leading to their activation

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, Dec. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Immutep Limited ((ASX: IMM, NASDAQ:IMMP) ("Immutep" or "the Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel LAG-3 immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune disease, today announces new findings published in Science Immunology that resolve how human lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3) binds to its main ligand MHC Class II (MHC-II), also known as HLA Class II (HLA-II) in humans. The publication is the first to show the crystal structure of a human LAG-3/HLA-II complex and provides a better foundation for development of blocking LAG-3 therapeutics, including Immutep's anti-LAG-3 small molecule program.

Under the oversight of Professor Jamie Rossjohn FAA FRS, at Monash University's Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), and in collaboration with Immutep, this breakthrough is an exemplar of the importance of industry-academia alliances. The LAG-3 immune control mechanism is the exclusive focus of Immutep across both cancer and autoimmunity and a clinically validated target of deep interest throughout the academic, medical, and industry sectors.