On October 14, 2026 Immutep Limited (ASX: IMM; NASDAQ: IMMP) ("Immutep" or "the Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune disease, reported that the Australian Research Council (ARC) has awarded Monash University a grant of A$652,248 over three years under the ARC’s Linkage Projects scheme to support its continuing research collaboration with Immutep into Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 (LAG-3). The ARC Linkage Projects scheme is highly competitive and supports collaborations between Australian researchers and industry partners that address significant research challenges and deliver benefits to Australia.

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The grant builds on the longstanding collaboration between Immutep and Monash University’s Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), which led to publication of the first crystal structure of the human LAG-3/MHC Class II complex, solved by Dr. Jan Petersen, in Science Immunology in December 2024.1 The findings provided the first detailed view of how LAG-3 engages its primary ligand, MHC Class II, revealing key interactions at the binding interface, and providing a structural framework for understanding how LAG-3 regulates immune responses.

The new project will further investigate how LAG-3 regulates immune responses, including its interactions with MHC Class II, its role within the immunological synapse following the interaction of the T-cell receptor with an antigenic peptide, and the way these interactions influence signalling between immune cells. In particular, the role of IMP761, an agonist LAG-3 antibody, will be assessed in terms of ligand binding, changes within the immunological synapse and functional outcome. Using structural biology, cellular immunology and advanced imaging approaches, Professor Jamie Rossjohn and his team at the BDI aim to generate new insights into the mechanisms that control immune regulation and provide a foundation for future therapeutic applications targeting LAG-3.

NHMRC Investigator L3 Fellow at the Monash BDI, Professor Jamie Rossjohn, said: "We are grateful to the ARC for its continued support of this longstanding collaboration with Immutep. We are excited to build on our recent findings and continue exploring the structure and function of this important immune checkpoint."

Immutep’s CSO, Dr. Frédéric Triebel, also commented: "This ARC funding will help advance fundamental knowledge of LAG-3 biology and strengthen the scientific foundation for future innovations in immunotherapy. We are delighted to continue our collaboration with Professor Rossjohn and his team, combining world-class academic research with Immutep’s deep expertise in LAG-3 biology."

Associate Dean & Senior Director, Enterprise and Partnerships at Monash University, Dr. Alison Greenway, added: "Our collaboration with Immutep over the years has been a true privilege for the Monash, Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences faculty. Having the opportunity to align our leading researchers with their dedicated team has enriched our work and deepened our impact. We are grateful for the long-standing relationship that is grounded in a shared purpose and we look forward to continuing our work together."

The three-year project, titled "A structural investigation into Lymphocyte activation gene-3", will be led by Professor Rossjohn. Dr. Triebel will continue to provide expertise and facilitate access to relevant LAG-3-specific constructs, reagents and antibodies. Immutep will also make a financial contribution towards the study through its existing research budget. Neither the ARC funding nor Immutep’s contribution is material to the Company.

The collaboration has been supported by ARC Linkage Projects grants since 2017, together with direct financial and scientific support from Immutep during the period between ARC funding, reflecting the Company’s commitment to advancing the understanding of LAG-3 biology and its potential therapeutic applications.

(Press release, Immutep, OCT 14, 2026, View Source [SID1234673473])