The present invention relates to humanized monoclonal antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof that specifically bind to human CD40 receptor and induce CD40 signaling independent of Fey mediated CD40 receptor crosslinking. The antibodies of the present invention bind to a CD40 epitope that overlaps with the epitope of the CD40 ligand and can activate human APCs. The present invention also provides for compositions comprising said antibodies and uses for the antibodies and compositions in the treatment of patients suffering from cancer.
