Single-Chain Antibodies
This monoclonal antibody model has formed the backbone of many effective cancer treatments. Single-chain antibodies are typically formed by linking VH and VL domains of antibodies with a flexible peptide linker. Some cancer antibody therapies, using delivery methods such as a fusion peptide or nanoparticles, have been successfully deployed to targets like HER2 and other cells. Uses of siRNAs include treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), avian influenza virus (H5N1), and pain management.
Single-Domain Antibodies
“Small, but mighty” is how we would describe these recombinantly produced, heavy chain IgG antibody fragments. Despite their robust structure and specificity, nanobodies are flexible enough to address a broad range of in vivo and display project formats. They are highly durable, allowing them to modulate tricky sets of intracellular receptor signals, and their small size makes them ideal for accessing hard-to-reach cell cavities.
Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs)
The makings of an effective antibody drug conjugate (ADC) – an antibody-based therapy that targets cancer-causing cells – require a carefully balanced combination of an antibody to the target, a cytotoxic drug (payload), and a linker connecting the two. ADCs provide an ideal solution against previously undruggable targets, but demand expertise in the discovery of antibodies to tumor targets, conjugations with linker-toxins, and the evaluation of cell killing, among other specialities. (Get a more thorough analysis of the current state of “magic bullet” ADCs here.)
Chimeric Antibodies
While chimerics don’t always make it to the approval stage on their own, they can be very useful as intermediates in the humanization stage. The high affinity and specificity of chimeric antibodies make them a valuable option when creating antigens for in vivo research and in developing stable cell lines.
T Cells
Next-gen cancer and virus treatments are starting to cross all the “t’s” in cell therapy – tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies, engineered T cell receptor (TCR) therapies, and, perhaps most notable, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T therapies. They’ve proven effective, in particular, against aggressive cancers (including lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma). While comparatively new treatment forms, they’re still reliant on many of the same skills that have been used to engineer traditional antibody models. Our experienced team can help you make well-informed and cost-effective choices if you’re looking to dip your toe into these promising new waters.
Bispecifics
The unique character of bispecific antibodies to engage multiple targets simultaneously is providing a fresh blueprint for treating diseases with complex biological pathways. As with any emerging modality, though, that opportunity comes with an inherent cost; in this case, their multipurpose nature makes bispecifics susceptible to challenges regarding stability, manufacturing, and immunogenicity, among others.
