1
|
Saumell-Esnaola M, Elejaga-Jimeno A, Echeazarra L, Borrega-Román L, Barrondo S, López de Jesús M, González-Burguera I, Gómez-Caballero A, Goicolea MA, Sallés J, García del Caño G. Design and validation of recombinant protein standards for quantitative Western blot analysis of cannabinoid CB1 receptor density in cell membranes: an alternative to radioligand binding methods. Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:192. [PMID: 36109736 PMCID: PMC9479267 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01914-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Replacement of radioligand binding assays with antibody-antigen interaction-based approaches for quantitative analysis of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) levels requires the use of purified protein standards containing the antigen. GPCRs in general and cannabinoid CB1 receptor in particular show a progressive tendency to aggregate and precipitate in aqueous solution outside of their biological context due to the low solubility that the hydrophobic nature imprinted by their seven transmembrane domains. This renders full-length recombinant GPCRs useless for analytical purposes, a problem that can be overcome by engineering soluble recombinant fragments of the receptor containing the antigen. Results Here we generated highly soluble and stable recombinant protein constructs GST-CB1414–472 and GST-CB1414-442 containing much of the human CB1 receptor C-terminal tail for use as standard and negative control, respectively, in quantitative Western blot analysis of CB1 receptor expression on crude synaptosomes of the adult rat brain cortex. To this end we used three different antibodies, all raised against a peptide comprising the C-terminal residues 443–473 of the mouse CB1 receptor that corresponds to residues 442–472 in the human homolog. Estimated values of CB1 receptor density obtained by quantitative Western blot were of the same order of magnitude but slightly higher than values obtained by the radioligand saturation binding assay. Conclusions Collectively, here we provide a suitable Western blot-based design as a simple, cost-effective and radioactivity-free alternative for the quantitative analysis of CB1 receptor expression, and potentially of any GPCR, in a variety of biological samples. The discrepancies between the results obtained by quantitative Western blot and radioligand saturation binding techniques are discussed in the context of their particular theoretical bases and methodological constraints. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12934-022-01914-1.
Collapse
|
2
|
Mavridou V, King MS, Tavoulari S, Ruprecht JJ, Palmer SM, Kunji ERS. Substrate binding in the mitochondrial ADP/ATP carrier is a step-wise process guiding the structural changes in the transport cycle. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3585. [PMID: 35739110 PMCID: PMC9226169 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31366-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial ADP/ATP carriers import ADP into the mitochondrial matrix and export ATP to the cytosol to fuel cellular processes. Structures of the inhibited cytoplasmic- and matrix-open states have confirmed an alternating access transport mechanism, but the molecular details of substrate binding remain unresolved. Here, we evaluate the role of the solvent-exposed residues of the translocation pathway in the process of substrate binding. We identify the main binding site, comprising three positively charged and a set of aliphatic and aromatic residues, which bind ADP and ATP in both states. Additionally, there are two pairs of asparagine/arginine residues on opposite sides of this site that are involved in substrate binding in a state-dependent manner. Thus, the substrates are directed through a series of binding poses, inducing the conformational changes of the carrier that lead to their translocation. The properties of this site explain the electrogenic and reversible nature of adenine nucleotide transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Mavridou
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Keith Peters Building, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY UK
| | - Martin S. King
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Keith Peters Building, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY UK
| | - Sotiria Tavoulari
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Keith Peters Building, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY UK
| | - Jonathan J. Ruprecht
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Keith Peters Building, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY UK
| | - Shane M. Palmer
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Keith Peters Building, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY UK
| | - Edmund R. S. Kunji
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Keith Peters Building, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Popov P, Kozlovskii I, Katritch V. Computational design for thermostabilization of GPCRs. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2019; 55:25-33. [PMID: 30909106 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
GPCR superfamily is the largest clinically relevant family of targets in human genome; however, low thermostability and high conformational plasticity of these integral membrane proteins make them notoriously hard to handle in biochemical, biophysical, and structural experiments. Here, we describe the recent advances in computational approaches to design stabilizing mutations for GPCR that take advantage of the structural and sequence conservation properties of the receptors, and employ machine learning on accumulated mutation data for the superfamily. The fast and effective computational tools can provide a viable alternative to existing experimental mutation screening and are poised for further improvements with expansion of thermostability datasets for training the machine learning models. The rapidly growing practical applications of computational stability design streamline GPCR structure determination and may contribute to more efficient drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petr Popov
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Igor Kozlovskii
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Vsevolod Katritch
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia; Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, Bridge Institute, Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Membrane protein engineering to the rescue. Biochem Soc Trans 2018; 46:1541-1549. [PMID: 30381335 DOI: 10.1042/bst20180140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The inherent hydrophobicity of membrane proteins is a major barrier to membrane protein research and understanding. Their low stability and solubility in aqueous environments coupled with poor expression levels make them a challenging area of research. For many years, the only way of working with membrane proteins was to optimise the environment to suit the protein, through the use of different detergents, solubilising additives, and other adaptations. However, with innovative protein engineering methodologies, the membrane proteins themselves are now being adapted to suit the environment. This mini-review looks at the types of adaptations which are applied to membrane proteins from a variety of different fields, including water solubilising fusion tags, thermostabilising mutation screening, scaffold proteins, stabilising protein chimeras, and isolating water-soluble domains.
Collapse
|
5
|
Popov P, Peng Y, Shen L, Stevens RC, Cherezov V, Liu ZJ, Katritch V. Computational design of thermostabilizing point mutations for G protein-coupled receptors. eLife 2018; 7:34729. [PMID: 29927385 PMCID: PMC6013254 DOI: 10.7554/elife.34729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineering of GPCR constructs with improved thermostability is a key for successful structural and biochemical studies of this transmembrane protein family, targeted by 40% of all therapeutic drugs. Here we introduce a comprehensive computational approach to effective prediction of stabilizing mutations in GPCRs, named CompoMug, which employs sequence-based analysis, structural information, and a derived machine learning predictor. Tested experimentally on the serotonin 5-HT2C receptor target, CompoMug predictions resulted in 10 new stabilizing mutations, with an apparent thermostability gain ~8.8°C for the best single mutation and ~13°C for a triple mutant. Binding of antagonists confers further stabilization for the triple mutant receptor, with total gains of ~21°C as compared to wild type apo 5-HT2C. The predicted mutations enabled crystallization and structure determination for the 5-HT2C receptor complexes in inactive and active-like states. While CompoMug already shows high 25% hit rate and utility in GPCR structural studies, further improvements are expected with accumulation of structural and mutation data. The trillions of cells in the human body rely on receptors that sit in their cell membranes to communicate with each other. Hundreds of different receptors belong to the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily (called GPCRs for short) and play vital roles in the all organs and bodily systems. Indeed, GPCRs are the targets for almost 40% of therapeutic drugs. As such, deciphering the shape and activity of GPCRs is key to understanding the normal workings of the human biology and could help scientists discover new treatments for various diseases, from depression to high blood pressure to cancer. These receptors, however, are notoriously flimsy and unstable, making them difficult to work with in the laboratory. Different approaches have been developed to make GPCRs more stable, usually by swapping one or a few of the amino acid building blocks in the protein for other amino acids. Currently, this requires a costly and slow trial-and-error approach in which each amino acid out of 300-400 in the protein is mutated and tested experimentally. To speed up and reduce the cost of the process, Popov et al. asked if a computer could predict which mutations in the protein would stabilize it, meaning that fewer proteins would actually need to be tested. Four computer algorithms based on four different principles were developed and verified. The first one compares the target GPCR to other closely related receptors, trying to detect variations that cause the instability. The second tries to build in specific stabilizing interactions, or “bridges”, between different parts of the receptor. The third algorithm searches the known structures of other GPCRs for useful mutations. Finally, the fourth one uses accumulated data on the stability of hundreds of mutations in different GPCRs to train a machine learning predictor to recognize stabilizing mutations. All four algorithms produced useful predictions in a real-life project. Indeed, when combined in one computational tool, named CompoMug, the algorithms made it possible to detect optimal mutations in a human GPCR called 5-HT2C. This made the protein much easier to work with in the laboratory, and ultimately helped to solve its three-dimensional structure (which was reported in a separate study, published earlier in 2018) The 5-HT2C receptor is involved in regulating, among other things, mood and appetite. Details of its structure might therefore help researchers to design new antidepressants and obesity treatments. Moreover, CompoMug is already helping structural biologists to solve the structures of other GPCRs, which will further facilitate many aspects of GPCR drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petr Popov
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Yao Peng
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Shen
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Raymond C Stevens
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.,iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.,Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Vadim Cherezov
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia.,Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.,Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Zhi-Jie Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.,Insititute of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Vsevolod Katritch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia.,Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States.,Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Surveying GPCR solubilisation conditions using surface plasmon resonance. Anal Biochem 2018; 556:23-34. [PMID: 29908863 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2018.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Biophysical screening techniques, such as surface plasmon resonance, enable detailed kinetic analysis of ligands binding to solubilised G-protein coupled receptors. The activity of a receptor solubilised out of the membrane is crucially dependent on the environment in which it is suspended. Finding the right conditions is challenging due to the number of variables to investigate in order to determine the optimum solubilisation buffer for any given receptor. In this study we used surface plasmon resonance technology to screen a variety of solubilisation conditions including buffers and detergents for two model receptors: CXCR4 and CCR5. We tested 950 different combinations of solubilisation conditions for both receptors. The activity of both receptors was monitored by using conformation dependent monoclonal antibodies and the binding of small molecule ligands. Despite both receptors belonging to the chemokine receptor family they show some differences in their preference for solubilisation conditions that provide the highest level of binding for both the conformation dependent antibodies and small molecules. The study described here is focused not only on finding the best solubilisation conditions for each receptor, but also on factors that determine the sensitivity of the assay for each receptor. We also suggest how these data about different buffers and detergents can be used as a guide for selecting solubilisation conditions for other membrane proteins.
Collapse
|
7
|
Opportunities for therapeutic antibodies directed at G-protein-coupled receptors. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2017; 16:787-810. [PMID: 28706220 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2017.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are activated by a diverse range of ligands, from large proteins and proteases to small peptides, metabolites, neurotransmitters and ions. They are expressed on all cells in the body and have key roles in physiology and homeostasis. As such, GPCRs are one of the most important target classes for therapeutic drug discovery. The development of drugs targeting GPCRs has therapeutic value across a wide range of diseases, including cancer, immune and inflammatory disorders as well as neurological and metabolic diseases. The progress made by targeting GPCRs with antibody-based therapeutics, as well as technical hurdles to overcome, are presented and discussed in this Review. Antibody therapeutics targeting C-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CCR4), CCR5 and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are used as illustrative clinical case studies.
Collapse
|
8
|
Ayoub MA, Crépieux P, Koglin M, Parmentier M, Pin JP, Poupon A, Reiter E, Smit M, Steyaert J, Watier H, Wilkinson T. Antibodies targeting G protein-coupled receptors: Recent advances and therapeutic challenges. MAbs 2017; 9:735-741. [PMID: 28475474 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2017.1325052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Le STUDIUM conference was held November 24-25, 2016 in Tours, France as a satellite workshop of the 5th meeting of the French GDR 3545 on "G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) -From Physiology to Drugs," which was held in Tours during November 22-24, 2016. The conference gathered speakers from academia and industry considered to be world leaders in the molecular pharmacology and signaling of GPCRs, with a particular interest in the development of therapeutic GPCR antibodies (Abs). The main topics were new advances and challenges in the development of antibodies targeting GPCRs and their potential applications to the study of the structure and function of GPCRs, as well as their implication in physiology and pathophysiology. The conference included 2 sessions, with the first dedicated to the recent advances in methodological strategies used for GPCR immunization using thermo-stabilized and purified GPCRs, and the development of various formats of Abs such as monoclonal IgG, single-chain variable fragments and nanobodies (Nbs) by in vitro and in silico approaches. The second session focused on GPCR Nbs as a "hot" field of research on GPCRs. This session started with discussion of the pioneering Nbs developed against GPCRs and their application to structural studies, then transitioned to talks on original ex vivo and in vivo studies on GPCR-selective Nbs showing promising therapeutic applications of Nbs in important physiologic systems, such as the central nervous and the immune systems, as well as in cancer. The conference ended with the consensus that Abs and especially Nbs are opening a new era of research on GPCR structure, pharmacology and pathophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Akli Ayoub
- a PRC, INRA, CNRS, Université François-Rabelais de Tours , Nouzilly , France.,b LE STUDIUM® Loire Valley Institute for Advanced Studies , Orléans , France.,c Biology Department , College of Science, United Arab Emirates University , Al Ain , United Arab Emirates
| | - Pascale Crépieux
- a PRC, INRA, CNRS, Université François-Rabelais de Tours , Nouzilly , France
| | - Markus Koglin
- d Heptares Therapeutics Ltd , BioPark, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire , UK
| | - Marc Parmentier
- e Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire, Université Libre de Bruxelles , Brussels , Belgium.,f Welbio, Université Libre de Bruxelles , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Jean-Philippe Pin
- g Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR5203 , Montpellier , France.,h INSERM U1091 , Montpellier , France
| | - Anne Poupon
- a PRC, INRA, CNRS, Université François-Rabelais de Tours , Nouzilly , France
| | - Eric Reiter
- a PRC, INRA, CNRS, Université François-Rabelais de Tours , Nouzilly , France
| | - Martine Smit
- i Amsterdam Institute for Molecules Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Jan Steyaert
- j Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussels , Brussels , Belgium.,k Structural Biology Research Center, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Hervé Watier
- l Université François-Rabelais de Tours, CNRS, UMR 7292 , Tours , France.,m Laboratoire d'Immunologie, CHRU de Tours , Tours , France
| | - Trevor Wilkinson
- n Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune , Cambridge , UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Renaud JP, Chung CW, Danielson UH, Egner U, Hennig M, Hubbard RE, Nar H. Biophysics in drug discovery: impact, challenges and opportunities. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2016; 15:679-98. [PMID: 27516170 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2016.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 25 years, biophysical technologies such as X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry have become key components of drug discovery platforms in many pharmaceutical companies and academic laboratories. There have been great improvements in the speed, sensitivity and range of possible measurements, providing high-resolution mechanistic, kinetic, thermodynamic and structural information on compound-target interactions. This Review provides a framework to understand this evolution by describing the key biophysical methods, the information they can provide and the ways in which they can be applied at different stages of the drug discovery process. We also discuss the challenges for current technologies and future opportunities to use biophysical methods to solve drug discovery problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Renaud
- NovAliX, Boulevard Sébastien Brant, 67405 Illkirch Cedex, France.,Institut de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS UMR7104/INSERM U964/Université de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries - BP10142, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, France.,RiboStruct, 15 rue Neuve, 67540 Ostwald, France
| | - Chun-Wa Chung
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - U Helena Danielson
- Department of Chemistry - BMC and Science for Life Laboratory, Drug Discovery &Development Platform, Uppsala University, SE-751 05 Uppsala, Sweden.,Beactica AB, Uppsala Business Park, 754 50 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ursula Egner
- Bayer Pharma AG, Müllerstrasse 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Hennig
- Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland.,leadXpro AG, PARK INNOVAARE, CH-5234 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Roderick E Hubbard
- University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK.,Vernalis (R&D), Granta Park, Cambridge, CB21 6GB, UK
| | - Herbert Nar
- Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH &Co. KG, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, 88400 Biberach, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pauthner M, Yeung J, Ullman C, Bakker J, Wurch T, Reichert JM, Lund-Johansen F, Bradbury AR, Carter PJ, Melis JP. Antibody Engineering & Therapeutics, the annual meeting of The Antibody Society December 7-10, 2015, San Diego, CA, USA. MAbs 2016; 8:617-52. [PMID: 26909869 PMCID: PMC4966842 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2016.1153211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The 26th Antibody Engineering & Therapeutics meeting, the annual meeting of The Antibody Society united over 800 participants from all over the world in San Diego from 6-10 December 2015. The latest innovations and advances in antibody research and development were discussed, covering a myriad of antibody-related topics by more than 100 speakers, who were carefully selected by The Antibody Society. As a prelude, attendees could join the pre-conference training course focusing, among others, on the engineering and enhancement of antibodies and antibody-like scaffolds, bispecific antibody engineering and adaptation to generate chimeric antigen receptor constructs. The main event covered 4 d of scientific sessions that included antibody effector functions, reproducibility of research and diagnostic antibodies, new developments in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), preclinical and clinical ADC data, new technologies and applications for bispecific antibodies, antibody therapeutics for non-cancer and orphan indications, antibodies to harness the cellular immune system, building comprehensive IgVH-gene repertoires through discovering, confirming and cataloging new germline IgVH genes, and overcoming resistance to clinical immunotherapy. The Antibody Society's special session focused on "Antibodies to watch" in 2016. Another special session put the spotlight on the limitations of the new definitions for the assignment of antibody international nonproprietary names introduced by the World Health Organization. The convention concluded with workshops on computational antibody design and on the promise and challenges of using next-generation sequencing for antibody discovery and engineering from synthetic and in vivo libraries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Pauthner
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul J. Carter
- Antibody Engineering Department, Genentech, South San Francisco, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|