1
|
Zhantleuova A, Leese C, Andreou AP, Karimova A, Carpenter G, Davletov B. Recent Developments in Engineering Non-Paralytic Botulinum Molecules for Therapeutic Applications. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:175. [PMID: 38668600 PMCID: PMC11054698 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16040175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
This review discusses the expanding application of botulinum neurotoxin in treating neurological conditions. The article specifically explores novel approaches to using non-paralytic botulinum molecules. These new molecules, such as BiTox or el-iBoNT, offer an alternative for patients who face limitations in using paralytic forms of botulinum neurotoxin due to concerns about muscle function loss. We highlight the research findings that confirm not only the effectiveness of these molecules but also their reduced paralytic effect. We also discuss a potential cause for the diminished paralytic action of these molecules, specifically changes in the spatial parameters of the new botulinum molecules. In summary, this article reviews the current research that enhances our understanding of the application of new botulinum neurotoxins in the context of common conditions and suggests new avenues for developing more efficient molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aisha Zhantleuova
- Department of Biophysics, Biomedicine and Neuroscience, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty A15E3C7, Kazakhstan; (A.Z.); (A.K.)
| | - Charlotte Leese
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2JA, UK;
| | - Anna P. Andreou
- Headache Research, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, UK;
- Neuresta, Inc., San Diego, CA 91991, USA
| | - Altynay Karimova
- Department of Biophysics, Biomedicine and Neuroscience, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty A15E3C7, Kazakhstan; (A.Z.); (A.K.)
| | - Guy Carpenter
- Salivary Research, Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dental, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, UK;
| | - Bazbek Davletov
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2JA, UK;
- Neuresta, Inc., San Diego, CA 91991, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dyer RP, Isoda HM, Salcedo GS, Speciale G, Fletcher MH, Le LQ, Liu Y, Brami-Cherrier K, Malik SZ, Vazquez-Cintron EJ, Chu AC, Rupp DC, Jacky BPS, Nguyen TTM, Katz BB, Steward LE, Majumdar S, Brideau-Andersen AD, Weiss GA. Reengineering the specificity of the highly selective Clostridium botulinum protease via directed evolution. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9956. [PMID: 35705606 PMCID: PMC9200782 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13617-z] [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: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) cuts a single peptide bond in SNAP25, an activity used to treat a wide range of diseases. Reengineering the substrate specificity of BoNT/A’s protease domain (LC/A) could expand its therapeutic applications; however, LC/A’s extended substrate recognition (≈ 60 residues) challenges conventional approaches. We report a directed evolution method for retargeting LC/A and retaining its exquisite specificity. The resultant eight-mutation LC/A (omLC/A) has improved cleavage specificity and catalytic efficiency (1300- and 120-fold, respectively) for SNAP23 versus SNAP25 compared to a previously reported LC/A variant. Importantly, the BoNT/A holotoxin equipped with omLC/A retains its ability to form full-length holotoxin, infiltrate neurons, and cleave SNAP23. The identification of substrate control loops outside BoNT/A’s active site could guide the design of improved BoNT proteases and inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah P Dyer
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, 1102 NS-2, Irvine, CA, 92697-2025, USA
| | - Hariny M Isoda
- Departments of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, 1102 NS-2, Irvine, CA, 92697-2025, USA
| | - Gabriela S Salcedo
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, 1102 NS-2, Irvine, CA, 92697-2025, USA
| | - Gaetano Speciale
- Departments of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, 1102 NS-2, Irvine, CA, 92697-2025, USA
| | - Madison H Fletcher
- Departments of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, 1102 NS-2, Irvine, CA, 92697-2025, USA
| | - Linh Q Le
- Allergan Aesthetics, An AbbVie company, 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, CA, 92612, USA
| | - Yi Liu
- Allergan Aesthetics, An AbbVie company, 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, CA, 92612, USA
| | - Karen Brami-Cherrier
- Allergan Aesthetics, An AbbVie company, 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, CA, 92612, USA
| | - Shiazah Z Malik
- Allergan Aesthetics, An AbbVie company, 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, CA, 92612, USA
| | | | - Andrew C Chu
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, 1102 NS-2, Irvine, CA, 92697-2025, USA
| | - David C Rupp
- Allergan Aesthetics, An AbbVie company, 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, CA, 92612, USA
| | - Birgitte P S Jacky
- Allergan Aesthetics, An AbbVie company, 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, CA, 92612, USA
| | - Thu T M Nguyen
- Departments of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, 1102 NS-2, Irvine, CA, 92697-2025, USA
| | - Benjamin B Katz
- Departments of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, 1102 NS-2, Irvine, CA, 92697-2025, USA
| | - Lance E Steward
- Allergan Aesthetics, An AbbVie company, 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, CA, 92612, USA
| | - Sudipta Majumdar
- Departments of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, 1102 NS-2, Irvine, CA, 92697-2025, USA
| | | | - Gregory A Weiss
- Departments of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, 1102 NS-2, Irvine, CA, 92697-2025, USA. .,Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, 1102 NS-2, Irvine, CA, 92697-2025, USA. .,Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, 1102 NS-2, Irvine, CA, 92697-2025, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Single-Dose P2 X4R Single-Chain Fragment Variable Antibody Permanently Reverses Chronic Pain in Male Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413612. [PMID: 34948407 PMCID: PMC8706307 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-opioid single-chain variable fragment (scFv) small antibodies were generated as pain-reducing block of P2X4R receptor (P2X4R). A panel of scFvs targeting an extracellular peptide sequence of P2X4R was generated followed by cell-free ribosome display for recombinant antibody selection. After three rounds of bio-panning, a panel of recombinant antibodies was isolated and characterized by ELISA, cross-reactivity analysis, and immunoblotting/immunostaining. Generated scFv antibodies feature binding activity similar to monoclonal antibodies but with stronger affinity and increased tissue penetrability due to their ~30% smaller size. Two anti-P2X4R scFv clones (95, 12) with high specificity and affinity binding were selected for in vivo testing in male and female mice with trigeminal nerve chronic neuropathic pain (FRICT-ION model) persisting for several months in untreated BALBc mice. A single dose of P2X4R scFv (4 mg/kg, i.p.) successfully, completely, and permanently reversed chronic neuropathic pain-like measures in male mice only, providing retention of baseline behaviors indefinitely. Untreated mice retained hypersensitivity, and developed anxiety- and depression-like behaviors within 5 weeks. In vitro P2X4R scFv 95 treatment significantly increased the rheobase of larger-diameter (>25 µm) trigeminal ganglia (TG) neurons from FRICT-ION mice compared to controls. The data support use of engineered scFv antibodies as non-opioid biotherapeutic interventions for chronic pain.
Collapse
|
4
|
Fonfria E, Elliott M, Beard M, Chaddock JA, Krupp J. Engineering Botulinum Toxins to Improve and Expand Targeting and SNARE Cleavage Activity. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10070278. [PMID: 29973505 PMCID: PMC6071219 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10070278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are highly successful protein therapeutics. Over 40 naturally occurring BoNTs have been described thus far and, of those, only 2 are commercially available for clinical use. Different members of the BoNT family present different biological properties but share a similar multi-domain structure at the molecular level. In nature, BoNTs are encoded by DNA in producing clostridial bacteria and, as such, are amenable to recombinant production through insertion of the coding DNA into other bacterial species. This, in turn, creates possibilities for protein engineering. Here, we review the production of BoNTs by the natural host and also recombinant production approaches utilised in the field. Applications of recombinant BoNT-production include the generation of BoNT-derived domain fragments, the creation of novel BoNTs with improved performance and enhanced therapeutic potential, as well as the advancement of BoNT vaccines. In this article, we discuss site directed mutagenesis, used to affect the biological properties of BoNTs, including approaches to alter their binding to neurons and to alter the specificity and kinetics of substrate cleavage. We also discuss the target secretion inhibitor (TSI) platform, in which the neuronal binding domain of BoNTs is substituted with an alternative cellular ligand to re-target the toxins to non-neuronal systems. Understanding and harnessing the potential of the biological diversity of natural BoNTs, together with the ability to engineer novel mutations and further changes to the protein structure, will provide the basis for increasing the scope of future BoNT-based therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Fonfria
- Ipsen Bioinnovation, 102 Park Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon OX14 4RY, UK.
| | - Mark Elliott
- Ipsen Bioinnovation, 102 Park Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon OX14 4RY, UK.
| | - Matthew Beard
- Ipsen Bioinnovation, 102 Park Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon OX14 4RY, UK.
| | - John A Chaddock
- Ipsen Bioinnovation, 102 Park Drive, Milton Park, Abingdon OX14 4RY, UK.
| | - Johannes Krupp
- Ipsen Innovation, 5 Avenue du Canada, 91940 Les Ulis, France.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Light Chain Diversity among the Botulinum Neurotoxins. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10070268. [PMID: 30004421 PMCID: PMC6070880 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10070268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) are produced by several species of clostridium. There are seven immunologically unique BoNT serotypes (A⁻G). The Centers for Disease Control classifies BoNTs as 'Category A' select agents and are the most lethal protein toxins for humans. Recently, BoNT-like proteins have also been identified in several non-clostridia. BoNTs are di-chain proteins comprised of an N-terminal zinc metalloprotease Light Chain (LC) and a C-terminal Heavy Chain (HC) which includes the translocation and receptor binding domains. The two chains are held together by a disulfide bond. The LC cleaves Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs). The cleavage of SNAREs inhibits the fusion of synaptic vesicles to the cell membrane and the subsequent release of acetylcholine, which results in flaccid paralysis. The LC controls the catalytic properties and the duration of BoNT action. This review discusses the mechanism for LC catalysis, LC translocation, and the basis for the duration of LC action. Understanding these properties of the LC may expand the applications of BoNT as human therapies.
Collapse
|
6
|
Weber J, Peng H, Rader C. From rabbit antibody repertoires to rabbit monoclonal antibodies. Exp Mol Med 2017; 49:e305. [PMID: 28336958 PMCID: PMC5382564 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2017.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we explain why and how rabbit monoclonal antibodies have become outstanding reagents for laboratory research and increasingly for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Starting with the unique ontogeny of rabbit B cells that affords highly distinctive antibody repertoires rich in in vivo pruned binders of high diversity, affinity and specificity, we describe the generation of rabbit monoclonal antibodies by hybridoma technology, phage display and alternative methods, along with an account of successful humanization strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justus Weber
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Haiyong Peng
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Christoph Rader
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lutz S, Williams E, Muthu P. Engineering Therapeutic Enzymes. DIRECTED ENZYME EVOLUTION: ADVANCES AND APPLICATIONS 2017:17-67. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-50413-1_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
|
8
|
Leon-Sarmiento FE, Leon-Ariza JS, Prada D, Leon-Ariza DS, Rizzo-Sierra CV. Sensory aspects in myasthenia gravis: A translational approach. J Neurol Sci 2016; 368:379-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
9
|
Safdari Y, Ahmadzadeh V, Khalili M, Jaliani HZ, Zarei V, Erfani-Moghadam V. Use of single chain antibody derivatives for targeted drug delivery. Mol Med 2016; 22:258-270. [PMID: 27249008 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2016.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Single chain antibodies (scFvs), which contain only the variable domains of full-length antibodies, are relatively small molecules that can be used for selective drug delivery. In this review, we display how scFv antibodies help improve the specificity and efficiency of drugs. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery using scFv-drug fusion peptides, siRNA delivery using scFv-conjugated nanoparticles, targeted delivery using scFv-viral peptide- fusion proteins, use of scFv in fusion with cell penetrating peptides for effective targeted drug delivery, scFv-mediated targeted delivery of inorganic nanoparticles, scFv-mediated increase of tumor killing activity of granulocytes, use of scFv for tumor imaging, site-directed conjugation of scFv molecules to drug carrier systems, use of scFv to relieve pain, use of scFv for increasing drug loading efficiency are among the topics that are discussed here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaghoub Safdari
- Medical Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Vahideh Ahmadzadeh
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Khalili
- Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (GRCGH), Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Hossein Zarei Jaliani
- Department of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, School of Paramedicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Vahid Zarei
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Vahid Erfani-Moghadam
- Medical Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kim DW, Lee SK, Ahnn J. Botulinum Toxin as a Pain Killer: Players and Actions in Antinociception. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:2435-53. [PMID: 26134255 PMCID: PMC4516922 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7072435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) have been widely used to treat a variety of clinical ailments associated with pain. The inhibitory action of BoNTs on synaptic vesicle fusion blocks the releases of various pain-modulating neurotransmitters, including glutamate, substance P (SP), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), as well as the addition of pain-sensing transmembrane receptors such as transient receptor potential (TRP) to neuronal plasma membrane. In addition, growing evidence suggests that the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of BoNTs are mediated through various molecular pathways. Recent studies have revealed that the detailed structural bases of BoNTs interact with their cellular receptors and SNAREs. In this review, we discuss the molecular and cellular mechanisms related to the efficacy of BoNTs in alleviating human pain and insights on engineering the toxins to extend therapeutic interventions related to nociception.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Wan Kim
- Department of Life Science, School of Natural Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea.
- BK21 PLUS Life Science for BioDefense Research (BDR) Team, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea.
| | - Sun-Kyung Lee
- Department of Life Science, School of Natural Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea.
- BK21 PLUS Life Science for BioDefense Research (BDR) Team, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea.
- The Research Institute for Natural Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea.
| | - Joohong Ahnn
- Department of Life Science, School of Natural Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea.
- BK21 PLUS Life Science for BioDefense Research (BDR) Team, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea.
- The Research Institute for Natural Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Meng J, Wang J. Role of SNARE proteins in tumourigenesis and their potential as targets for novel anti-cancer therapeutics. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2015; 1856:1-12. [PMID: 25956199 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2015] [Revised: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The function of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) in cellular trafficking, membrane fusion and vesicle release in synaptic nerve terminals is well characterised. Recent studies suggest that SNAREs are also important in the control of tumourigenesis through the regulation of multiple signalling and transportation pathways. The majority of published studies investigated the effects of knockdown/knockout or overexpression of particular SNAREs on the normal function of cells as well as their dysfunction in tumourigenesis promotion. SNAREs are involved in the regulation of cancer cell invasion, chemo-resistance, the transportation of autocrine and paracrine factors, autophagy, apoptosis and the phosphorylation of kinases essential for cancer cell biogenesis. This evidence highlights SNAREs as potential targets for novel cancer therapy. This is the first review to summarise the expression and role of SNAREs in cancer biology at the cellular level, their interaction with non-SNARE proteins and modulation of cellular signalling cascades. Finally, a strategy is proposed for developing novel anti-cancer therapeutics using targeted delivery of a SNARE-inactivating protease into malignant cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianghui Meng
- Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Jiafu Wang
- International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
The Purification of Natural and Recombinant Peptide Antibodies by Affinity Chromatographic Strategies. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1348:153-65. [PMID: 26424271 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2999-3_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The purification of peptide antibodies (e.g., IgG, IgY, scFv, and Fab) are described in this chapter. Affinity chromatographic purification, a very convenient and effective antibody purification strategy, is used to isolate peptide antibodies based on specific binding, i.e., binding of the antibody to a column on which its specific ligand is immobilized with subsequent elution of the purified antibody. In addition, the application of purification methods based on the use of proteins A, G, and L, each of which bind to specific domains on an antibody/fragment, or the use of specific tags (e.g., histidine and biotin) attached to antibodies or antigens are also described.
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Antibody drugs have become an increasingly significant component of the therapeutic landscape. Their success has been driven by some of their unique properties, in particular their very high specificity and selectivity, in contrast to the off-target liabilities of small molecules (SMs). Antibodies can bring additional functionality to the table with their ability to interact with the immune system, and this can be further manipulated with advances in antibody engineering. This review summarizes what antibody therapeutics have achieved to date and what opportunities and challenges lie ahead. The target landscape for large molecules (LMs) versus SMs and some of the challenges for antibody drug development are discussed. Effective penetration of membrane barriers and intracellular targeting is one challenge, particularly across the highly resistant blood-brain barrier. The expanding pipeline of antibody-drug conjugates offers the potential to combine SM and LM modalities in a variety of creative ways, and antibodies also offer exciting potential to build bi- and multispecific molecules. The ability to pursue more challenging targets can also be further exploited but highlights the need for earlier screening in functional cell-based assays. I discuss how this might be addressed given the practical constraints imposed by high-throughput screening sample type and process differences in antibody primary screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alison J. Smith
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune Ltd, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|