Phage display generation of a novel humanized single-chain antibody against brain natriuretic peptide with potent neutralizing activity

Interventions in the B-type natriuretic peptide signalling pathway as a means of controlling chronic itch

Chronic itch poses major health care and economic burdens worldwide. In 2013, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) was identified as an itch-selective neuropeptide and shown to be both necessary and sufficient to produce itch behaviour in mice. Since then, mechanistic studies of itch have increased, not only at central levels of the spinal relay of itch signalling but also in the periphery and skin. In this review, we have critically analysed recent findings from complementary pharmacological and physiological approaches, combined with genetic strategies to examine the role of BNP in itch transduction and modulation of other pruritic proteins. Additionally, potential targets and possible strategies against BNP signalling are discussed for developing novel therapeutics in itch. Overall, we aim to provide insights into drug development by altering BNP signalling to modulate disease symptoms in chronic itch, including conditions for which no approved treatment exists.

Antibody humanization methods for development of therapeutic applications

Recombinant antibody technologies are rapidly becoming available and showing considerable clinical success. However, the immunogenicity of murine-derived monoclonal antibodies is restrictive in cancer immunotherapy. Humanized antibodies can overcome these problems and are considered to be a promising alternative therapeutic agent. There are several approaches for antibody humanization. In this article we review various methods used in the antibody humanization process.