Immunogenicity of xenopeptide hormone therapies

Peptides are a growing class of agents whose therapeutic use originated with non-human treatments such as animal insulins. Xenopeptides continue to be explored for biotherapeutic development using genetic engineering, and through the rich resource of animal and plant polypeptides. One of the major concerns of therapeutic administration of xenopeptides is the potential for untoward immune responses that may lead to loss of drug efficacy or adverse events in recipients. An increased risk of immunogenicity is perceived with xenopeptides, however, human-derived therapies also induce antibody formation that in some cases has been associated with severe clinical sequelae. In this review, antibody responses to xenopeptides are highlighted looking at current hormone therapies used to treat endocrine disorders. Similar to clinical experiences with peptide-based agents in general, antibody responses against xenopeptide hormone therapies in majority of cases have been benign in nature with minimal clinical impact.