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Genetic Encoding of a Non-Canonical Amino Acid for the Generation of Antibody-Drug Conjugates Through a Fast Bioorthogonal Reaction
Published on: September 14, 2018
Fc engineering: design, expression, and functional characterization of antibody variants with improved effector
Stefanie Derer1, Christian Kellner, Sven Berger
1Division for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany.
Abstract:
Today monoclonal antibodies are widely used in cancer therapy. However, clinical experience as well as translational research into antibodies' pharmacology and effector mechanisms has identified limitations of antibody therapy, including inefficient effector cell recruitment or initiation of complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). These insights opened alleys for further improvement of antibodies' immunomodulatory functions. While second generation antibodies were predominantly engineered to reduce immunogenicity, progress in antibody engineering now enables the generation of antibodies with novel interesting features. The introduction of Fc engineering technologies offers the potential to tailor Fc-mediated effector functions such as antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), CDC or phagocytosis. Approaches to improve Fc-mediated effector mechanisms by Fc-engineering allow for the design of so-called "fit-for-purpose" antibodies or antibody-derivatives, hopefully overcoming some limitations of current forms of antibody therapy.
Insights
Monoclonal antibody therapy for cancer shows promise but has limitations. Fc engineering offers a way to improve antibody effector functions, creating "fit-for-purpose" antibodies to overcome these challenges.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Monoclonal antibodies are a cornerstone of modern cancer therapy.
- Limitations exist, including inefficient effector cell recruitment and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore advancements in antibody engineering for improved cancer immunotherapy.
- To discuss how Fc engineering can enhance antibody effector functions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current antibody engineering technologies.
- Analysis of Fc engineering approaches to modulate effector functions like antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and CDC.
Main Results:
- Fc engineering allows tailoring of antibody effector functions.
- Development of "fit-for-purpose" antibodies and antibody derivatives is possible.
Conclusions:
- Fc engineering holds significant potential to enhance monoclonal antibody therapy for cancer.
- Novel antibody designs may overcome existing limitations in cancer treatment.
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