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Updated: Oct 14, 2025

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
Diazaborines Are a Versatile Platform to Develop ROS-Responsive Antibody Drug Conjugates*
João P M António1, Joana Inês Carvalho1, Ana S André2
1Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal.
Researchers developed a novel reactive-oxygen-species (ROS)-responsive antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) for targeted cancer therapy. This new ADC demonstrates high selectivity and cytotoxicity against B-cell lymphoma cells.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Biology
- Drug Discovery
- Oncology
Background:
- Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are an emerging therapeutic class.
- ADCs leverage antibody targeting for selective drug delivery to cancer cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize a novel reactive-oxygen-species (ROS)-responsive ADC.
- To evaluate the selectivity and cytotoxicity of the developed ADC against B-cell lymphoma.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a ROS-responsive ADC (VL-DAB31-SN-38) utilizing diazaborines (DABs).
- Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to analyze the ROS-responsive mechanism.
- Site-selective functionalization of a VL antibody domain.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of a homogeneous ADC with high ROS responsiveness.
- Demonstrated high selectivity and cytotoxicity against B-cell lymphoma (CLBL-1 cell line, IC50 = 54.1 nM).
- Diazaborines identified as stable, effective ROS-responsive units with fast formation rates.
Conclusions:
- Diazaborines are effective and stable ROS-responsive units for ADC development.
- The novel ROS-responsive ADC shows significant potential for targeted B-cell lymphoma therapy.
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