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Updated: Aug 30, 2025
A Flow Cytometry-Based Cell Surface Protein Binding Assay for Assessing Selectivity and Specificity of an Anticancer Aptamer
Published on: September 13, 2022
Aptamers and antibodies: rivals or allies in cancer targeted therapy?
Lisa Agnello1, Simona Camorani1, Monica Fedele1
1Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore", National Research Council (CNR), Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
Abstract:
The goal of an efficacious cancer therapy is to specifically target diseased cells at high accuracy while sparing normal, healthy cells. Over the past three decades, immunotherapy, based on the use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against tumor-associated antigens, to inhibit their oncogenic function, or against immune checkpoints, to modulate specific T cell responses against cancer, has proven to be an important strategy for cancer therapy. Nevertheless, the number of mAbs approved for clinical use is still limited because of significant drawbacks to their applicability. Oligonucleotide aptamers, similarly to antibodies, form high-affinity bonds with their specific protein targets, thus representing an effective tool for active cancer targeting. Compared to antibodies, aptamers' use as therapeutic agents benefits from their low size, low/no immunogenicity, simple synthesis and design flexibility for improving efficacy and stability. This review intends to highlight recently emerged applications of aptamers as recognition elements, from biomarker discovery to targeted drug delivery and targeted treatment, showing aptamers' potential to work in conjunction with antibodies for attacking cancer from multiple flanks.
Insights
Oligonucleotide aptamers offer a promising alternative to monoclonal antibodies for cancer therapy due to their targeted accuracy, low immunogenicity, and design flexibility. These aptamers show potential in biomarker discovery, drug delivery, and treatment, complementing antibody therapies for enhanced cancer attacks.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- Cancer therapy aims for precise targeting of diseased cells while sparing healthy ones.
- Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are a key immunotherapy strategy but have limitations.
- Oligonucleotide aptamers offer similar target binding to mAbs with added advantages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent applications of aptamers in cancer research and therapy.
- To highlight aptamers' potential as therapeutic agents and diagnostic tools.
- To explore the synergistic use of aptamers and antibodies in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on aptamer applications in oncology.
- Analysis of aptamer characteristics compared to monoclonal antibodies.
- Exploration of aptamer roles in biomarker discovery, drug delivery, and treatment.
Main Results:
- Aptamers demonstrate high-affinity binding to specific protein targets.
- Compared to mAbs, aptamers offer advantages in size, immunogenicity, synthesis, and stability.
- Emerging aptamer applications span biomarker discovery, targeted drug delivery, and direct cancer treatment.
Conclusions:
- Aptamers represent a versatile and effective tool for cancer targeting.
- Their unique properties make them advantageous over traditional antibody therapies.
- Aptamers hold significant potential for combination therapies with antibodies to attack cancer from multiple angles.
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