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Updated: Jan 8, 2026

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
Synthesis of Bispecific Conjugates by ADP-Ribosyl Cyclases
Sunny H Kim1, Arshad J Ansari1, Lei Zhang1
1Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Scientists developed a novel bispecific agent using CD38 to target cancer cells. This approach enables potent T-cell-mediated anti-cancer immunity by linking T-cell activation with tumor targeting.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Bispecific agents offer unique therapeutic potential by engaging two distinct targets.
- Challenges persist in generating homogeneous bispecific constructs with optimal pharmacological profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel strategy for synthesizing bispecific agents using CD38 and its covalent inhibitor.
- To demonstrate a proof-of-concept for an ADP-ribosyl cyclase-enabled bispecific conjugate (ARC-BsC) targeting CD3 and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA).
Main Methods:
- Engineered an anti-CD3 antibody-CD38 fusion protein.
- Conjugated the fusion protein with a PSMA-targeting small molecule via a CD38 covalent inhibitor.
- Generated an ADP-ribosyl cyclase-enabled bispecific conjugate (ARC-BsC).
Main Results:
- The ARC-BsC successfully redirected and activated cytotoxic T cells.
- Demonstrated potent and selective anti-cancer immunity against PSMA-expressing tumor cells in vitro and in vivo.
- Validated the efficacy of the CD38-based conjugation strategy.
Conclusions:
- The developed ARC-BsC represents a versatile platform for creating bispecific therapeutics.
- This approach holds promise for diverse therapeutic applications in oncology and beyond.
- Highlights the potential of leveraging enzyme-inhibitor interactions for bispecific agent design.
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