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The Latest Development of Biologic Drugs Based on Antiviral Antibodies

Possible Improvements of Antiviral Antibodies

Viral infections are causing serious problems in human population worldwide. The recent outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by SARS-CoV-2 is a perfect example of how viral infection could pose a great threat to global public health and economic sectors. Antibodies are powerful tools for the prophylaxis and treatment of viral infections. Particularly the monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and multi-specific antibodies bind directly to the viral antigen and bring about activation of the immune system. With current advancements in science and technology, several such antibodies are being tested, and some are already approved and are undergoing clinical trials. However, there are still significant unmet needs that require vast improvements in antibody-based therapeutics.

There are several strategies to improve antiviral passive immunotherapies in the future. These include combined therapies affecting viral propagation and/or enhancing immune responses; engineering mAbs to improve their effector functions, i.e., increasing their binding to Fcγ receptors (FcγRs) by affecting their glycosylation or their amino acid sequence; pertinent selection of their isotype; taking into account FcγR polymorphisms in patients to be treated; and selecting the most appropriate viral antigens.

Possible Improvements in Monoclonal Antibody (mAb)-based Antiviral Immunotherapies. Fig.1 Possible Improvements in Monoclonal Antibody (mAb)-based Antiviral Immunotherapies. (Pelegrin, 2015)

Antibody Engineering

The structure of antibodies can be engineered to produce antibodies with tailored and potent responses that will meet clinical demands. There are several strategies of antibody engineering in antiviral antibodies:

  • Fc Engineering

    • Antibody engineering has sought to improve the effector function of antibodies via the Fc region; namely neutralization, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and antibody-dependent cell phagocytosis (ADCP). Fc-domain engineering for antiviral therapy is a promising avenue to pursue. It was demonstrated that Fc engineering of anti-influenza IgG monoclonal antibodies improved antiviral efficacy against viral respiratory pathogens.

  • Recombinant Antibody Fragments

    • The structure of antibodies can be engineered to produce antibodies with tailored and potent responses that will meet these clinical demands. Single-chain variable fragment (scFv), Fab, single-domain antibody (sdAb) such as camelid VHH are more interesting in antibody engineering for the treatment of viral infections.

  • Bispecific Antibodies

    • Bispecific antibodies are involved in two targets in a therapeutic strategy for specific viral infections. From two categories of bispecific antibodies, the one that can connect two target cells is considered for treating the viral diseases much more than the others.

Formats of bispecific antibodies. Fig.2 Formats of bispecific antibodies. (Fan, 2017)

Because of long development timeframes, antiviral antibodies are limited in rapid deployment and use. With years of research experience in the field of recombinant antibody construction and expression, Creative Biolabs has the ability to provide ViroAntibody discovery, engineering, customized services. Please feel free to contact us for further information.

References

  1. Pelegrin, M.; et al. Antiviral monoclonal antibodies: can they be more than simple neutralizing agents? Trends in microbiology. 2015, 23(10): 653-665.
  2. Fan, G.; Li, J. Engineering antibodies for the treatment of infectious diseases. Recombinant Antibodies for Infectious Diseases. 2017: 207-220.

All products and services are intended for Research Use Only, and NOT to be used in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

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