Avlosulfon

Engineered Monoclonal Antibodies

Diagram of engineered monoclonal antibodies

Engineered monoclonal antibodies are a class of biological therapies that are designed to target specific antigens on the surface of cells. These antibodies are produced using recombinant DNA technologies and are used in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases.

Structure and Function

Monoclonal antibodies are composed of two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains, forming a Y-shaped molecule. The tips of the "Y" contain the antigen-binding sites, which are highly specific to the target antigen. This specificity allows monoclonal antibodies to bind to their target with high affinity, blocking or modulating the function of the antigen.

Types of Engineered Monoclonal Antibodies

There are several types of engineered monoclonal antibodies, each designed for specific therapeutic purposes:

• Chimeric antibodies: These antibodies are composed of murine (mouse) variable regions and human constant regions. They are less immunogenic than fully murine antibodies.

• Humanized antibodies: These antibodies are mostly human, with only the antigen-binding sites derived from murine sources. This reduces the risk of immune reactions.

• Fully human antibodies: These are entirely human in origin, produced using transgenic mice or phage display technologies.

• Bispecific antibodies: These antibodies are engineered to bind two different antigens simultaneously, offering unique therapeutic mechanisms.

Applications in Medicine

Engineered monoclonal antibodies have revolutionized the treatment of many diseases:

• Cancer therapy: Monoclonal antibodies can target specific tumor antigens, leading to direct tumor cell killing or recruitment of immune cells to attack the tumor.

• Autoimmune diseases: By targeting specific components of the immune system, monoclonal antibodies can reduce inflammation and tissue damage in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

• Infectious diseases: Monoclonal antibodies can neutralize pathogens or their toxins, providing passive immunity or enhancing the host's immune response.

Production

The production of engineered monoclonal antibodies involves several steps:

1. Antigen identification: The target antigen is identified and characterized. 2. Hybridoma technology: B cells from immunized animals are fused with myeloma cells to create hybridomas that produce the desired antibody. 3. Recombinant DNA technology: Genes encoding the antibody are cloned and expressed in suitable host cells, such as Chinese hamster ovary cells. 4. Purification and formulation: The antibodies are purified and formulated for clinical use.

Challenges and Future Directions

While engineered monoclonal antibodies have shown great promise, there are challenges such as high production costs, potential for immune reactions, and the development of resistance. Ongoing research aims to improve antibody design, reduce immunogenicity, and enhance therapeutic efficacy.

Related Pages

• Monoclonal antibody therapy
• Biopharmaceutical
• Immunotherapy
• Hybridoma technology

Avlosulfon, also known by its generic name dapsone, is a medication primarily used to treat leprosy and dermatitis herpetiformis. It is also used for other skin conditions and to prevent Pneumocystis pneumonia in people with HIV/AIDS. Avlosulfon belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfones.

Medical uses

Avlosulfon is effective in the treatment of several inflammatory and dermatological conditions. Its primary use is in the treatment of leprosy, where it is used as part of a multi-drug therapy, often including rifampicin and clofazimine. It is also used in the treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis, a skin condition associated with celiac disease, providing relief from the intense itching and rash.

Mechanism of action

The mechanism by which Avlosulfon works is not fully understood, but it is known to have both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is thought to inhibit the synthesis of dihydrofolic acid by competing with para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) for the active site of dihydropteroate synthase, an enzyme involved in bacterial folic acid synthesis.

Side effects

Common side effects of Avlosulfon include hemolysis (especially in individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency), methemoglobinemia, and gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and vomiting. Long-term use can lead to more serious conditions such as neuropathy and hemolytic anemia.

Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration, Avlosulfon is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with a bioavailability of 70–80%. It is extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily by cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), and has a half-life of 20 to 30 hours. The drug is excreted mainly through urine and feces.

History

Avlosulfon was first synthesized in the 1940s and has been used in medical practice for over 70 years. It was initially developed as an antileprosy agent but was later found to be effective in treating other dermatological and autoimmune conditions.

Society and culture

Legal status of Avlosulfon varies by country, but it is generally available by prescription only. It is listed on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, indicating its importance in a basic health system.

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