Nomenclature of monoclonal antibodies

Nomenclature of monoclonal antibodies is a systematic method of naming monoclonal antibodies, a class of therapeutic antibodies that are designed to bind to specific proteins in the body with high specificity. This nomenclature is crucial for the classification, identification, and study of these biologic drugs. The naming of monoclonal antibodies is governed by guidelines established by the World Health Organization (WHO) through the International Nonproprietary Names (INN) system.

Overview

Monoclonal antibodies are produced by identical immune cells that are clones of a unique parent cell and are directed against a specific antigen. Given their specificity and the complexity of their design and function, a systematic nomenclature is essential for their identification and classification. The nomenclature system for monoclonal antibodies involves a series of suffixes and, in some cases, prefixes and infixes that denote the antibody's target, source, and type.

Structure of Names

The structure of monoclonal antibody names typically includes a prefix, a variable infix, and a suffix. The prefix is often unique to each antibody and does not carry specific meaning. The infix and suffix, however, are standardized and provide information about the antibody.

Prefix

The prefix is a unique sequence of letters with no specific meaning, intended to differentiate each monoclonal antibody.

Infix

The infix provides information about the type of target and the source of the antibody. It is composed of two parts:

• The first part indicates the type of target, such as -tu- for tumors, -ci- for the circulatory system, and -li- for the immune system.
• The second part indicates the source of the antibody, such as -o- for mouse, -xi- for chimeric, -zu- for humanized, and -u- for human.

Suffix

All monoclonal antibody names end with the suffix -mab to indicate that the substance is a monoclonal antibody.

Examples

• Omalizumab – A humanized monoclonal antibody (zu) used to treat asthma and targets the immune system (li).
• Infliximab – A chimeric monoclonal antibody (xi) used to treat autoimmune diseases and targets the tumor necrosis factor alpha (tu).

Naming Conventions Over Time

The nomenclature for monoclonal antibodies has evolved as new types of monoclonal antibodies have been developed. Initially, the system was designed for murine (mouse-derived) antibodies, but as technology advanced, chimeric, humanized, and fully human antibodies were introduced, necessitating additional infixes to denote these sources.

Challenges and Criticisms

While the nomenclature system provides a structured way to name and classify monoclonal antibodies, it has faced challenges and criticisms. As the number of monoclonal antibodies and their complexity increases, some argue that the system may become cumbersome or that certain names may not fully convey the characteristics or functions of the antibodies.

Conclusion

The nomenclature of monoclonal antibodies is a critical component in the classification and study of these important therapeutic agents. Despite its challenges, the system provides a framework for the identification and differentiation of monoclonal antibodies, facilitating communication and research within the scientific and medical communities.