Pipemidic acid

An article about the antibiotic pipemidic acid

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

Pipemidic acid is a quinolone antibiotic used primarily in the treatment of urinary tract infections. It belongs to the class of first-generation quinolones and is known for its activity against a range of Gram-negative bacteria.

Chemical structure and properties

Chemical structure of pipemidic acid

Pipemidic acid is a pyridopyrimidine derivative with a chemical structure that includes a piperazine ring. This structure is crucial for its antibacterial activity, allowing it to inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase, an enzyme essential for DNA replication in bacteria.

Mechanism of action

Pipemidic acid works by interfering with the DNA replication process of bacteria. It targets the DNA gyrase enzyme, which is responsible for supercoiling the DNA. By inhibiting this enzyme, pipemidic acid prevents the bacteria from replicating and repairing their DNA, leading to bacterial cell death.

Clinical uses

Pipemidic acid is primarily used to treat urinary tract infections caused by susceptible strains of bacteria. It is effective against a variety of Gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis. However, it is not effective against Gram-positive bacteria or anaerobic bacteria.

Side effects

Common side effects of pipemidic acid include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some patients may experience allergic reactions, including rash and pruritus. Rarely, it can cause central nervous system effects such as dizziness and headache.

Pharmacokinetics

Pipemidic acid is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and reaches peak plasma concentrations within 1 to 2 hours after oral administration. It is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine, which makes it particularly effective for treating urinary tract infections.

Resistance

Bacterial resistance to pipemidic acid can occur through mutations in the DNA gyrase gene or through the acquisition of plasmid-mediated resistance mechanisms. Resistance is more common in areas with high usage of quinolone antibiotics.

Related pages

• Quinolone
• Antibiotic
• Urinary tract infection