Pronethalol

A non-selective beta blocker

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

Pronethalol is a non-selective beta blocker that was developed in the early 1960s. It was one of the first beta blockers to be synthesized and was used in the treatment of angina pectoris and hypertension. However, it was later withdrawn from the market due to concerns about its safety profile.

History

Pronethalol was developed by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) in the early 1960s. It was part of the pioneering work on beta blockers by Sir James Black, who later received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his contributions to the development of beta blockers and H2 receptor antagonists.

Mechanism of Action

Pronethalol works by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, which are part of the sympathetic nervous system. By inhibiting these receptors, pronethalol reduces the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline, leading to a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. This makes it useful in the management of conditions like angina and hypertension.

Clinical Use

Initially, pronethalol was used to treat angina pectoris, a condition characterized by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart. It was also used to manage hypertension, or high blood pressure. However, its use was limited due to the discovery of more effective and safer beta blockers.

Safety Concerns

Pronethalol was withdrawn from the market after studies indicated that it could cause carcinogenic effects in laboratory animals. This led to the development and use of other beta blockers, such as propranolol, which had a better safety profile.

Legacy

Despite its withdrawal, pronethalol played a crucial role in the development of beta blockers. It paved the way for the synthesis of safer and more effective beta blockers that are widely used today in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Related pages

• Beta blocker
• Propranolol
• James Black (pharmacologist)
• Hypertension
• Angina pectoris

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  Pronethalol