Siklós

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

Siklós is a brand name for the drug hydroxyurea, which is used primarily in the treatment of sickle cell disease. It is an antineoplastic agent that works by inhibiting the synthesis of DNA, thereby reducing the frequency of painful crises and the need for blood transfusions in patients with sickle cell disease.

Medical Uses

Siklós is indicated for the management of sickle cell anemia in adults, adolescents, and children over the age of two. It helps to increase fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels, which reduces the sickling of red blood cells and improves overall blood flow.

Mechanism of Action

Hydroxyurea, the active ingredient in Siklós, works by inhibiting the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase, which is crucial for DNA synthesis. This inhibition leads to an increase in fetal hemoglobin production, which in turn reduces the sickling of red blood cells and decreases the occurrence of vaso-occlusive events.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Siklós include bone marrow suppression, which can lead to neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. Other side effects may include gastrointestinal disturbances, skin reactions, and hair loss.

Dosage and Administration

Siklós is administered orally, and the dosage is typically based on the patient's weight and clinical response. Regular monitoring of blood counts is essential to adjust the dose and minimize the risk of adverse effects.

Contraindications

Siklós is contraindicated in patients with severe bone marrow depression, known hypersensitivity to hydroxyurea, and during pregnancy due to potential teratogenic effects.

Monitoring

Patients on Siklós require regular monitoring of blood counts, renal function, and liver function tests to detect any potential toxicities early.

See Also

• Sickle cell disease
• Hydroxyurea
• Antineoplastic agents

References

• Hydroxyurea Monograph
• Clinical Review of Hydroxyurea

External Links

• Sickle Cell Disease on WikiMD
• Hydroxyurea on WikiMD

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