Trastuzumab emtansine

A drug used in cancer treatment

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

Trastuzumab emtansine, also known as ado-trastuzumab emtansine, is a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. It is a conjugate of the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab and the cytotoxic agent DM1, a derivative of maytansine.

Mechanism of action

Trastuzumab emtansine works by targeting the HER2 receptor, which is overexpressed in some breast cancer cells. The trastuzumab component binds to the HER2 receptor, inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells. Once bound, the conjugate is internalized by the cancer cell, where the emtansine component is released, disrupting microtubule function and leading to cell death.

Clinical use

Trastuzumab emtansine is primarily used for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer who have previously received trastuzumab and a taxane. It is administered intravenously and has been shown to improve progression-free survival and overall survival in clinical trials.

Side effects

Common side effects of trastuzumab emtansine include fatigue, nausea, muscle pain, and thrombocytopenia. Serious side effects can include liver toxicity, heart problems, and lung disease. Patients are monitored for these adverse effects during treatment.

Approval and regulation

Trastuzumab emtansine was approved by the FDA in 2013 for the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. It is marketed under the brand name Kadcyla.

Research and development

Ongoing research is exploring the use of trastuzumab emtansine in other types of HER2-positive cancers and in combination with other therapies. Clinical trials are investigating its efficacy in earlier stages of breast cancer and in combination with other targeted therapies.

Related pages

• Trastuzumab
• HER2/neu
• Monoclonal antibody therapy

Trastuzumab emtansine

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  Trastuzumab emtansine

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  Emtansine mab structure