What are Bispecific Antibodies?
Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are an advanced class of engineered
antibodies designed to bind two different antigens or epitopes simultaneously. Unlike traditional monoclonal antibodies, which target a single antigen, BsAbs can engage two distinct targets, offering unique therapeutic opportunities in
cancer treatment.
How do Bispecific Antibodies Work in Cancer Therapy?
BsAbs function by bringing together two different types of cells or molecules. For instance, one arm of the BsAb can bind to a
tumor antigen on cancer cells, while the other arm can bind to a
T-cell antigen such as CD3. This dual binding helps redirect immune cells to the tumor site, facilitating a more effective immune response against cancer cells.
Target specificity: They can precisely target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues.
Enhanced efficacy: By engaging multiple pathways or cell types, BsAbs can overcome resistance mechanisms that limit the effectiveness of
monotherapies.
Versatility: BsAbs can be tailored to target various combinations of antigens, making them adaptable to different types of cancers.
Manufacturing complexity: Producing BsAbs is more complex and costly compared to standard monoclonal antibodies.
Potential toxicity: Dual targeting can sometimes lead to off-target effects and immune-related toxicities.
Stability and half-life: Ensuring the stability and sufficient half-life of BsAbs in the bloodstream can be challenging.
Blinatumomab: Approved for treating certain types of
acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), it targets CD19 on B cells and CD3 on T cells.
Amivantamab: Approved for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), it targets epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET).
Conclusion
Bispecific antibodies represent a significant advancement in cancer therapy by offering targeted, versatile, and potentially more effective treatment options. While challenges remain, continued research and innovation are likely to overcome these hurdles, providing new hope for cancer patients worldwide.
