ADCs consist of three main components: a monoclonal antibody, a cytotoxic drug, and a linker that connects the drug to the antibody. The antibody binds specifically to a target antigen expressed on the surface of cancer cells. Once bound, the ADC is internalized into the cell, where the linker is cleaved, releasing the cytotoxic drug to exert its effect, typically by disrupting vital cellular processes such as DNA replication or protein synthesis.
