Open AccessEngineered therapeutic antibodies with improved effector functions
Author(s) -
Kubota Tsuguo,
Niwa Rinpei,
Satoh Mitsuo,
Akinaga Shiro,
Shitara Kenya,
Hanai Nobuo
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
cancer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.035
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1349-7006
pISSN - 1347-9032
DOI - 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2009.01222.x
Subject(s) - antibody dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity , antibody , effector , medicine , fragment crystallizable region , immunology , cytotoxicity , cancer research , monoclonal antibody , biology , in vitro , biochemistry
In the past decade, more than 20 therapeutic antibodies have been approved for clinical use and many others are now at the clinical and preclinical stage of development. Fragment crystallizable (Fc)‐dependent antibody functions, such as antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement‐dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), and a long half‐life, have been suggested as important clinical mechanisms of therapeutic antibodies. These functions are primarily triggered through direct interaction of the Fc domain with its corresponding receptors: FcγRIIIa for ADCC, C1q for CDC, and neonatal Fc receptor for prolongation of the clearance rate. However, current antibody therapy still faces the critical issues of insufficient efficacy and the high cost of the therapeutic agents. A possible solution to these issues could be to engineer antibody molecules to enhance their antitumor activity, leading to improved therapeutic outcomes and reduced doses. Here, we review advanced Fc engineering approaches for the enhancement of effector functions, some of which are now ready for evaluation of their effectiveness in clinical trials. ( Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1566–1572)