Researchers analyzed the structure of antibodies that could be key to more effective cancer treatments
Researchers at the University of Southampton have gained unprecedented new insights into the key properties of antibodies needed to fight cancer. The interdisciplinary study, published in Science Immunology, reveals how changing the flexibility of antibodies can stimulate a stronger immune response. These findings enabled the Southampton team to design antibodies to activate important receptors on immune cells to “turn them on” and provide a more potent anti-cancer effect. The scientists believe their findings could pave the way for improving antibody drugs that target cancer as well as other autoimmune diseases. In the study, the team investigated antibody drugs that target the CD40 receptor for cancer treatment. Clinical development is hampered by a lack of understanding of how to stimulate receptors to appropriate levels. The problem is that if the antibodies are overactive, they can become toxic. Previous Southampton studies have shown that a specific type of antibody called IgG2