Function-first antibody discovery

Abstract

Therapeutic antibodies may mediate antineoplastic effects by altering the biological functions of their target, by directly stimulating the demise of cancer cells or by activating antibody-dependent immune effector mechanisms. We have recently provided in vivo proof-of-concept for a “function-first” target and drug discovery platform in which antibodies against a multitude of tumor-associated antigens are screened for biological effects in a target-unbiased manner.

A platform for phenotypic discovery of therapeutic antibodies and targets applied on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

“…4 It enables, depending on the selected phenotypic assay, both identification of antibodies that mediate their mechanism of action through the biology of the target receptor and through effector mechanisms such as Fc-receptor binding and engagement of immune effector cells. Furthermore, by the use of primary patient cells, phenotypic discovery enables development of personalized drugs.…”