First Non-Mammalian Antibody-Antigen Complex Structure Determined
Shark Protein Structure Solved by Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute and the University of Maryland
"This represents the first structure to be determined of an antibody from a non-mammalian species in complex with its antigen," says Professor Ian Wilson, D.Phil., who is an investigator in the Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology at Scripps Research.
Sharks are the most primitive animals known to have antibodies, and the antibody structure provides insight into how their immune system works. The shark antibody binding region is smaller than human antibody binding regions, and its structure suggests that the adaptive immune system of sharks operates slightly differently than those of humans and other mammals.
Furthermore, the shark antibody may provide a useful template for antibodies engineered for human therapeutic uses.
The structure, which is being published in the journal Science, was determined by Assistant Professor Robyn Stanfield, Ph.D. and Wilson, at Scripps Research Institute, in collaboration with Research Fellow Helen Dooley and Professor Martin F. Flajnik at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
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Topic world Antibodies
Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous
Topic world Antibodies
Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous