Antibody functionality conjugates (AFCs) are a class of hybrid molecules that combine the targeting capabilities of monoclonal antibodies with the biological activity of other proteins or molecules. These molecules have shown great promise in the development of targeted therapeutics for a wide range of diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases.
The generation of AFCs involves the conjugation of two or more molecules, typically an antibody and a functional protein or molecule. This can be accomplished through a variety of techniques, including chemical conjugation, genetic engineering, and bioconjugation.
One of the key advantages of AFCs is their ability to target specific cells or tissues with high specificity and affinity. This allows for the delivery of therapeutic agents directly to the site of disease, reducing off-target effects and improving efficacy. In addition, AFCs can be designed to have multiple functions, such as blocking the activity of a disease-causing molecule while simultaneously delivering a therapeutic payload.
Bispecific antibodies are a particularly promising class of AFCs, as they can simultaneously bind to two different targets, enabling a range of therapeutic strategies. For example, bispecific antibodies can be used to redirect immune cells to attack cancer cells or to simultaneously target multiple disease-causing molecules.
Bispecific antibody-drug conjugates are another important class of AFCs, in which a cytotoxic drug is conjugated to an antibody to enable targeted delivery. ADCs have shown great promise in the treatment of cancer, as they allow for the selective killing of cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
Moreover, there is a kind of conjugate called antibody peptide conjugate.