CD Laboratory for Antibody Engineering

The aim of the research is to modify specific proteins of the immune system (antibodies) for new Medicine applications. To this end, molecular biological methods (antibody engineering) are used to make changes to specific structures of an antibody - the so-called structural loops.

Antibodies are used to bind and label disease-relevant molecular structures in the blood. Their complex structure enables them to fulfil different positions efficiently. Through targeted engineering, this structure and the positions can be further adapted to special requirements. The Modular Antibody Technology used here allows new protein structures (binding sites) to be incorporated into the antibody. In particular, the structural loops of the antibodies are used for this purpose, which have no binding sites in naturally occurring antibodies. Such a modification provides the antibodies with additional and new properties that open up attractive application possibilities for Medicine.

In particular, research is being conducted into how the stability of the antibody structure can be increased using modular antibody technology. At the same time, protein structures are to be used which, on the one hand, are well compatible with the entire antibody and, on the other hand, can be easily modified in the future. The latter will allow the binding properties of the antibodies to be further modified at a later stage and adapted to Medicine's requirements. At the same time, new methods are being developed that allow the desired improved antibodies to be identified with greater sensitivity than before.

Another aim of Modular Antibody Technology is to increase the biological half-life of antibodies. This is intended to extend the period during which the antibody can carry out its activity in the body. Antibodies - or fragments thereof - are also created which, unlike natural antibodies, specifically bind more than just one molecular structure.

All changes to the antibodies are aimed specifically at eliminating those molecules in the body that play an important role in the development of cancer.