Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT-R) have developed a groundbreaking, high-diversity antibody discovery platform. This platform specifically uses shark-derived antibodies, a novel approach set to transform diagnostics and therapeutics for infectious diseases, cancer, and various other conditions. The collaborative research involved a 20-member team from IIT Roorkee, Ashoka University, AIIMS Delhi, and the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). Their innovative findings were subsequently published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Understanding Variable New Antigen Receptors (vNARs)
Sharks naturally produce a unique class of antibodies called Variable New Antigen Receptors, or vNARs. These receptors are significantly smaller than conventional human antibodies. Therefore, they maintain exceptional stability, making them highly attractive for numerous biomedical applications.
The compact size of vNARs allows them to effectively bind to molecular targets that are often inaccessible to larger antibodies. Furthermore, this small size (approximately 12 to 15 kDa) enables better tissue penetration. This deep penetration facilitates access to inaccessible protein clefts and functional sites within a tumor, a significant advantage over conventional antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that are often hindered by poor tumor penetration. In addition, vNARs remain functional under extreme conditions such as high temperatures and low pH, giving them clear advantages over many standard human antibodies. Scientists also note this new class of drug is cheaper and easier to manufacture.
IIT-R’s Universal Platform Using Shark-derived Antibodies
For this project, the scientists derived their vNAR variants from the white-spotted bamboo shark. They successfully constructed an ultra-large library containing nearly 300 billion distinct single-domain vNAR antibody variants. Because the source shark was immunologically naïve (not exposed to specific pathogens), the resultant library can be universally screened against a wide spectrum of disease-related targets. To prove the platform’s utility, the team successfully screened the library against nine different targets, including viral proteins, snake venom toxins, and cancer-associated molecules. Consequently, the researchers isolated antibodies demonstrating strong binding properties in every single case. For those interested in advancing knowledge in cancer therapies, learning more about Clinical Oncology can provide valuable context.
Commercialization and India’s Health Innovation Ecosystem
IIT Roorkee has successfully filed a patent application for this innovative technology. Furthermore, they initiated a collaboration with IMGENEX India Pvt Ltd to accelerate its diagnostic and therapeutic development. The platform specifically aims to strengthen India’s indigenous capacity for a faster disease response and accelerate the development of affordable diagnostics and therapeutics. Professor K. K. Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, emphasizes that developing this universal system supports national efforts like Atmanirbhar Bharat by generating intellectual property and reducing reliance on imported biologics. This work aligns strongly with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focusing on good health, well-being, and indigenous innovation. Developing robust healthcare solutions is crucial, especially in areas like Family Medicine for broad community impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What makes shark-derived vNAR antibodies superior to human antibodies?
Shark vNARs are significantly smaller (12-15 kDa) and more stable than conventional human antibodies. Their compact size allows for better tissue penetration, which helps them bind to targets on tumor cells and other protein clefts that are inaccessible to larger, high molecular weight human antibodies.
Q2: What diseases can this new platform target?
Because the library of vNARs was developed from a pathogen-naïve shark, the universal platform can be screened against a wide range of targets. Initial successful targets include viral proteins, cancer-associated molecules (e.g., TROP-2), snake venom toxins, and other infectious diseases. Understanding and managing infectious diseases is a cornerstone of modern practice, relevant to courses like the Postgraduate Diploma In Infectious Disease.
References
- IIT-R develops shark-based antibody discovery platform for cancer, otherdiseases – ETHealthworld
- IIT Roorkee develops next-generation antibody discovery platform, DrugsControl Media Services
- A novel shark VNAR antibody-based immunotoxin targeting TROP-2 for cancer therapy – nih.gov
- Shark IgNAR: The Next Broad Application Antibody in Clinical Diagnoses and Tumor Therapies? – MDPI
- Antibody-like proteins derived from sharks may be used to combat future SARS outbreaks – news-medical.net
- IIT Roorkee develops next-generation antibody discovery platform to strengthen India’s health innovation ecosystem – Prashant News
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