In vivo antibodies on request
Antibodies are an integral part of the immune system. They protect against the invasion of viruses, bacteria or other agents into the body. In addition, researchers create antibodies in the laboratory for the treatment of infectious diseases or cancer immunotherapy
The production of antibodies requires industrial bioreactors capable of holding tens of thousands of liters of material. This is a complex and expensive process, and the resulting antibody-based medications can cost up to hundreds of thousands of euros for an annual course of treatment.
DNA Injection
Belgian researchers from the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Lueven), led by Professor Kevin Hollevut, have developed a method that allows the body to independently produce specific antibodies. This alternative to the existing manufacturing process can dramatically reduce the cost of antibody therapy.
Like any other protein, each antibody carries a unique DNA code with building blocks. To start the synthesis of the desired protein in the body, the researchers put its code into a specially designed plasmid, which is a circular DNA chain. The drug with plasmids is injected directly into the muscle, after which electroporation is performed for the introduction of DNA into muscle cells. Then the cells, using the instructions received from the code, begin to synthesize and release antibodies into the blood, which, in turn, can already carry out a therapeutic effect.
From sheep to people
Several successful studies have already been conducted on mice, including by this research group. But it was not known whether the approach worked in larger organisms, including humans. The researchers decided to test the technique on large sheep: they are close to humans in weight (40-70 kg), muscle mass and blood volume. The researchers created and introduced into the sheep's body the building blocks of DNA encoding the synthesis of monoclonal antibodies to the human cancer-embryonic antigen. Blood tests of sheep after the introduction of DNA show that the produced antibodies were present in the body in sufficient quantity for therapeutic effect. Moreover, antibodies were detected even 11 months after injection.
Proven effectiveness in large animal models gives reason to hope for the possibility of using this method for the treatment of humans. The laboratory at the university is currently collaborating with various research groups and companies to improve the technique. Currently, the authors are focused on the treatment of cancer, but the method of synthesis of antibodies inside the body is applicable to the treatment of infectious diseases such as HIV and influenza, and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
Article by K. Hollevoet et al. Bridging the Clinical Gap for DNA-based Antibody Therapy through Translational Studies in Sheep is published in the journal Human Gene Therapy.
Aminat Adzhieva, portal "Eternal Youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of KU Leuven: Can a DNA construction kit replace expensive antibody medicine?