Bispecific monoclonal antibodies: development, production and use as anticancer therapy

Abstract

Monoclonal antibodies are specialized glycoproteins of the immune system. They are produced from B cells and have the ability to recognize a specific antigen. From the theory of hybridoma generation developed by Köhler and Milstein in 1975, they became essential tools in the clinical and the biotechnological fields, and over the years have been useful in the diagnosis and the treatment of infectious, immunological and neoplastic diseases. Such antibodies often bind only to a specific target, which limits their therapeutic potential in diseases caused by multiple mediators and mechanisms. As a result, bispecific monoclonal antibodies emerged, which, together with advances in the physiopathological mechanisms of cancer, have become an effective and attractive therapeutic alternative. In Costa Rica, there is a considerable investment in the purchase of monoclonal antibodies by the Public Health system. It is expected that, once clinical studies are approved and more bispecific antibodies are commercialized, these can be offered to its patients.