Targeted Therapy and Biologics

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, and engineering of biologic targeted therapies from the lecture notes.

Biologics

Genetically engineered proteins designed for the targeted modulation of protein targets.

ADCC

Antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity, a mechanism triggered by antibody-based biologics to kill cancer cells.

CDC

Complement-dependant cytotoxicity, an immune response triggered by antibodies to destroy cancer cells.

Angiogenesis prevention

A mechanism of action for biologics that prevents the growth of cancer cells or tumours by cutting off blood supply.

$IgG_1$ half life

A period of $14-21$ days in serum achieved through recycling via the salvage neonate $Fc$ receptor ($FcRn$).

$Fc$ fusion protein half-life

A genetically engineered fusion of a peptide or protein with the $IgG_1$ $Fc$ region which results in an improved half life of $4-5$ days.

PEGylation

The covalent coupling of protein to polyethylene glycol (macrogol) to increase molecular mass and hydrodynamic radius, thereby decreasing the rate of glomerular filtration by the kidney.

Hybridoma

A fusion of spleen beta cells from immunised mice with myeloma cells used to produce a single type of antibody (monoclonal antibody).

Chimeric antibodies

Antibodies developed using recombinant DNA technology that contain a mouse domain ($Fab$) and Human $Fc$ $IgG_1$.

Humanised antibodies

Antibodies containing human $Fab$ and human $Fc$ that retain only the mouse antibody binding site.

Adverse Effects of Biologics

Risks including serious infections (respiratory, active TB), opportunistic infections (latent TB, urinary tract), and a potential increase in the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer.