Small modular immunopharmaceutical
Small modular immunopharmaceuticals, or SMIPs for short, are artificial
Structure
SMIPs are single-chain proteins that comprise one binding region, one hinge region as a connector, and one effector domain. The binding region is a modified single-chain variable fragment (scFv), and the rest of the protein can be constructed from the fragment crystallizable region (Fc) and the hinge region of an immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1). Genetically modified cells produce SMIPs as antibody-like dimers, which are about 30% smaller than real antibodies.[2]
Like ordinary monoclonal antibodies, SMIPs are monospecific, meaning they recognize and attach to a single antigen target to initiate their biological activity. SMIP drug candidates are intended to target antigens with the same specificity and predictable biological activity as monoclonal antibodies. Examples are TRU-015, a CD20 targeting SMIP under research for rheumatoid arthritis,[3] and TRU-016, a CD37 targeting potential treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and other B-cell cancers.[4][5]
Production
A monoclonal antibody targeting the desired antigen can be developed the classical way, using
References
- ^ TruEmergent: SMIP Therapeutics Archived 2011-08-22 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ PMID 17440052.
- PMID 20140823.
- PMID 19943209.
- ^ TruEmergent: TRU-016 for the Treatment of B-Cell Malignancies Archived 2011-08-22 at the Wayback Machine