Therapeutic Antibodies: New Trends in Discovery, Developability and Characterization

A special issue of Antibodies (ISSN 2073-4468).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 December 2025 | Viewed by 2549

Special Issue Editors

NMI, Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tuebingen, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany
Interests: epitope mapping; developability assessment; mode-of-action elucidation; new analytical techniques base on mass spectrometry

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Guest Editor
Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, USA
Interests: immunology; antibodies; vaccines; epitope mapping; structural biology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The development of therapeutic antibodies has continued its success story in recent years. Every year, around a dozen antibodies are approved by regulatory authorities in the US and EU for the treatment of cancer or other diseases, such as autoimmune diseases. The development pipelines of research-based pharmaceutical companies are well filled. However, there are new trends in the techniques used to discover suitable antibody candidates and test their developability and modes of action. First and foremost is the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to generate antibodies with tailored properties and predict their developability. High-throughput screening technologies enable researchers to identify the best candidates to take to the next stage of development and use to manipulate biological molecules. High-resolution analytical methods such as affinity chromatography with mass spectrometric detection enable the highly detailed investigation of binding selectivity and a better understanding of the mechanisms of action, thereby building a basis for rational antibody engineering. Highly sensitive analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry-based analysis of host–cell proteins will aid in cell culture development and contribute to a better assessment of drug safety. Lastly, new antibody formats and engineered variants will provide new or improved functionalities.

This Special Issue on therapeutic antibody discovery, development, and characterization will present new technology developments and applications in the field. Researchers will present their latest results, and review articles will cover new developments.

Dr. Anne Zeck
Dr. David J Vance
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • antibody lead candidates selection
  • epitope prediction and mapping
  • developability assessment
  • antibody engineering
  • mode-of-action elucidation
  • host–cell analysis

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

23 pages, 1025 KiB  
Review
Monoclonal Antibodies in Light of Mpox Outbreak: Current Research, Therapeutic Targets, and Animal Models
by Vladimir N. Nikitin, Iuliia A. Merkuleva and Dmitriy N. Shcherbakov
Antibodies 2025, 14(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/antib14010020 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 767
Abstract
The rapid rise in monkeypox virus infections among humans from 2022 to 2024 has captured the attention of the global healthcare community. In light of the lack of mandatory vaccination and limited data on next-generation vaccines for monkeypox prevention, the urgent development of [...] Read more.
The rapid rise in monkeypox virus infections among humans from 2022 to 2024 has captured the attention of the global healthcare community. In light of the lack of mandatory vaccination and limited data on next-generation vaccines for monkeypox prevention, the urgent development of therapeutic agents has become a priority. One promising approach involves the use of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies. This review highlights significant advancements in the search for antibodies against human pathogenic orthopoxviruses, particularly focusing on their potential application against the monkeypox virus. We also analyze viral proteins that serve as targets for identifying therapeutic antibodies capable of neutralizing a wide range of viruses. Finally, we deemed it essential to address the challenges associated with selecting an animal model that can adequately reflect the infectious process of each orthopoxvirus species in humans. Full article
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17 pages, 2302 KiB  
Review
Avian Antibodies as Potential Therapeutic Tools
by Mats Eriksson and Anders Larsson
Antibodies 2025, 14(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/antib14010018 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1070
Abstract
Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) is the primary antibody found in the eggs of chicken (Gallus domesticus), allowing for large-scale antibody production with high titers, making them cost-effective antibody producers. IgY serves as a valuable alternative to mammalian antibodies typically used in immunodiagnostics [...] Read more.
Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) is the primary antibody found in the eggs of chicken (Gallus domesticus), allowing for large-scale antibody production with high titers, making them cost-effective antibody producers. IgY serves as a valuable alternative to mammalian antibodies typically used in immunodiagnostics and immunotherapy. Compared to mammalian antibodies, IgY offers several biochemical advantages, and its straightforward purification from egg yolk eliminates the need for invasive procedures like blood collection, reducing stress in animals. Due to the evolutionary differences between birds and mammals, chicken antibodies can bind to a broader range of epitopes on mammalian proteins than their mammalian counterparts. Studies have shown that chicken antibodies bind 3–5 times more effectively to rabbit IgG than swine antibodies, enhancing the signal in immunological assays. Additionally, IgY does not interact with rheumatoid factors or human anti-mouse IgG antibodies (HAMA), helping to minimize interference from these factors. IgY obtained from egg yolk of hens immunized against Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been used in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis and chronic pulmonary colonization with this bacterium. Furthermore, IgY has been used to counteract streptococcus mutans in the oral cavity and for the treatment of enteral infections in both humans and animals. However, the use of avian antibodies is limited to pulmonary, enteral, or topical application and should, due to immunogenicity, not be used for systemic administration. Thus, IgY expands the range of strategies available for combating pathogens in medicine, as a promising candidate both as an alternative to antibiotics and as a valuable tool in research and diagnostics. Full article
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