Monoclonal Antibodies for Targeting Drug Delivery System

Abstract

The remarkable specificity and capacity to identify distinct antigens expressed on sickle cell shave made monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) aground-breaking development in the field of targeted medication delivery systems. A specific and localized therapy can be by conjugating mAbs with therapeutic substance including chemotherapeutics, poisons, radionuclides, or nanoparticles. This reduces off-target effects and increases effectiveness. These antibody- drug conjugates or ADCs are frequently utilized to treat infectious illness, autoimmune conditions and malignancies .The therapeutic potential of mAbs further enhanced by their integration with Nano-carrier technologies which enhance drug stability, bio-distribution and controlled release. For their wider clinical success, issues including immunogenicity, high production cost and anti-gene variability must be resolved despite their norms potential. This study highlights the revolutionary influence of monoclonal based drug delivery on contemporary medicine by examining its processes, developments, uses and constraints.

Introduction

Recent advances in immunology and molecular biology have revolutionized therapeutic development, especially through the use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in targeted drug delivery systems (TDDS). These laboratory-engineered proteins selectively bind to specific antigens overexpressed on diseased cells (e.g., cancer), allowing precise delivery of therapeutic agents while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

Key Points:

1. Mechanism of Action

• mAbs function like guided missiles, directing drugs specifically to disease sites.

• They operate through mechanisms such as:

  • Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC)

  • Complement-Dependent Cytotoxicity (CDC)

  • Induction of apoptosis

  • Blocking receptor-ligand interactions

  • Internalization and intracellular drug release

2. Types and Technologies

• Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs): Combine mAbs with cytotoxic agents via specialized linkers that release the drug inside target cells. FDA-approved examples include:

  • Trastuzumab emtansine (HER2+ breast cancer)

  • Brentuximab vedotin (Hodgkin lymphoma)

  • Inotuzumab ozogamicin (ALL)

• Nanoparticle-based delivery: mAbs are conjugated with nanoparticles (e.g., liposomes, dendrimers) to enhance targeting and reduce systemic toxicity.

3. Applications

• Oncology: Primary application area, involving:

  • Direct tumor killing

  • Drug delivery

  • Anti-angiogenesis (e.g., bevacizumab)

  • Immune checkpoint inhibition (e.g., nivolumab, pembrolizumab)

• Non-cancer uses:

  • Autoimmune diseases (RA, IBD, MS)

  • Infections (e.g., RSV)

  • Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s)

4. Evolution of Monoclonal Antibodies

• Invented in 1975 by Köhler and Milstein using hybridoma technology.

• Early mAbs were murine-derived, causing immune reactions (HAMA).

• Advances led to chimeric, humanized, and fully human mAbs via recombinant DNA, phage display, and transgenic mice.

• mAbs have evolved to carry payloads like toxins, enzymes, or be encapsulated in nanocarriers.

5. Targeting Strategies

• Passive targeting: Exploits tumor's leaky vasculature (EPR effect).

• Active targeting: mAbs bind to specific receptors (e.g., HER2, EGFR) to facilitate drug delivery through receptor-mediated endocytosis.

6. Challenges

• High production costs and complex manufacturing

• Immunogenicity and allergic responses

• Short shelf-life and stability issues

• Tumor heterogeneity and antigen escape

• Difficulty achieving optimal pharmacokinetics and drug distribution

7. Future Outlook

• Innovations such as bispecific antibodies, nanobodies, and antibody fragments (Fab, scFv) offer improved tissue penetration and reduced immunogenicity.

• Potential integration with advanced platforms like CRISPR, exosomes, and stimuli-responsive carriers.

• Despite current barriers, ongoing research and interdisciplinary collaboration are critical for mainstream adoption in personalized medicine.

Conclusion

The high specificity and capacity to deliver therapeutic compounds precisely to disease locations while reducing systemic toxicity, monoclonal antibodies are an effective tool in targeted drug delivery systems. In several therapeutic fields, particularly cancer, their combination with nanotechnology and cutting-edge carrier platforms has greatly increased therapy efficacy. Despite promising clinical results, the sector continues to encounter significant obstacles, including as variable antigen expression, difficult manufacturing, and immunogenic reactions. Their use and accessibility will be further increased by upcoming advancements that concentrate on tailored antibody forms, economical manufacturing, and enhanced targeting techniques. All things considered, medication delivery by monoclonal antibodies represents a major development in precision and personalized medicine.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Ms. Harshada Pramod Gaikwad , Ms. Rekha Kolape , Mr. Nitin Gawai, Ms. Srushti Santosh Ingale . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.