Antibody Biology and Engineering

Antibodies, commonly known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are proteins produced by plasma cells in response to antigen stimulation. Antibodies serve as the foundation for humoral immunity. Antibodies can be found in the blood, mucous secretions, and breast milk. Pathogens can bind to antibodies in these body fluids and be marked for elimination by phagocytes before they can infect cells. The four polypeptides that make up an antibody molecule are two identical heavy chains (big peptide units) that are partially attached to each other in a "Y" shape, bordered by two identical light chains (small peptide units). Antibodies are classified into five groups based on their physiochemical, structural, and immunological properties: IgM, IgG, IgA, IgD, and IgE. Antibodies circulate freely and operate on their own, without the help of plasma cells. Antibodies can be passed from one person to another to provide partial protection from infectious disease.

Antibody engineering enables the generation of tailored antibodies that are customized to certain therapeutic indications. Antibody engineering is the process of changing the sequences and/or structures of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to improve or reduce their function. Ab engineering is a prominent area of translational research that tries to create highly specific and effective monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with the best processing, stability, and tolerance.