Global InformationAlphabody information
Alphabodies, also known as Cell-Penetrating Alphabodies or CPAB for short, are small 10 kDa proteins engineered to bind to a variety of antigens. Despite their name, they are not structurally similar to antibodies, which makes them a type of antibody mimetic. Alphabodies are different from many other antibody mimetics in their ability to reach and bind to intracellular protein targets.[1] Their single chain alpha-helical structure is designed by computer modelling, inspired by naturally existing coiled-coil protein structures. Alphabodies are being developed by the Belgian biotechnology company Complix N.V. as potential new pharmaceutical drugs against cancer and autoimmune disease.[2] In 2012, a collaboration agreement was signed with Monsanto to develop the technology for agricultural applications as well.[3]
- ^ Desmet, J.; Verstraete, K.; Bloch, Y.; Lorent, E.; Wen, Y.; Devreese, B.; Vandenbroucke, K.; Loverix, S.; Hettmann, T.; Deroo, S.; Somers, K.; Henderikx, P.; Lasters, I.; Savvides, S. N. (5 Feb 2014). "Structural basis of IL-23 antagonism by an Alphabody protein scaffold". Nature Communications. 5: 5237. doi:10.1038/ncomms6237. PMC 4220489. PMID 25354530.
- ^ "Complix - About Complix". Complix. Archived from the original on 14 February 2015. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
- ^ Powers, K. "Monsanto Company and Complix Nv Sign Collaboration to Bring New Technologies to Agriculture". Monsanto. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 26 March 2015.