UK researchers develop rigid antibody to target cancer cells

Scientists in the UK have developed a super-strong antibody that could dramatically improve how the immune system attacks cancer cells by boosting its activation power.

Researchers at the University of Southampton have designed a new type of antibody that could strengthen the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. The team, supported by Cancer Research UK, discovered that by increasing the rigidity of antibodies - tiny proteins produced by white blood cells - they could trigger a much stronger immune response.

Antibodies work by attaching to harmful cells like bacteria, viruses, or cancer cells, marking them for attack by the immune system. The new prototype, which features extra structural bonds to stiffen its Y-shaped form, was found to outperform naturally occurring antibodies in lab tests.

“The concept of using immuno-stimulation for cancer treatment is very exciting,” said Professor Mark Cragg of the Centre for Cancer Immunology. “Even small increases in rigidity significantly improve how well antibodies can activate the immune system.”

Using supercomputers, the team visualized antibodies at atomic detail to precisely insert additional disulfide bonds—tiny bridges that stabilize the structure. This made the antibodies more rigid, allowing them to hold immune receptors closer together and produce a stronger activation signal.

PhD student Isabel Elliott explained: “Floppier antibodies are less effective at triggering immune cells. Rigid ones seem to organize the receptors better, leading to a more powerful response.”

Dr. Ivo Tews, Professor in Structural Biology, added that this strategy could be applied to a wide range of immune-related molecules, not just those used in cancer therapy.

Dr. Iain Foulkes, Executive Director of Research and Innovation at Cancer Research UK, emphasized the potential impact of the findings: “Refining how we harness the immune system is a vital step forward. These super-strong antibodies could empower new, more effective treatments for patients undergoing immunotherapy.”

The research is published in the journal Nature Communications, marking a promising step toward next-generation cancer treatments designed to supercharge the body’s natural defenses.

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