Periodic Reporting for period 1 - IMMUNO-MONITORING (ELECTROCHEMICAL DNA-BASED SENSORS FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY MONITORING)
Período documentado: 2022-06-01 hasta 2023-11-30
During the initial part of the ERC Consolidator Grant PROTOOLKITS we have successfully demonstrated a novel approach for antibodies detection. The platform uses antigen-conjugated synthetic DNA strands to achieve the rapid and inexpensive detection of target antibodies. The goal of this project was to evaluate the commercial potential of this platform for immunotherapy efficacy monitoring with particular focus on the detection and characterization of bispecific
antibodies (BsAb). More specifically, the goal of this project was to validate a new DNA-based technology for the detection and monitoring of BsAb. This was in fact considered as the application that best highlights the features of our platform (versatility and programmability).
antibodies (BsAb). More specifically, the goal of this project was to validate a new DNA-based technology for the detection and monitoring of BsAb. This was in fact considered as the application that best highlights the features of our platform (versatility and programmability).
In this project we focused on a specific model BsAb target, Anti EGFR/Anti Muc1 BsAb. This BsAb joins together the recognition elements of two of the most used antitumor recognition elements targeting EGFR and Muc1, respectively. This BsAb can thus bind and inactivate two receptors simultaneously and is designed as a possible thereapeutic antibody for breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, etc. In our project we have succesfully demonstrated the detection of such model BsAb at low nanomolar concentrations. The system we developed can efficiently detect the target BsAb with high sensitivity, specificity (no significant activation with monospecific antibodies was observed), and good selectivity in complex sample matrices (plasma).
The new detection system we have characterized during this project presents advantageous features in comparison with standard methods such as ELISA that make it suitable for point-of-care applications. Cost analysis of the production of the sensing kits and of new kits development (for new targets) is also highly advantageous making the technology a promising starting point for a start-up company. We are now considering initiating a more commercially-oriented activity based on these results.