Immunoglobulin VH domains and beyond: design and selection of single-domain binding and targeting reagents

Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2000 Nov;1(3):253-63. doi: 10.2174/1389201003378906.

Abstract

Identification of the smallest antibody fragment still capable of binding to antigen has progressed from full antibody molecules to Fab and recombinant single chain Fv fragments. Now, a further reduction to single domain binding proteins based upon immunoglobulin VH and VH-like domains offers exciting prospects in the development of novel immunotherapeutics and immunodiagnostics. Minimisation of the antigen-binding fragment to such small single-domain proteins offers the advantages of enhanced stability, and possibly access to a class of antigenic epitopes not generally recognised by conventional antibodies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Camelus
  • Drug Design
  • Genes, Immunoglobulin / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Fragments / chemistry*
  • Immunotherapy
  • Sharks

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin Fragments