Next generation of biotechnologists can leverage the power of antibodies to drive significant advancements

To cater to industry and academic demands, Bennett University offers a 4-year BTech in Biotechnology and a 5-year integrated BTech + MTech in Biotechnology programme with a diverse range of specialisations in cutting-edge areas such as Biomedical Technologies, Drug Discovery & Protein Therapeutics, writes Vaishali Verma
In the ever-evolving field of biotechnology, antibody engineering is a field brimming with opportunities and innovation potential.Antibodies, or immunoglobulins, are an important component of the human immune system, designed to eliminate foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. These molecules recognise and bind to their targets with remarkable precision, much like a key fitting into a lock. Scientists in the field of antibody engineering routinely harness and modify these sentinels of natural defence in laboratories, enhancing their properties and creating new functions for applications in the fields of therapeutics, diagnostics, and basic research. For aspiring biotechnologists, understanding the significance and applications of antibodies can open doors to exciting careers as antibody engineers. This article delves into how aspiring biotechnologists can tap into the amazing world of antibodies and explore exciting career opportunities.
Key opportunities
Antibody engineering is pivotal in developing targeted therapies for various medical conditions, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, snakebite, and infectious diseases. Biotechnologists leverage this technology to create more effective and less toxic treatments. According to a study by the Njardarson group at the University of Arizona, 5 out of the top 10 drugs among the top 200 by retail sales in 2023 are antibody-based. Aspiring antibody engineers can innovate by developing new therapeutic antibodies, harnessing their power to revolutionise the field of medicine.
Antibodies are also an important component of diagnostic assays used to detect diseases with high precision. The widespread use of antibody-based rapid antigen tests during the Covid-19 pandemic to timely diagnose infections and quarantine infected patients is a testament to the importance of antibodies in the field of diagnostics. Careers in this field involve developing tests for early disease detection and point-of-care testing for various diseases.
Antibodies also find applications as key reagents for experiments such as western blot, ELISA, and flow cytometry performed during basic research in laboratories. Biotechnology firms constantly create new antibody-based products for basic research. Careers in research and development involve developing new antibody-based technologies and improving existing ones.
Future prospects
For aspiring biotechnologists, the field of antibody engineering offers numerous opportunities to make impactful contributions to healthcare. Leading companies such as Genentech, Roche, Amgen, and Biocon spearhead research in this area. Scientists are making exciting breakthroughs in the field by developing clever new ways to fight diseases like cancer. One promising area is the development of bispecific antibodies, which are ‘two-in-one’ antibodies that can target two different targets at once, potentially offering more effective treatments for complex diseases. Another innovation, in the form of antibody-drug conjugates, combines the precision of antibodies with powerful cancer-fighting drugs to deliver medication directly to cancer cells, potentially reducing harmful side effects for patients. Researchers are increasingly using AI to speed up antibody discovery and engineering, promising faster development timelines.
How to get started
With a strong foundation in the biological sciences and a passion for innovation, the next generation of biotechnologists can leverage the power of antibodies to drive significant advancements in science and medicine. To pursue a career in antibody engineering, aspiring biotechnologists can start with a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related fields, focusing on immunology and bioprocess engineering. Advanced degrees like a master's or doctoral programme can provide deeper knowledge in immunology, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics.
To cater to industry and academic demands, Bennett University offers a 4-year BTech in Biotechnology and a 5-year integrated BTech + MTech in Biotechnology programme with a diverse range of specialisations in cutting-edge areas such as Biomedical Technologies, Drug Discovery & Protein Therapeutics, Genetic Counselling & Precision Medicine, Industrial Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology & Biosensors. These programmes also include elective courses in antibody engineering technologies and offer hands-on training through mini research projects, aiming to equip students to explore dynamic fields such as antibody engineering and other exciting areas in biotechnology.
(The author is assistant professor, Department of Biotechnology, Bennett University)
For admissions, visit https://www.bennett.edu.in/