Identifying antibodies that target systemic amyloid deposition

淀粉样蛋白沉积是一种世界性的负担，与一系列主要与年龄相关的疾病有关。然而，淀粉样蛋白聚集过程的潜在机制和可能的降解策略仍然不完全清楚。该项目的目的是使用6种淀粉样蛋白形成蛋白(轻链蛋白-lambda和kappa、载脂蛋白、转甲状腺蛋白、溶菌酶和纤维蛋白原)来设计抗体，这些抗体可以与与聚集过程相关的不同蛋白形式(单体、低聚物、原纤维)结合。这一结合的结构影响将使用一系列结构生物学和补充技术来充分描述。这将加强对聚集过程的了解，并为进一步开发抗体提供机会，以将蛋白质降解作为未来的治疗选择，并改善老龄人口的生活质量。UCB现有的高通量抗体筛查设施使该项目能够利用新的工作方法来发现和验证新的治疗剂和生物活性分子，从而提高效率和降低成本。它也是促进创新和伙伴关系的学术界和产业界合作的桥梁。

Amyloid deposition is a worldwide burden associated with a range of largely age-associated diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying the process of amyloid aggregation and possible strategies for degradation are still not fully understood. The aim of this project is to use 6 amyloid-forming proteins (light chain proteins - lambda and kappa, apolipoprotein, transthyretin, lysozyme and fibrinogen) to design antibodies that can bind to different protein forms associated with the aggregation process (monomer, oligomer, fibril). The structural implications of this binding will be fully characterised using a range of structural biology and complementary techniques. This will enhance understanding of the aggregation process and provide opportunity for further development of the antibodies to target the proteins for degradation as a future therapeutic option and to improve quality of life for the ageing population. The high throughput antibody screening facilities available at UCB enable this project to exploit new ways of working to discover and validate new therapeutic agents and bioactive molecules with increased efficiency and reduced cost. It also bridges academia and industry collaborations promoting innovation and partnerships.