How can we predict immune reactions to biotech drugs?

Imagine being able to predict whether a biotech drug will trigger an immune reaction before large-scale testing. This could revolutionize drug development! Researchers have discovered an innovative method to assess immunogenicity risk, the ability of a drug to trigger an unwanted immune response. Dendritic cells (DCs), crucial for activating the immune system, are at the heart of this discovery. Previously, methods to study DC internalization were limited: low efficiency, endpoint data only, and suitable only for certain types of drugs. Now, thanks to the IncuCyte® platform, researchers can monitor the internalization process in real-time. Using a direct labeling method with Biotracker Orange, they achieved more accurate and detailed results. This new approach requires fewer cells and allows observing morphological changes and internalization kinetics. Tested on 25 therapeutic antibodies, the method showed a high correlation between internalization and clinical immunogenicity risk, outperforming previous tests. A true revolution for the development of safer and more effective drugs!

Immunogenicity is one of the main challenges in biotech drug development. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in antigen presentation and CD4 T cell activation, which are essential for antibody production. DC internalization is a complex process involving drug uptake and subsequent presentation to T cells. Traditional methods, such as flow cytometry, provide only endpoint data and require a high number of dendritic cells, often difficult to obtain. The IncuCyte® platform, however, allows continuous real-time monitoring of internalization. Using Biotracker Orange, a fluorescent dye, researchers can directly label the drug and observe the internalization process in detail. This method not only reduces the need for dendritic cells but also provides valuable information on cell kinetics and morphology during internalization. The results obtained with this new approach have shown a significant correlation with clinical immunogenicity data, making it a valuable tool for immunogenicity risk assessment. This technological advancement could accelerate the development of safer and more effective drugs, reducing the risks associated with unwanted immune reactions.