Pharmacology researchers develop a novel monoclonal antibody medication to treat the wet form of age-related macular degeneration. The antibody binds vascular endothelial growth factor, decreasing abnormal blood vessel formation in the subretinal space. In a clinical trial, the medication is found to improve visual function. During the next phase of the study, researchers use only the antigen binding fragment (Fab) of the antibody instead of the whole immunoglobulin. Which of the following is most likely to be observed with use of the antibody fragments compared to the intact immunoglobulin?

Question

Pharmacology researchers develop a novel monoclonal antibody medication to treat the wet form of age-related macular degeneration.  The antibody binds vascular endothelial growth factor, decreasing abnormal blood vessel formation in the subretinal space.  In a clinical trial, the medication is found to improve visual function.  During the next phase of the study, researchers use only the antigen binding fragment (Fab) of the antibody instead of the whole immunoglobulin.  Which of the following is most likely to be observed with use of the antibody fragments compared to the intact immunoglobulin?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Immunotherapy medications often utilize fragments of a monoclonal immunoglobulin rather than the full immunoglobulin; because fragments are smaller, they typically have better tissue penetration and pharmacokinetics.  Fab fragments contain a variable domain and the first constant region from a heavy and light chain; because they do not contain an Fc receptor, Fab fragments cannot trigger cell killing via complement or phagocytosis.

Pharmacology Researchers Develop a Novel Monoclonal Antibody Medication to Treat