Attempts to synthesize homogeneous glycan-conjugated antibody-drug conjugates

Abstract

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are considered as next-generation antibody medicine. At present, heterogeneous ADCs are available; however, their safety and efficacy are suboptimal. Homogeneous ADCs offer increased efficacy, reproducibility, and predictability of their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects. The presence of N-glycan in the fragment crystallizable (Fc) region affects antibody function and understanding the mechanisms underlying this effect is critical for improvement of antibody therapy. In this mini-review, we described recent progress towards creation of homogeneous glycan-conjugated ADCs. The glycan-conjugated ADCs possess homogeneity in their drug-antibody ratio and structure. In addition, homogeneous glycan-conjugated ADCs exhibit potent cytotoxicity in vitro.