Design and Optimization of Monoclonal Antibodies
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The purpose of this course is that participants gain knowledge on and understand:
- the principal biological features of mAbs used both in research and therapy
- the computational strategies, and their accuracy, for studying and modelling mAbs
- the main methods to produce mAbs, and to in silico and in vitro predict and validate their mechanisms of action (MoA)
- the safety and efficacy of monoclonal antibodies in vivo, with key examples of their application in the clinical setting
- the principal biological features of mAbs used both in research and therapy
- the computational strategies, and their accuracy, for studying and modelling mAbs
- the main methods to produce mAbs, and to in silico and in vitro predict and validate their mechanisms of action (MoA)
- the safety and efficacy of monoclonal antibodies in vivo, with key examples of their application in the clinical setting
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student is expected:
- to know:
- the principal biological features of mAbs
- the application of the molecular and computational methods used in mAb analyses and design
-the different mechanisms of action of mAbs
- to critically evaluate:
- the pros and cons of in silico and in vitro approaches for mAb design and production
- the efficacy and safety of mAbs in clinical trials
to gain:
- the bases for deeply understanding development methods and applications of mAbs in research and therapy, with particular attention to scientific papers and/or clinical data and reports;
to obtain:
a multifaceted biological, bioinformatics and pharmacological knowledgebase useful for further student's personal study of this topic.
- to know:
- the principal biological features of mAbs
- the application of the molecular and computational methods used in mAb analyses and design
-the different mechanisms of action of mAbs
- to critically evaluate:
- the pros and cons of in silico and in vitro approaches for mAb design and production
- the efficacy and safety of mAbs in clinical trials
to gain:
- the bases for deeply understanding development methods and applications of mAbs in research and therapy, with particular attention to scientific papers and/or clinical data and reports;
to obtain:
a multifaceted biological, bioinformatics and pharmacological knowledgebase useful for further student's personal study of this topic.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Prerequisites for admission
The course requires knowledge of the basic concepts in biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Module In silico, molecular and cellular approaches for the design of monoclonal antibodies: the exam will consist of a written test and following a sufficient evaluation, the students will be admitted to an oral examination.
Module Pharmacology of monoclonal antibodies: the exam will consist of a written test.
Module Pharmacology of monoclonal antibodies: the exam will consist of a written test.
In silico, molecular and cellular approaches for monoclonal antibody design
Course syllabus
The module on in silico, molecular and cellular approaches for the design of mAbs aims to provide students with the fundamental concepts on the characterization of mAbs, as well as the computational and biotechnological strategies used in their design and production.
1. Introduction to proteins as therapeutic agents and to the immune response
2. mAbs structure and related structural and functional characteristics
3. Antigen-antibody binding and mechanism of molecular recognition
4. Computational strategies to design and/or optimize mAbs
5. Generation of mAbs: murine, chimeric, humanized, human
6. Biotechnological synthesis of mAbs: from hybridomas to phage display
7. Antibody engineering: naked antibodies, conjugates and antibody fragments
8. Application of mAbs to biological research
1. Introduction to proteins as therapeutic agents and to the immune response
2. mAbs structure and related structural and functional characteristics
3. Antigen-antibody binding and mechanism of molecular recognition
4. Computational strategies to design and/or optimize mAbs
5. Generation of mAbs: murine, chimeric, humanized, human
6. Biotechnological synthesis of mAbs: from hybridomas to phage display
7. Antibody engineering: naked antibodies, conjugates and antibody fragments
8. Application of mAbs to biological research
Teaching methods
Lectures. Each lecture held in class will last 2 hours, during which - starting from the presentation of the contents and through a dialogue - we will come to critically learn the fundamentals for the design of effective mAbs in therapy and/or research. Active teaching methodologies will be used, such as the use of Wooclap for verification, self-assessment and consolidation of knowledge and the flipped-classroom for the development of a critical approach to the subject.
Teaching Resources
Students will be provided with the slides and scientific articles presented in class; as further reading, it is recommended:
"Farmaci biotecnologici, aspetti farmacologici e clinici" di Vegeto, Maggi, Minghetti - CEA
"Immunologia cellulare e molecolare" di Abbas, Lichtman - EDRA
"Farmaci biotecnologici, aspetti farmacologici e clinici" di Vegeto, Maggi, Minghetti - CEA
"Immunologia cellulare e molecolare" di Abbas, Lichtman - EDRA
Pharmacology of Monoclonal Antibodies
Course syllabus
The module aims to discuss the safety and efficacy of mAbs in vivo through the study of their mechanisms of action and their clinical applications in various diseases.
1. Mechanism of action of monoclonal antibodies. Cell-mediated cytotoxicity and cytotoxicity related to the complement system
2. Role of FCgamma receptor classes in the antibody response
3. Pharmacological bases for the loss of efficacy of monoclonal antibodies
4. Evaluation of clinical endpoints in the field of oncological therapies with monoclonal antibodies
5. Clinical aspects of the use of monoclonal antibodies in other chronic diseases
1. Mechanism of action of monoclonal antibodies. Cell-mediated cytotoxicity and cytotoxicity related to the complement system
2. Role of FCgamma receptor classes in the antibody response
3. Pharmacological bases for the loss of efficacy of monoclonal antibodies
4. Evaluation of clinical endpoints in the field of oncological therapies with monoclonal antibodies
5. Clinical aspects of the use of monoclonal antibodies in other chronic diseases
Teaching methods
Lectures. Each lecture held in class will last 2 hours, during which - starting from the presentation of the contents and through a dialogue - one will come to critically learn the fundamentals for the design of effective mAbs in therapy and/or research.
Teaching Resources
Students will be provided with the slides and scientific articles presented in class; as further reading, it is recommended:
"Farmaci biotecnologici, aspetti farmacologici e clinici" di Vegeto, Maggi, Minghetti - CEA
"Immunologia cellulare e molecolare" di Abbas, Lichtman - EDRA
"Farmaci biotecnologici, aspetti farmacologici e clinici" di Vegeto, Maggi, Minghetti - CEA
"Immunologia cellulare e molecolare" di Abbas, Lichtman - EDRA
In silico, molecular and cellular approaches for monoclonal antibody design
BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY - University credits: 3
BIO/13 - EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY - University credits: 3
BIO/13 - EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Eberini Ivano, Ferrari Veronica
Pharmacology of Monoclonal Antibodies
BIO/14 - PHARMACOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 24 hours
Professor:
Norata Giuseppe Danilo
Professor(s)
Reception:
On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 to 10 am and on appointment previously taken via Microsoft Teams or email
Microsoft Teams
Reception:
on appointment