Antibody-toxin conjugate (ATC) is an innovative cancer therapeutic technology that combines the specificity of antibody targeting with the potent cell-killing ability of toxins, while potentially integrating immunomodulatory mechanisms. Alfa Cytology provides cutting-edge solutions for antibody-toxin conjugate (ATC) development. We utilize state-of-the-art technology and innovative methodologies to provide comprehensive support throughout the drug discovery process.
Antibody-toxin conjugates (ATCs) represent a fascinating area of oncological therapeutics in which potent toxins are delivered via antibody targeting. Theoretically, they consist of monoclonal antibodies against certain tumor antigens providing the linking site for the attached natural toxin through the linker stable enough to survive plasma and intracellular processes. The first process incorporates the tumor-targeting antibody binding to tumor cells, being endocytosed into the cells and releasing the toxin with the ability to directly interfere with ribosomal function or damage DNA, causing apoptosis. The other process involves toxins triggering the immunogenic death (ICD) of the tumor cells, with subsequent release of the tumoral antigen and danger signaling, which will later activate dendritic cells and T cells; the net result of this amplifying and systemic immune response is therefore better fighting power against the tumor. This synergism between precision killing and immune activation allows ATC to herald the means to overcome drug resistance and provide lesser off-target toxicity, being potential alternatives in cancer therapy.
Fig.1 Conjugation and purification of anti-CD47 antibody with LLO. (Schrank, B. R., et al., 2025)
Antibody-toxin conjugate (ATC) consists of the following three components:
| Components | Description |
|---|---|
| Antibody | A monoclonal antibody that can specifically recognize tumor cell-surface antigens. |
| Toxin | A highly potent toxin, usually of bacterial or plant origin, such as Pseudomonas exotoxin, ricin, etc., rather than traditional chemotherapeutic drugs. These toxins can kill cells by means of disrupting cell protein synthesis or inducing DNA damage, etc. |
| Linker | A stable chemical bond or peptide chain that ensures the toxin is not prematurely released in the bloodstream but is activated only within tumor cells by specific enzymes or the acidic environment. |
Focusing on precision targeting and immune synergistic therapeutics of a antibody-toxin conjugates (ATCs), Alfa Cytology is dedicated to providing global innovative pharmaceutical companies with full-process development solutions from target screening to preclinical studies. We integrate an AI-driven toxin-linker optimization platform with immune-activated dual-loading technology to accelerate the development of high-activity, low-toxicity ATC drug candidates. With an experienced antibody engineering team, we are committed to providing you with customized development solutions.
Target Screening and Validation
Screen high-potential targets based on tumor-specific antigen expression and endocytosis efficiency data. Meanwhile, we provide differentiated development solutions for transmembrane antigen and immune checkpoint targets according to the characteristics of solid tumor microenvironment.
Antibody Engineering and Optimization
Adopt humanized design and structure optimization technology to reduce immunogenicity and maintain high target affinity. By engineering the Fc segment of the antibody, it enhances the endocytosis efficiency of the antigen-antibody complex and promotes the targeted delivery of the toxin in tumor cells.
Natural Toxin Screening and Modification
Based on multi-source natural toxin libraries, screen candidate molecules with high activity and low off-target toxicity. Combined with genetic engineering modification technology to reduce the risk of toxin immunogenicity and enhance drug safety and tolerance of repeated administration.
Linker Design and Optimization
Develop cleavable and non-cleavable linkers to regulate toxin release kinetics through chemical bonding properties. Optimize the stability of the linker and the responsiveness of the tumor microenvironment, balancing the safety of systemic circulation with the efficiency of payload release in the tumor to minimize off-target toxicity.
Our services leverage cutting-edge technologies and innovative platforms to accelerate antibody-toxin conjugate (ATC) development.
AI-Driven Toxin-Linker Optimization Platform
Integrate molecular properties and pharmacodynamic data through intelligent algorithms to accurately predict the stability, tumor permeability and safety of toxin-linkers. Based on machine learning models, the platform rapidly screens candidate molecules with high activity and low toxicity, optimizes coupling design, significantly shortens the development cycle and reduces experimental trial-and-error costs, and provides efficient solutions for customized ATC drugs.
Immuno-Enhanced ATC Development Platform
Innovative integration of toxin and immune agonist in dual-acting load design, activating anti-tumor immune response while directly killing tumor cells. The platform ensures the precise release of immunoagonists through tumor microenvironment-responsive linkers, synergistically inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) and antigen presentation, enhancing long-lasting anti-tumor immune memory and breaking through the limitations of a single killing mechanism.
Alfa Cytology provides state-of-the-art solutions to solve core issues in the development of cancer therapy. With expertise and advanced technologies, we aim at developing novel cancer therapies to disrupt cancer metabolism and stop the progression of tumors. For more on our one-stop solution, please contact us.
Reference
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