Ancient species offers contemporary therapeutics: an update on shark V_NAR single domain antibody sequences, phage libraries and potential clinical applications.

ABSTRACT: The antigen binding variable domain (V_NAR) of the shark immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (IgNAR) evolved approximately 500 million years ago and it is one of the smallest antibody fragments in the animal kingdom with sizes of 12-15 kDa. This review discusses the current knowledge of the shark V_NAR single domain sequences and ongoing development of shark V_NARs as research tools as well as potential therapeutics, in particular highlighting the recent next-generation sequencing analysis of 1.2 million shark V_NAR sequences and construction of a large phage displayed shark V_NAR library from six naïve adult nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum). The large phage-displayed V_NAR single domain library covers all the four known V_NAR types (Types I-IV) and many previously unknown types. Ongoing preclinical development will help define the utility of shark V_NAR single domains as a potentially new family of drug candidates for treating cancer and other human diseases.

SUBMITTER: English H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7034638 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature