Complementing mAbs

Genmab A/S and Utrecht University researchers have shown that hexameric IgG complexes can activate the complement cascade, providing the molecular rationale behind the biotech's HexaBody platform.¹ Genmab is now selecting key mutations and antibody candidates to generate IgG antibodies that potently induce complement-dependent cytotoxicity in cancer and infectious disease.

In complement-dependent cytotoxicity, antigen-bound antibodies activate the complement system to induce the formation of membrane attack complexes on the surface of the target cell. These complexes disrupt the integrity of the cell membrane, resulting in lysis...