How to find the structure and classification of Rituximab?

Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that targets the CD20 antigen found on the surface of B cells. Developed by Genentech and Biogen Idec, Rituximab is classified as a therapeutic protein and is primarily indicated for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and pemphigus vulgaris.

Summary of Research Progress: 

The research progress of Rituximab has been extensive and impactful. Its mechanism of action involves binding to the CD20 antigen on B cells, leading to various effector functions that result in the depletion of B cells. These functions include complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), and apoptosis. By depleting B cells, Rituximab reduces the production of autoantibodies and pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby alleviating symptoms and improving patient outcomes.

Globally, Rituximab has been approved in numerous countries, including the United States, Europe, and Japan. It received FDA approval in 1997 for the treatment of relapsed or refractory low-grade or follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL. Since then, its indications have expanded to include CLL, RA, GPA, MPA, and pemphigus vulgaris. Rituximab has also been approved in many other regions, making it a widely used therapeutic agent in oncology and autoimmune diseases.

The competitive landscape for Rituximab is dynamic, with several other biologics and small molecules targeting similar pathways. Key competitors in oncology include obinutuzumab (Gazyva), ofatumumab (Arzerra), and ibrutinib (Imbruvica). In autoimmune diseases, competitors include abatacept (Orencia), tocilizumab (Actemra), and belimumab (Benlysta). Despite this competition, Rituximab has maintained a strong market presence due to its well-established efficacy and safety profile. Clinical trials have consistently demonstrated its effectiveness in various indications, leading to its continued use in clinical practice.

Type of Immunoglobulin of Rituximab

Rituximab is a chimeric IgG1κ immunoglobulin. Chimeric antibodies are engineered to combine the antigen-binding variable regions from a mouse antibody with the constant regions from a human antibody. This design reduces the immunogenicity of the antibody while maintaining its therapeutic efficacy. The κ light chain is one of the two types of light chains found in immunoglobulins, the other being λ. The κ light chain is more common and provides stability and specificity to the antibody structure.

Light and Heavy Chains and Structural Characteristics of Rituximab

The heavy chain of Rituximab is a chimeric IgG1 molecule, which consists of four domains: variable (VH), constant 1 (CH1), constant 2 (CH2), and constant 3 (CH3). The VH domain is responsible for antigen binding, while the CH1 domain forms part of the Fc region, which is crucial for the antibody's effector functions. The CH2 and CH3 domains are involved in the interaction with Fc receptors and complement proteins, respectively.

The light chain of Rituximab is a κ chain, which also consists of two domains: variable (VL) and constant (CL). The VL domain pairs with the VH domain to form the antigen-binding site, ensuring high specificity and affinity for the target antigen. The CL domain, like the CH1 domain, contributes to the stability and function of the antibody.

Structurally, Rituximab is a well-characterized and highly specific monoclonal antibody. The variable regions of both the heavy and light chains are designed to recognize and bind to the CD20 antigen on B cells with high affinity. This binding triggers various effector functions, including CDC, ADCC, and apoptosis, which lead to the depletion of B cells. The constant regions of the heavy and light chains provide additional functional properties to Rituximab. The Fc region, composed of the CH2 and CH3 domains, is capable of engaging Fc receptors on immune cells, leading to ADCC and CDC. These functions enhance the therapeutic potential of Rituximab by facilitating the clearance of targeted B cells and modulating the immune response.

Summary and Prospect 

In summary, Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that targets the CD20 antigen on B cells, making it a valuable therapeutic option for treating non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis, and pemphigus vulgaris. Its mechanism of action involves binding to CD20 and triggering various effector functions that result in B cell depletion, reducing the production of autoantibodies and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Rituximab has been approved globally for multiple indications and has maintained a strong market presence due to its well-established efficacy and safety profile. As a chimeric IgG1κ immunoglobulin, Rituximab exhibits well-defined structural characteristics that contribute to its high specificity and efficacy. The heavy and light chains, with their respective variable and constant domains, ensure precise antigen binding and robust effector functions, making Rituximab a valuable and effective treatment for a range of diseases. Future research and development efforts will likely focus on optimizing its delivery methods, exploring new indications, and enhancing its therapeutic benefits for patients.

How to find the structure and classification of antibody drugs?

In Patsnap Bio, you can find the sequence and latest research and development advances of all antibody drugs.

Taking Rituximab as an example, first click on the Drug/Gene Index on the Patsnap Bio homepage. Here you can search for sequence information by drug and gene names. Enter ' Rituximab ' in the search box and click to view the details. On the details page, you can find the basic information and research progress of Rituximab.

Click "View all related sequences" below the sequence information to search for and retrieve all biological sequences similar to this information. 

Clicking on the sequence name will provide you with all the basic information of that sequence. Here, you can easily query the sequence and action of the light and light chains of antibodies.

Patsnap Bio helps you turn weeks into minutes with cutting-edge AI-enabled tools built to master the complexities of sequence retrieval and automate IP analysis with precision and ease.