Anticalin

Anticalins are artificially generated by protein design proteins that are capable of binding antigens. Anticalins are structurally derived from naturally occurring lipocalins. They consist of about 180 amino acids and are approximately eight times smaller than antibodies of the IgG type having a molecular weight of less than 20 kDa. Anticalins characterized by an over antibodies superior tissue penetration. In addition, they have increased thermal stability up to temperatures of above 70 ° C. By mutagenesis of amino acids of the ligand binding sites of a lipocalin Anticalins can be produced with an affinity and selectivity for an antigen. Anticalins can not only be directed against macromolecules, in particular they are capable of detecting low-molecular structures. In contrast to antibodies anticalins can relatively easily in large quantities in bacteria, such as E. coli produced. Anticalins were largely developed by the research group led by Arne Skerra at the Technical University of Munich. The research team and the underlying technology in 2004 nominated for the German Future Prize. Anticalins find currently as tools in science application. A use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents is envisaged. Similarly, the use of anticalins for targeted delivery of drugs ( drug targeting ) is conceivable.