Optimization and Characterization of Novel ALCAM-Targeting Antibody Fragments for Transepithelial Delivery

In contrast to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting ALCAM’s T cell expressed binding partner CD6, no ALCAM-targeting mAbs have thus far entered clinical development.

This is likely linked with the broad expression of ALCAM on many different cell types, which increases the risk of eliciting unwanted treatment-induced side effects upon systemic mAb application. Targeting ALCAM in surface-exposed tissues, such as the lungs or the cornea, by a topical application could circumvent this issue. Here, we report the development of various stability- and affinity-improved anti-ALCAM mAb fragments with cross-species reactivity towards mouse, rat, monkey, and human ALCAM.