Antibody conjugates and therapeutic strategies

Immunotherapeutics represent the largest group of molecules currently in development as new drug entities. These versatile molecules are being investigated for the treatment of a range of pathological conditions including cancer, infectious and inflammatory diseases. Antibodies can be used to exert biological effects themselves or as delivery agents of conjugated drug molecules. Site-specific delivery of therapeutic agents has been an ultimate goal of the pharmaceutical industry in order to maximize drug action and minimize side effects. Antibodies have the potential to realize this objective and in this review we will examine some of the main strategies currently being employed for the development of these diverse therapeutic molecules.