Enabling next-generation antibody-based therapeutics and diagnostics

There is a clear need for Organic Chemists to contribute to the field of Biology through the conduit of Chemical Biology. This project will work with Dr Vijay Chudasama, along with Dr James Baker and MRC Technology to aid in providing significant steps in this direction via the creation of therapeutics generated by site-specific protein modification. The project will be based on using core synthetic organic chemistry to deliver entities that will meet the needs of forming the next-generation of antibody-based therapeutics. In the area of site-selective protein modification, we are at the centre of developing a ground-breaking technology based on the insertion of small molecules bearing reactive handles into native disulfide bonds and cysteines. Our strategy has been well received in the literature (e.g. Nature Chem., 2016, 8, 114; Chem. Sci., 2016, 7, 799; Nature Commun., 2015, 6, 6645; Chem. Commun., 2015, 51, 15304; Chem. Commun., 2015, 51, 10624; Org. Biomol. Chem., 2015, 13, 7946; Bioconjugate Chem., 2014, 25, 611; Org. Biomol. Chem., 2014, 12, 557; Chem. Commun., 2013, 49, 8187; Org. Biomol. Chem., 2013, 11, 2408; Chem. Commun., 2011, 47, 8781) and we hope to continue to publish greatly in this area. With our experience, interesting challenges in the modification of certain peptides and proteins have arisen. This project creates the opportunity to contribute to this area and make a significant impact to the field of Chemical Biology.