Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have revolutionized cancer treatment by providing targeted therapies with fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. However, their effectiveness has been limited because they can only target proteins on the surface of cancer cells. A recent study published in Oncotarget highlights a groundbreaking advancement in mAb therapy with the development of cell-penetrating antibodies.
These next-generation antibodies can penetrate cells and target intracellular molecules, significantly expanding the potential of mAb therapies.

The research focuses on the 3E10 antibody, originally derived from autoimmune mouse studies in systemic lupus erythematosus. The 3E10 antibody targets RAD51, a crucial intracellular protein involved in DNA repair. By inhibiting RAD51, the 3E10 antibody shows significant promise for treating cancers with defective DNA repair pathways.

Researchers have created and tested various humanized versions of the 3E10 antibody. Some versions effectively block RAD51, while others show potential for delivering therapeutic molecules, such as genetic material, into cancer cells. This adaptability allows 3E10 to potentially treat various cancer types and deliver diverse therapeutic molecules directly into tumor cells. This breakthrough opens up exciting possibilities for combating cancers resistant to conventional therapies.
The 3E10 antibody’s dual function—targeting DNA repair pathways and delivering therapeutic molecules—establishes it as a transformative tool in cancer research and targeted treatment. It represents a significant leap forward in cancer therapy and holds the potential to revolutionize how we treat this devastating disease.

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