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SUMMARY:KnotBody technology creates ion channel blocking antibodies and en
 ables modulation of T cell function by blocking the Kv1.3 channel - John M
 cCafferty\, Affiliated Professor\, CTO and founder\, Maxion Therapeutics\,
  CITIID\, Department of Medicine
DTSTART:20260305T160000Z
DTEND:20260305T170000Z
UID:TALK240724@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Liat Churley
DESCRIPTION:*Summary*\nVenom derived cysteine-rich miniproteins (knottins)
  have potential as therapeutic agents to block ion channels but suffer fro
 m manufacturing difficulties\, short half-lives and a lack of specificity.
   We have developed a novel molecular format wherein the CDR loop of an an
 tibody has been replaced by a knottin. This format\, termed a KnotBodyTM\,
  combines the benefits of both scaffolds with the antibody gaining the fun
 ctionality of a scaffold pre-disposed to the blockade of ion channels and 
 the knottin enjoying the extended half-life and the additional specificity
  conferred by the antibody molecule. This presentation illustrates the gen
 eration of KnotBody molecules with a particular focus on the generation an
 d optimisation of KnotBody inhibitors of the Kv1.3 channel \, an important
  target affecting function of T effector memory cells.\n \n*Biography*\nAf
 filiated Professor John McCafferty was one of the founders of Cambridge An
 tibody Technology (CAT) and a co-inventor of antibody phage display. In 20
 12 he formed IONTAS who generated multiple drug leads currently in clinica
 l trial by partner companies. John also developed KnotBodyTM technology to
  address ion channels\, an important target class which are under-served b
 y biologics. He founded Maxion Therapeutics to take advantage of this drug
  development opportunity. Interspersed with company formation John has hel
 d academic positions at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and is current
 ly is an Affiliated professor at the Department of Medicine at the Univers
 ity of Cambridge\n\n*Host* Prof Mark Wills\, Department of Medicine
LOCATION: Lecture Theatre\, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre\, Cambridge Bi
 omedical Campus
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