Aaron LeBeau, PhD, associate professor, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, discusses the potential applicability of shark antibodies in developing imaging and therapeutic strategies in prostate cancer. 

Shark antibodies were discovered decades ago, but little research has been done to assess their potential utility in the treatment of patients with cancer, LeBeau says. However, research is being done investigating antibody-like proteins called variable domain of new antigen receptor (VNAR) proteins, which could become a novel way to image or manage prostate cancer. 

Shark antibodies are small proteins that can be directed toward specific targets, LeBeau explains. Additionally, they can be mass produced in a cost-effective way. The molecules are stable, robust, and can withstand extreme circumstances, such as being boiled, in ways human antibodies cannot while still retaining the ability to bind to targets, LeBeau says. As such, shark VNAR–based therapies could offer a drug to patients with cancer globally without the need for deep freezing or potentially even refrigeration, LeBeau concludes. 

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Aaron LeBeau, PhD, discusses the potential wide applicability of shark antibodies in developing imaging and therapeutic strategies in prostate cancer.  



Dr. LeBeau on the Potential Applicability of Shark Antibodies in Prostate Cancer 

Aaron LeBeau, PhD, associate professor, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, discusses the potential of shark variable domain of new antigen receptor (VNAR) proteins in prostate cancer.

Traditionally, human antibodies were utilized as delivery agents for therapy to patients with prostate cancer and a number of antibody-derived agents are FDA approved in this space, LeBeau explains. However, unlike human antibodies, camelid antibodies that are found in llamas, alpacas, and other animals, are small molecules with binding domains and motifs, LeBeau says. These are referred to as signal-domain antibodies because they are only made up of heavy chains, whereas human antibodies are made up of both heavy and light chains, LeBeau adds.

In addition to camelids, sharks have these antibodies. Thus, research is ongoing to evaluate the ability of shark VNARs to help in the treatment and diagnosis of cancers, including prostate cancer. 

Aaron LeBeau, PhD, discusses the potential of shark variable domain of new antigen receptor proteins in prostate cancer. 


Aaron LeBeau, PhD

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Dr. LeBeau on the Potential Applicability of Shark Antibodies in Prostate Cancer

Dr. LeBeau on the Potential Utility of Shark VNAR Proteins in Prostate Cancer