Summary: - goes beyond the standard engineering issues covered by most books and delves into structure-function relationships - discusses how current and future genetic engineering of cell lines will pave the way for much higher productivity - highlights the successes, failures and competition in the antibody engineering field from a neutral standpoint The field of antibody engineering has become a vital and integral part of making new, improved next generation therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, of which there are currently more than 300 in clinical trials across several therapeutic areas. Therapeutic antibody engineering examines all aspects of engineering monoclonal antibodies and analyses the effect that various genetic engineering approaches will have on candidates of the future. Chapters in the first part of the book provide an introduction to monoclonal antibodies, their discovery and development and the fundamental technologies used in their production. In the following chapters, the book covers a number of specific issues relating to different aspects of antibody engineering, including variable chain engineering, targets and mechanisms of action, classes of antibody and the use of antibody fragments, among many other topics. The last part of the book examines development issues, the interaction of human IgGs with non-human systems, and cell line development, before a conclusion looking at future issues affecting the field of therapeutic antibody engineering. About the authors: William R. Strohl is Vice President of Biologics Research at the J&J Biotechnology Center of Excellence, and was a leader in Merck's efforts to develop therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, as well as in-licensing of therapeutic targets and technologies associated with monoclonal antibodies. He has over 100 publications and several patents, and has edited two books. Lila M. Strohl is a Member of the Association of Medical Illustrators and is a Certified Medical Illustrator. She has worked as Head of Medical Illustration at St Anthony Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, and as a Medical Illustrator in the department of Biomedical Communications at Ohio State University. Contents: Introduction to biologics and monoclonal antibodies; Value proposition for therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and Fc fusion proteins; Antibody structure-function relationships; Fundamental technologies for antibody engineering; Sources of antibody variable chains; Variable chain engineering - humanization and optimization approaches; Antibody interactions with the immune system; Monoclonal antibody targets and mechanisms of action; Therapeutic antibody classes; Antibody Fc engineering for optimal antibody performance; IgG glycans and glyco-engineering; Antibody fragments as therapeutics; Multiple antibody and multi-specificity approaches; Fc fusion proteins and similar constructs using Fc; Antibody-drug conjugates; Development issues: Antibody stability, developability, immunogenicity, and comparability; Interactions of human IgGs with non-human systems; Cell line development; Issues facing therapeutic monoclonal antibodies for the future.