Engineering Next-Generation Bispecific Antibodies for Antiviral Immunotherapy

Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) integrate distinct binding specificities into a single therapeutic molecule, unlocking biological activities beyond the reach of conventional monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Their design and functional properties make them promising candidates for antiviral immunotherapy research. Nevertheless, selecting suitable antibody formats and identifying effective combinations of parental binding domains remain critical considerations when engineering candidates against emerging viral pathogens.

In this presentation, Jonathan Lai, PhD, discusses the development of bispecific antibody therapeutics targeting emerging viruses, including influenza virus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, and Ebola virus. He examines how different bispecific antibody formats are engineered and evaluated, describes workflows for selecting promising candidates, and explores how the specificities of parental antibody variable domains influence antiviral activity. Lai also addresses the potential advantages of bispecific antibodies over conventional monoclonal antibodies in the development of antiviral immunotherapies.

Attendees will:

• Examine how bispecific antibody engineering can generate antiviral activities beyond those of conventional monoclonal antibodies.
• Explore different bispecific antibody formats and their applications against emerging viral pathogens.
• Identify considerations for evaluating and selecting promising bispecific antibody candidates.
• Discuss how parental antibody specificity influences antiviral activity and therapeutic design.

Jonathan Lai, PhD
Dan Danciger Professor of Biochemistry
Albert Einstein College of Medicine

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