New class of synthetic molecules mimics antibodies

The first synthetic molecules that have both the targeting and response functions of antibodies have been crafted by scientists. The new molecules synthetic antibody mimics attach themselves simultaneously to disease cells and disease-fighting cells. The result is a highly targeted immune response, similar to the action of natural human antibodies. Unlike antibodies, however, our molecules are synthetic organic compounds that are approximately one-twentieth the size of antibodies. It’s also noteworthy that molecules of such a small size can bring together two objects as enormous as cells, and trigger a specific functional response, entirely as a result of specific receptor interactions. Beyond their potential for treating prostate cancer, SyAMs may have applications for treating other forms of cancer, HIV and various bacterial diseases.