Humanized Anti-NRP2 Antibodies for Selective Ligand Blocking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies lack effective antibodies that can selectively target the neuropilin-2 (NRP2) axis to modulate cellular processes associated with diseases such as cancer, chemoresistance, and immune homeostasis, given the complex and diverse roles of NRP2 in cellular functions.

Innovation Solution

Development of affinity matured and humanized antibodies and antigen-binding fragments that specifically bind to human NRP2 polypeptides, modulating binding interactions and downstream signaling events, including therapeutic compositions to treat NRP2-associated diseases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional antibodies are used to target NRP2, then general binding may occur, but selective targeting of NRP2 axis is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective binding to NRP2VSAvoidantibody structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by engineering specific CDR regions of the antibody to have enhanced affinity and selectivity for NRP2. The affinity-matured CDR sequences are locally optimized to recognize specific epitopes on NRP2, while the rest of the antibody structure remains relatively standard. This localized optimization achieves selective targeting without requiring complete structural redesign of the entire antibody molecule.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the amino acid sequences in the CDR regions to improve binding affinity and selectivity. Specific mutations in the CDR sequences alter the physical-chemical parameters of the antibody-antigen interaction, such as hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, and electrostatic interactions, thereby enhancing selective binding to NRP2 while maintaining structural feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If affinity matured antibodies are developed to improve binding specificity, then selective targeting increases, but development time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding specificityVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-identifying and selecting CDR sequences with potential affinity for NRP2 through phage display or other screening methods. These preliminary CDR sequences are then subjected to focused affinity maturation processes, such as site-directed mutagenesis or limited random mutagenesis in specific CDR regions. This preliminary selection and focused optimization approach reduces the overall development time compared to de novo antibody design, while achieving high binding specificity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the antibody structure by focusing affinity maturation efforts specifically on the CDR regions, particularly CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of the heavy chain and light chain. By dividing the antibody into functional segments and optimizing only the critical CDR regions responsible for antigen recognition, the development process becomes more efficient and targeted, reducing the time required to achieve high binding specificity without needing to optimize the entire antibody structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If humanized antibodies are created to reduce immunogenicity, then therapeutic applicability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic applicabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses humanized antibody construction as an intermediary approach. The CDR regions from non-human sources (such as mouse or phage display libraries) are grafted onto human framework regions. This humanized framework acts as an intermediary structure that reduces immunogenicity while maintaining the antigen-binding specificity of the original CDRs. The resulting humanized antibody can be manufactured using standard mammalian cell expression systems, balancing therapeutic applicability with manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by using standardized human framework regions that can accommodate various CDR sequences. The human IgG framework serves as a universal platform that can be combined with different CDR regions targeting various epitopes on NRP2 or other antigens. This universal human backbone simplifies manufacturing processes and regulatory approval, as humanized antibodies with IgG structures can be produced using established bioprocessing techniques and have predictable pharmacokinetic properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260092122A1Compositions and methods comprising Anti-NRP2 antibodies
Publication Date: 2026.04.02 ATYR PHARM INC
  • US20260092122A1 patent drawing
  • US20260092122A1 patent drawing
  • US20260092122A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are affinity matured and humanized antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof that specifically bind to human neuropilin-2 (NRP2) polypeptides, including those that modulate binding interactions between human NRP2 and at least one NRP2 ligand, and which thereby modulate subsequent NRP2-mediated downstream signaling events, including related therapeutic compositions and methods for modulating NRP2 activity and treating diseases such as NRP2-associated diseases.