Autoantibody:Autoantigen Competitor Decoys: Application to Cardiac Phenotypes

Autoimmune diseases are often associated with autoantibodies that abnormally target self-antigens (autoantigens). An intuitive therapeutic strategy for diseases caused by aAbs is to design decoys, or soluble molecules that target the antigen combining site of these aAbs, thereby blocking binding of aAb to self-antigen and subsequent tissue damage. Here, we review the known decoy molecules of these types, discuss newer technological opportunities afforded by monoclonal antibody and structural biology advances, and discuss the challenges to this approach. Recent opportunities relevant to this approach for cardiac phenotypes, specifically Ro-associated long QT syndrome, are discussed.

Automated summary

Autoimmune diseases are often associated with autoantibodies that target self-antigens. A potential therapeutic approach is to design soluble molecules that can block the binding of these autoantibodies to self-antigens, thereby preventing tissue damage. This review discusses the known decoy molecules, the opportunities provided by monoclonal antibody and structural biology advances, and the challenges in implementing this approach. The potential application of this strategy in cardiac phenotypes, specifically Ro-associated long QT syndrome, is also discussed.