Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) have developed a high-diversity antibody discovery platform using shark-derived antibodies. This breakthrough could accelerate the development of diagnostics and therapeutics for cancer, infectious diseases, and other serious conditions.
Multi-Institutional Research Published in International Journal
A 20-member research team from IIT Roorkee, the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Ashoka University, and AIIMS Delhi conducted the study. The findings were published in the December edition of the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Unique Properties of Shark Antibodies
As reported by TOI, the researchers explained that sharks produce a rare class of antibodies known as Variable New Antigen Receptors (vNARs). Unlike conventional human antibodies, vNARs are significantly smaller yet highly stable. As a result, they can bind to molecular targets that larger antibodies often cannot access, making them especially valuable for biomedical applications.
Creation of a High-Diversity vNAR Antibody Library
To advance this research, the team constructed a library comprising nearly 300 billion distinct single-domain vNAR antibody variants derived from the white-spotted bamboo shark. Importantly, because the source shark had not been exposed to specific pathogens, the library can be screened against a broad range of disease-related targets.
Consequently, the platform functions as a universal antibody discovery system capable of identifying binders across multiple disease areas.
Validation Across Multiple Disease Targets
To demonstrate the platform’s effectiveness, the researchers screened the antibody library against nine diverse targets, including viral proteins, cancer-associated molecules, and snake venom toxins. In each case, they successfully isolated antibodies with strong binding affinity.
Furthermore, selected antibodies underwent detailed analysis to assess their structure, stability, and molecular interactions, confirming their suitability for downstream diagnostic and therapeutic development.
Expert Insights on Biomedical Potential
“These shark-derived vNARs are exceptionally small, around 12 to 15 kDa, which allows superior tissue penetration and access to protein clefts and functional sites that are otherwise difficult to target,” said Prof. Rajesh Kumar, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Roorkee, and principal investigator of the study. “They also remain functional under extreme conditions such as high temperatures and low pH, giving them clear advantages over conventional antibodies.”
Patent Filing and Industry Collaboration
Following the successful development of the platform, IIT Roorkee has filed a patent for the technology. In addition, the institute has entered into a collaboration with IMGENEX India Pvt Ltd to explore its diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Strengthening India’s Disease Response Capabilities
Highlighting the broader impact of the research, Prof. K. K. Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, said, “By developing a universal, high-diversity antibody discovery system, we are strengthening the country’s capacity for faster disease response. At the same time, we are accelerating the development of affordable diagnostics and therapeutics for those who need them most.”
This innovation positions India at the forefront of next-generation antibody engineering and opens new pathways for addressing complex diseases with precision and speed.