Structure–function relationships of human IgG subclasses: implications for therapeutic antibody engineering and clinical application
摘要
Human immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies have revolutionized modern medicine, emerging as powerful tools in the treatment of cancers, autoimmune and infectious diseases. IgG antibodies are subdivided into four subclasses; IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 - each with unique structural characteristics, effector functions, and pharmacokinetic profiles. These differences significantly influence their performance in therapeutic applications. This review explores the structure-function relationships of IgG subclasses and examines how an in-depth understanding of these distinctions informs subclass selection in therapeutic antibody development. We discuss the roles of hinge region flexibility, Fc receptor binding, complement activation, and half-life in governing antibody activity. Further, we examine case studies of FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies to demonstrate how subclass choice aligns with disease biology and therapeutic goals. Finally, we explore cutting-edge engineering strategies - including Fc silencing, FcRn affinity enhancement, and glycoengineering that enable tailored design of antibody therapeutics. This review provides a rational framework for optimizing antibody-based therapies by mapping the mechanistic underpinnings of IgG subclass behavior to clinical outcomes.