Fc Engineering 

Fc regions mediate antibody function by binding to different receptors on immune effector cells such as macrophages, natural killer cells, B-cells and neutrophils. Some of these receptors, such as CD16A and CD32A, activate the cells to build a response against antigens. Other receptors, such as CD32B inhibit the activation of immune cells. By engineering Fc regions that bind to activating receptors with greater selectivity, antibodies can be created that have greater capability to mediate cytotoxic activities desired by an anti-cancer Mab. Fc regions have also been engineered to specifically bind the inhibitory receptor, CD32B. Triggering the inhibitory receptor will provide a more effective treatment of autoimmune diseases and allergy.

MacroGenics has established a proprietary platform to engineer, screen, identify and test Fc regions with enhanced activity. In particular, the company has exclusive access to transgenic mice that express human Fc receptors. These mice can be used for in vivo testing of antibodies that incorporate Fc variants, especially antibodies intended for cancer therapy.