Fusion Proteins

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Fusion proteins have gained significant traction in both clinical and commercial applications. By genetically linking different protein sequences, scientists can create multifunctional molecules tailored to specific therapeutic needs. These engineered proteins have transformed treatment paradigms for a wide range of diseases, from immune disorders to neurodegenerative diseases. Some well-known fusion proteins, such as Etanercept and Aflibercept, have become critical components of modern biopharmaceuticals.

Creative BioMart offers a diverse selection of fusion proteins, specifically designed for therapeutic applications, ensuring high quality, stability, and efficacy in biomedical research and drug development.

Background of Fusion Proteins

What Are Fusion Proteins?

Fusion proteins, also known as chimeric proteins, are engineered proteins that combine two or more distinct functional domains into a single polypeptide chain. This fusion is typically achieved through genetic recombination techniques, allowing scientists to design proteins with desired biological properties. The fusion process may involve linking:

• A therapeutic protein to an immunoglobulin (Ig) Fc domain to enhance stability and prolong half-life.
• A receptor-binding domain to a signaling molecule to improve specificity and function.
• A ligand-binding domain to a toxin or enzyme to create a targeted drug delivery system.

Figure 1. Schematic illustration of peptide-Fc fusion proteins. The structure of a full IgG and Fc-fusion proteins and their respective counterparts are presented. A, Each IgG molecule has two heavy chains, linked together by disulfide bonds, and two light chains also joined to heavy chains by disulfide bonds. The variable regions of the heavy and light chain modulate antigen specificity and binding, and the Fc domain of the heavy chain is responsible for increased complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), and increased serum half-life. Currently, investigators conjugate different therapeutic molecules (e.g., drugs, peptides) to the Fc region. B, Representation of a generic Fc-fusion protein where the Fc region of a full IgG stay, to keep the properties associated with the domain, and the Fab region substituted. Herein, a protein of interest is attached to the Fc region to recognize a soluble antigen/substrate (e.g., receptor or enzyme), bind to a receptor (cytokine), or increase selectivity or eliminate a bacteria/cancer cell (e.g., peptide). C, Examples of peptibodies approved and in clinical studies. Left Romiplostim, a peptibody composed of a dimerized IgG1 Fc domain fused to four identical peptides that bind thrombopoietin (TPO)-receptor (60 kDa). Middle Trebananib, two angiopoietins (Ang-1 and -2) binding peptides fused to an IgG1 (64 kDa). Right Dulaglutide, a dimer of Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analog fused to an IgG4 (70 kDa) (Cavaco et al., 2018)

Fusion proteins are designed to optimize therapeutic function by exploiting the synergistic effects of different protein domains. They can improve pharmacokinetics, reduce immune responses and increase the bioavailability of the therapeutic protein.

Types of Fusion Proteins

Fusion proteins can be classified based on their structural and functional properties. The primary categories include:

Receptor-Ig Fusion Proteins

• These molecules combine the extracellular domain of a receptor with the Fc region of an immunoglobulin, improving stability and reducing clearance.
• Example: Etanercept is a TNF receptor-Ig fusion protein used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions.

Cytokine-Ig Fusion Proteins

• These proteins fuse cytokines with the Fc domain to prolong half-life and reduce systemic toxicity.
• Example: Emapalumab, an IFNγ-blocking monoclonal antibody fusion protein, used in treating hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).

Enzyme Fusion Proteins

• These combine an enzyme with another protein to enhance delivery or specificity.
• Example: L-asparaginase fusion proteins used in acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment.

Toxin Fusion Proteins

• These are engineered to deliver toxins selectively to diseased cells.
• Example: Denileukin diftitox, which combines IL-2 with diphtheria toxin to target leukemic cells.

Targeted Growth Factor Fusion Proteins

• These use fusion technology to direct growth factors to specific tissues.
• Example: Aflibercept, which traps vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to treat macular degeneration.

Advantages of Fusion Proteins

Fusion proteins offer several advantages over traditional biologics and small-molecule drugs:

• Extended Half-Life: Many fusion proteins incorporate Fc domains that prolong protein circulation by preventing rapid degradation and clearance.
• Enhanced Stability: Fusion with immunoglobulin or other domains improves structural integrity and reduces denaturation risks.
• Reduced Immunogenicity: Engineered fusion proteins can be designed to minimize immune responses, reducing potential side effects.
• Increased Specificity: By combining multiple functional domains, fusion proteins can be tailored for highly selective interactions, minimizing off-target effects.
• Improved Drug Delivery: Some fusion proteins facilitate the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, such as toxins or enzymes, directly to diseased tissue.

Hot Products

At Creative BioMart, we specialize in providing high-purity, customizable, and scalable fusion proteins to support your research and therapeutic development. Whether you're working on biologics, immunotherapy, or targeted drug delivery, our GMP-compliant fusion proteins ensure superior stability, enhanced bioactivity, and batch-to-batch consistency.

Why Choose Us?

• High-quality, bioactive fusion proteins
• Customizable solutions tailored to your needs
• Scalable production for research & commercial use
• Regulatory-compliant & ready for clinical applications
• Expert technical support every step of the way

Accelerate your innovations with our industry-leading fusion proteins! Contact us today to discuss your requirements and discover how our solutions can improve your research and therapeutic success.

Reference

1. Cavaco M, Castanho MARB, Neves V. Peptibodies: An elegant solution for a long‐standing problem. Peptide Science. 2018;110(1):e23095. doi:10.1002/bip.23095