0
0
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT-R), in collaboration with leading Indian institutions, have developed a groundbreaking antibody discovery platform using shark-derived variable new antigen receptors (vNARs). Announced in January 2026, this innovation promises faster development of diagnostics and therapeutics for cancer, infectious diseases, and other conditions by leveraging the unique properties of shark antibodies.
Platform Development and Key Features
A 20-member team from IIT Roorkee, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Ashoka University, and AIIMS Delhi created a library of nearly 300 billion distinct single-domain vNAR variants from the white-spotted bamboo shark, which had not been exposed to specific pathogens. These vNARs, measuring 12-15 kDa, are about one-tenth the size of conventional human antibodies (150 kDa), enabling superior tissue penetration and access to hidden protein clefts inaccessible to larger molecules. Unlike traditional antibodies with light and heavy chains, vNARs function as single domains with extended CDR3 loops for precise binding, and they maintain stability under extreme conditions like high temperatures and low pH.
The platform’s “naïve” nature—built from non-immunized sharks—allows universal screening against diverse targets without prior antigen exposure. Proof-of-concept tests screened the library against nine targets, including viral proteins, cancer-associated molecules, and snake venom toxins, successfully isolating high-affinity binders whose structures and interactions were validated. IIT Roorkee has patented the technology and partnered with IMGENEX India Pvt Ltd for commercialization.
Expert Insights from the Research Team
Prof. Rajesh Kumar, principal investigator from IIT Roorkee’s Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, highlighted the vNARs’ advantages: “These shark-derived vNARs are exceptionally small, around 12 to 15 kDa, enabling better tissue penetration and binding to inaccessible protein clefts and functional sites. They also remain functional under extreme conditions such as high temperatures and low pH, giving them advantages over conventional antibodies.” IIT Roorkee Director Prof. K.K. Pant emphasized public health impact: “By developing a universal, high-diversity antibody discovery system, we are strengthening the country’s capacity for faster disease response and accelerating the development of affordable diagnostics and therapeutics for those who need them most.”
External experts echo this potential. Dr. Andrew LeBeau from the University of Wisconsin-Madison noted shark VNARs’ robustness: “Shark VNAR-based therapies could offer a drug to patients with cancer globally without the need for deep freezing or potentially even refrigeration.” A review in Frontiers in Immunology affirms vNARs’ high affinity and stability for anti-tumor applications.
Broader Context of Shark VNAR Technology
Sharks evolved vNARs over 500 million years ago as part of their immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (IgNAR) system, predating mammalian antibodies. Prior studies have isolated vNARs against SARS-CoV-2 variants, tumor antigens like TROP-2 and PD-L1, and toxins, demonstrating neutralization rivaling full-length antibodies. For instance, a 2024 study developed a vNAR-based immunotoxin targeting TROP-2 in breast cancer, showing strong in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity due to enhanced penetration. Libraries from nurse sharks have reached diversities of 1.2 × 10^10, but IIT-R’s 3 × 10^11 marks a significant scale-up.
This aligns with global trends in single-domain antibodies (nanobodies), including camelid VHHs, but shark vNARs excel in accessing cryptic epitopes via long CDR3 loops (median 20 amino acids).
Public Health Implications
For healthcare professionals, this platform accelerates antibody discovery from months to weeks, vital for pandemics or emerging cancers in resource-limited settings like India. Consumers may benefit from cheaper, stable diagnostics—vNARs resist denaturation, suiting point-of-care tests in rural areas—and targeted therapies minimizing side effects via precise tumor access. In cancer, where solid tumors resist penetration by antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), vNARs could enhance efficacy against breast, prostate, and others. Practical steps include monitoring clinical translations; patients should discuss with oncologists as options evolve.
India’s biotech self-reliance grows with this indigenous tool, potentially reducing import dependence for biologics.
Limitations and Future Challenges
While promising, vNARs face hurdles: potential immunogenicity in humans requires humanization to reduce rejection risks, though studies show feasibility without losing affinity. Early libraries sometimes yielded lower affinities, but large-scale naïve ones like IIT-R’s mitigate this. No human trials for this platform yet; preclinical data is strong, but translation needs validation. Ethical shark sourcing and scalability for production remain considerations.
Experts urge balanced optimism: “Limitations in library size and types of VNARs may be the major reasons why high affinity VNARs [were] generally difficult to isolate,” though IIT-R addresses this. Ongoing research, including IIT-R’s IMGENEX collaboration, will test real-world viability.
References
-
Economic Times Health (2026, Jan). IIT-R develops shark-based antibody discovery platform. https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/iit-r-develops-shark-based-antibody-discovery-platform-for-cancer-other-diseases/126956476
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.
