Example of chemically linked Fabs: twoFab' fragments linked with a thioether, resulting in a F(ab')2. The molecule is bound to a tumour cell via the tumour antigenCD30 and to amacrophage via anFc receptor.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s,clinical trials with chemically linked Fabs were conducted for the treatment of various types ofcancer. Early results were promising,[3][4] but the concept was dropped because of high production costs.[5]
^Glennie, M. J.; McBride, H. M.; Worth, A. T.; Stevenson, G. T. (1987). "Preparation and performance of bispecific F(ab' gamma)2 antibody containing thioether-linked Fab' gamma fragments".Journal of Immunology.139 (7):2367–2375.doi:10.4049/jimmunol.139.7.2367.PMID2958547.
