GLP-1R antibodies are monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies designed to target the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) involved in glucose homeostasis, insulin secretion, and anti-inflammatory responses . These antibodies are used for:
Research: Detecting receptor expression in tissues (e.g., pancreatic β-cells, neurons) .
Therapeutics: Antagonizing or agonizing GLP-1R to treat metabolic disorders like diabetes, obesity, and congenital hyperinsulinism .
Key advancements in antibody development include:
Phage Display Libraries: Used to isolate high-affinity single-chain variable fragments (ScFvs) against GLP-1R . For example, Glp1R0017 (IC₅₀ = 5.2 nmol/L) showed cross-species antagonism in mice, rats, and humans .
Synthetic DNA Platforms: Twist Bioscience’s GPCR antibody library enabled the development of TB-222-023, a potent antagonist with superior efficacy compared to peptide-based inhibitors like Exendin .
Antagonists: Reverse glucose-lowering effects of GLP-1 agonists (e.g., liraglutide) by blocking receptor signaling .
Agonists: Enhance insulin secretion via cAMP/PKA pathways, promoting β-cell survival .
Metabolic Effects: Chronic GLP-1R activation increases glycolysis and ATP production in β-cells via mTOR/HIF-1α pathways .
Anti-Inflammatory Action: Antibodies like exendin-4 reduce NF-κB activation, lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines in intestinal diseases .
Here’s a structured FAQ collection for researchers focusing on GLP-1 antibodies in academic contexts, synthesized from peer-reviewed studies and technical reports:
Analytical framework:
Use pH-sensitive fluorescent tags (e.g., pHrodo) to track internalization dynamics .
Co-administer lysosomal inhibitors (e.g., chloroquine) to preserve surface receptor levels .
Implement orthogonal characterization:
Phage display libraries with diversity-enhancing CDR regions (e.g., Twist Bioscience’s GPCR library) enable isolation of antibodies binding human/mouse GLP-1R .
Example: Glp1R0017 antibody antagonizes GLP-1R in 5 species (human, mouse, rat, dog, cynomolgus) with IC50 ≤ 2 nM .
Covalent "painting" via reactive peptides (e.g., MIT-PEP sequence) achieves >40% antibody-drug coupling efficiency at 37°C .
In vivo results: Single ADC dose in obese mice reduced body weight by 12% over 15d vs. 6% with free drug .
Root cause: Differences in assay glucose concentrations (5 mM vs. 11 mM) alter glucose-dependent activity .
Recommendation: Standardize glucose levels (8–10 mM) and include GLP-1R-negative controls .