Fig. 1

Chemical structure of Brentuximab vedotin showing the mAb (cAC10), dipeptide linker, spacer & drug (MMAE). The mAb is used to target the CD30 expressed as the unique immunophenotype on the HRS cells of the BV infiltrate. The dipeptide linker is cathepsin specific, though specificity to a large number of cathepsins can increase cytotoxicity by promoting non-specific payload release. Scientists are on the lookout for cathepsin B-specific linkers such that the linker is cleaved only in the cathepsin B-producing tumor cells. The spacer is usually a para-amino benzyl carbamate spacer, which helps maintain stability in the bloodstream and undergoes self-immolated disassembly to release the MMAE