Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) have developed a high‑diversity antibody discovery platform using shark‑derived antibodies, a breakthrough that could accelerate the development of diagnostics and therapeutics for cancer, infectious diseases and other conditions. The work, carried out by a 20‑member team from IIT Roorkee, the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Ashoka University and AIIMS Delhi, was published in the December edition of the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Sharks produce a rare class of antibodies known as Variable New Antigen Receptors (vNARs), which are significantly smaller than conventional human antibodies but remain highly stable, the scientists said. Their compact size allows them to bind to molecular targets that are often inaccessible to larger antibodies, making them attractive tools for biomedical applications ranging from imaging to targeted therapy.
For this project, the team created an ultra‑large library of nearly 300 billion distinct single‑domain vNAR antibody variants derived from the white‑spotted bamboo shark. Because the source shark had not been exposed to specific pathogens, the library can be screened against a wide spectrum of disease‑related targets, effectively functioning as a universal antibody discovery system rather than one limited to a few antigens.
To demonstrate its potential, the library was screened against nine different targets, including viral proteins, cancer‑associated molecules and snake‑venom toxins. In each case, the researchers were able to isolate antibodies with strong binding properties, which were then further evaluated for structure, stability and molecular interactions.
“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,” said Prof Rajesh Kumar of IIT Roorkee’s Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, the study’s principal researcher. “They also remain functional under extreme conditions such as high temperatures and low pH, giving them advantages over conventional antibodies,” he added.
IIT Roorkee has filed a patent for the technology and signed a collaboration with IMGENEX India Pvt Ltd to explore its diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The partnership aims to translate the platform into scalable products, including indigenous assays and biologics, that can be deployed in India and other markets.
“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,” said Prof. K.K. Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee. Institute officials said the shark‑based vNAR platform positions India to play a larger role in next‑generation biologics and precision medicine by combining academic discovery with industry collaboration.
