Classroom Simulation on the Basics Protein-Based Biotherapeutics: Explanation by Dr. Carter

Classroom Simulation on the Basics of Protein-Based Biotherapeutics: Explanation by Dr. Carter

Setting: A small college classroom with posters of cell structures and DNA models on the walls. The “teacher”, Dr. Emily Carter, a knowledgeable and engaging biology professor, stands at the front of the room near a whiteboard. Two students, Alex and Maya, are seated in the front row, eagerly raising their hands during a discussion on proteins.

Dr. Carter: (smiling) Alright, class, we’ve just covered the basics of protein structure and function. Proteins are the workhorses of the cell, from enzymes to signaling molecules. Do you have any questions before we proceed to protein synthesis?

Alex: (raising hand) Dr. Carter, I read something about protein-based biotherapeutics. Can you explain what those are? It sounds like they’re used in medicine, but I’m not sure how.

Dr. Carter: Alex! Protein-based biotherapeutics are a class of medical treatments that use proteins—either naturally occurring or engineered—to treat diseases. Unlike small-molecule drugs, such as aspirin, which are chemically synthesized, biotherapeutics are derived from living organisms and are often significantly larger and more complex in structure. They include items such as monoclonal antibodies, insulin, or even engineered proteins designed to target specific diseases. Would you like me to provide a more detailed example?

Maya: (nodding) Yeah, definitely! Can you give us an example of how they’re used? Like, how do proteins actually help treat something?

Dr. Carter: Absolutely, Maya. Let’s take monoclonal antibodies as an example—they’re one of the most exciting types of biotherapeutics. These are proteins designed to bind specifically to a target, such as a protein on the surface of a cancer cell. By binding to that target, they can either block its function or flag it for the immune system to destroy. For instance, a drug like trastuzumab—commonly known as Herceptin—is a monoclonal antibody used to treat certain types of breast cancer. It targets a protein called HER2, which is overexpressed in some cancer cells, and slows their growth.

Alex: (curious) That’s cool! So, are these proteins made in a lab, or do they come from, like, humans or animals?

Dr. Carter: Most biotherapeutics are produced using recombinant DNA technology. Scientists insert the gene for the desired protein into cells—such as bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells—and those cells act like little factories, producing the protein. For example, insulin, used to treat diabetes, is often made in E. coli bacteria or yeast cells. The proteins are then purified and formulated into drugs. These protein molecules, however, can stick together during the manufacturing process to form particles that can cause an unwanted immune response in patients. To manage these particles, biopharmaceutical companies need to be able to measure and monitor them. 

As a side note, Alex, the new standard reference material (SRM) from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will help them do that. All of this is a fascinating blend of biology and engineering! And I encourage you to read the article: “The New Genesis: From Reading to Writing the Human Code,” which explores the convergence of a combined force that has the potential to transform biology into an engineering discipline.

Maya: (raising hand again) Okay, but are there any downsides? Like, are these treatments safe, or do they cause side effects?

Dr. Carter: You’re thinking critically, Maya—that’s excellent. Biotherapeutics are generally very targeted, which can make them safer than traditional drugs in some cases, but they’re not without challenges. For one, because they’re proteins, they can sometimes trigger immune responses, like allergic reactions. They’re also expensive to produce due to the complex manufacturing process. And unlike small-molecule drugs, which you can take as a pill, most protein-based drugs need to be injected because they’d be broken down in your digestive system. Still, their precision makes them game-changers for diseases like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and even rare genetic conditions.

Alex: (excited) That sounds like it could be the future of medicine! Are there new kinds of biotherapeutics being developed?

Dr. Carter: Oh, absolutely! The field is exploding with innovation. For example, researchers are working on bispecific antibodies, which can bind to two different targets simultaneously, such as two disease-related proteins. There are also protein-based vaccines, such as those used for COVID-19, and gene-editing tools like CRISPR, which rely on proteins to edit DNA. It’s an exciting time, and a lot of what you’ll learn in biology will underpin these advancements.

Maya: (thoughtful) So, if we wanted to work on this stuff, would we need to study biology and, like, engineering too?

Dr. Carter: You’re spot on, Maya. Biotherapeutics is an interdisciplinary field. A strong foundation in biology is key for Ascendancy—understanding proteins, cells, and molecular biology is critical. But you’d also benefit from knowledge in biochemistry, bioengineering, or even computational biology for designing new therapies. Many people in this field have advanced degrees, but you can start with a solid foundation in Biology 101! (smiles) Any other questions about this?

Alex: I think I get it now. It’s like using the body’s own tools to fight disease, right?

Dr. Carter: Exactly, Alex! You’re harnessing the power of proteins to work with the body’s systems, not against them. It’s precise, elegant, and a testament to the significant advancements we’ve made in biology. Alright, let’s shift gears to protein synthesis—unless you two have more biotherapeutics questions?

Maya: (grinning) I’m good for now, but I might want to do my project on this. It’s pretty cool!

Dr. Carter: (enthusiastically) I love that enthusiasm, Maya! Let’s talk after class if you want some resources for your project. Now, let’s dive into transcription and translation…

Ending Note:

This simulated dialogue incorporates accurate information about protein-based biotherapeutics, drawing on their role in medicine, production methods, and the challenges they present. A reference article, “New NIST Reference Material to Strengthen Quality Control for Biological Drugs,” was used for the simulation. 

By:

Irving A. Jiménez Narváez

Note: Some parts of the class simulation were edited using Grammarly and researched in conjunction with the previously mentioned article (NIST) and Grok.