Oskar Smrzka

Dr. Oskar Smrzka


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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ARAleksandra Rodak
Aleksandra Rodak
KSKatharina Stadlbauer
Katharina Stadlbauer
MBMadhusudhan Reddy Bobbili
Madhusudhan Reddy Bobbili
OSOskar Smrzka
Oskar Smrzka
Florian RuekerFlorian Rueker
Florian Rueker
GKGordana Wozniak Knopp
Gordana Wozniak Knopp
High numbers of membrane immunoglobulin E (IgE)-positive cells are characteristic of allergic conditions, atopic dermatitis, or IgE myeloma. Antibodies targeting the extracellular membrane-proximal domain of the membranous IgE-B-cell receptor (BCR) fragment can be used for specific depletion of IgE-BCR-positive cells. In this study, we derivatized such an antibody with a toxin and developed an antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) that showed strong cytotoxicity for an IgE-positive target cell line. Site-specific conjugation with maleimidocaproyl-valine-citrulline-p-aminobenzoyloxycarbonyl-monomethyl-auristatin E via a newly introduced single cysteine residue was used to prepare a compound with a drug–antibody ratio of 2 and favorable biophysical properties. The antibody was rapidly taken up by the target cells, showing almost complete internalization after 4 h of treatment. Its cytotoxic effect was potentiated upon cross-linking mediated by an anti-human IgG F(ab’)2 fragment. Because of its fast internalization and strict target specificity, this antibody–drug conjugate presents a valuable starting point for the further development of an anti-IgE cell-depleting agent, operating by the combined action of receptor cross-linking and toxin-mediated cytotoxicity.