Figure 1.

ADCs structure and mechanism. By Figdraw (www.figdraw.com) ADC, antibody-drug conjugate. ADCs consist of antibodies, linkers, and potent cytotoxic agents. Once they enter the bloodstream, these drugs bind specifically to their target cells and undergo endocytosis. Within the lysosomes, the linker is cleaved by cellular proteases, leading to the release of the cytotoxic drug. This drug then acts by disrupting the DNA and microtubules of cancer cells, ultimately inducing apoptosis in the targeted cancer cells.