Payloads of Antibody-Drug Conjugates

The payload of antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) is the warhead of ADCs that kills the tumor cells. Three classes of highly potent toxins including maytansinoids, auristatins, and calicheamicins are currently being employed or pursued in the clinic as the payloads of ADCs. The structures, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and toxicities of these toxins are reviewed and discussed. The payloads along with the clinically tested ADCs and their therapeutic areas are summarized.