Comprehensive review on the elaboration of payloads derived from natural products for antibody-drug conjugates

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have arisen as a promising class of biotherapeutics for targeted cancer treatment, combining the specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the cytotoxicity of small-molecule drugs. The choice of an appropriate payload is crucial for the success development of ADCs, as it determines the therapeutic efficacy and safety profile. This review focuses on payloads derived from natural products, including cytotoxic agents, DNA-damaging agents, and immunomodulators. These offer several advantages such as diverse chemical structures, unique mechanism of actions, and potential for improved therapeutic index. Challenges and opportunities associated with their development were highlighted. This review underscores the significance of natural product payloads in the elaboration of ADCs, which serves as a valuable resource for researchers involved in developing and optimizing next-generation ADCs for cancer treatment. [Display omitted] •A comprehensive overview of payloads originating from natural products for ADCs is systematically presented.•The evolutionary history and mechanism of action of representative natural-based payloads are underscored.•Succinct discussions on challenges and prospects are included to inform the future design of natural-based payloads.