Using Custom Monoclonal Antibodies in Biomedical Research
Antibodies are a key tool for rigorous biomedical research. But often the specialized antibodies that researchers need aren’t commercially available or may require time-consuming custom immunization and screening processes. The CCSG’s Antibody and BioResource Core supports research by generating high-quality, non-commercially-available custom monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in collaboration with investigators to address specific experimental contexts.
Our human custom monoclonal antibodies in biomedical research antibody services include hybridoma generation, recombinant cell line production, and purification of antibody-secreting cells. We can also conjugate these antibodies to a wide variety of reagents and therapeutic molecules, such as drugs or toxins, through our robust bioconjugation capabilities.
Custom monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-engineered molecules that specifically bind to target antigens, mimicking the immune system’s natural attack on unwanted cell types like cancers. As versatile tools used either as a stand-alone therapeutic agent or a carrier for drug delivery, they can be employed in immunoassays such as ELISA and lateral flow tests and for detection of disease biomarkers.
Antibody engineering has enabled a new level of precision for identifying and targeting proteins to reduce off-target effects while maximizing their effectiveness. For example, bespoke antibody creation for PD-1 inhibiting antigens reduced immune activation in clinical trials of the cancer immunotherapy Nivolumab. This helped maintain a durable response against tumors and reduced side effects for patients. These examples demonstrate how combining expert knowledge of antigens, target-specific engineering, and extensive testing and quality control can produce the best-in-class, customized antibodies for your application. This includes characterization assays to verify the antibodies’ specificity and affinity for their target antigen, as well as validation assays such as neutralization and flow cytometry.
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