Monoclonal and Polyclonal Antibody Development
For the last few decades, the use of both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies has become widespread in laboratories all over the world. The adaptability of these biological tools to diverse applications means that they are involved in a large number of the processes which are developed in research laboratories, and in the R&D departments of many institutions.
Rabbit Polyclonal Antibodies
Depending on the with which the customer wishes to work, we adapt the most suitable one, ranging from straightforward target peptide sequences to the client’s cDNA, utilised as a basis, if available.
Moreover, we have standardised an immunisation protocol that has been thoroughly tested through our experience; this facilitates our knowledge of the behaviour and type of priority Igs which may interest us the most and which allow us to explore the animal’s immune system in order to adapt that response to the technical use the process has been designed for.
Apart from our team’s close relationship with the researcher, another important factor is the inclusion in our service of the purification (Protein A/G) of the antibodies from the animals serum.
This purification allows clients to achieve their goals by working with completely established material right from the start and, most importantly, it provides us with versatility in other services that can help them.
For example, specific Ag affinity purification, marked in different fluorochromes/enzymes, subsequent antibody modifications etc. These are additional services that ensure integral and completely personalised assistance.
Phospho-Specific Antibodies
Working with new proteins and advances in functionality discoveries sometimes make it necessary to differentiate between the activation/functionality of markers. Post-translational modifications in proteins, especially the phosphorylation of proteins, are involved in most cell processes and this makes their study essential in the development of new strategies in regard to numerous human diseases.
Our phospho-specific antibody purification system can detect specific phosphorylations in proteins from complex high sensitivity and high specificity cell mixtures.
Monoclonal Antibodies
For the last 15 years, Immunostep has generated dozens of projects in which the development of mouse monoclonal antibodies has been the key to our clients reaching their goals. We can guarantee high affinity and high specificity antibodies that will help our customers to succeed in achieving the aims of their research. We will find the solution they require from a large variety of antigens, which can be developed internally, or from the clients’ previous developments.
Using proteins as antigens, we can obtain monoclonal antibodies against the conformational epitopes of the target protein. This will maximise the antibody’s chances of binding to the native protein in a greater range of applications. Thus, from the sequence of this target protein only, we can carry out the whole process internally, and control and design the complete chain of development together with the client.
Phase 1: Study and Immunization protocol
It is the key phase in the entire process. Here the client’s needs are established, and subsequently the whole process is designed so as to obtain both the ideal antigen for the development and the control points. The immunisation period will vary from 30 to 90 days as needed.
- Standard protocol or customized design.
- Number of animals: 5 Balb/c mice.
- Intermediate bleeding for immunisation control.
Phase 2: Cell fusion, Selection and First Screening
An SP2 murine cell line is used to obtain hundreds of clones through thebinding of the splenocytes of immunised animals. These clones will provide a starting point for work on the localisation of the antibody required by the client.
- Conventional ELISA and/or WB for screening
- Validation with the immunogen
- Capture ELISA
- Competitive ELISA
- FACS screening
- Other additional types of screening are available
PHASE 3: Cloning and Second Screening
Once these antibodies/clones have been localised, we will begin to work on them in order to adjust the antibody, now a researcher’s tool.
Delivery of supernatants to the customer and consensual selection of the candidate clones. Customers make their choice according to their own tests.
PHASE 4: Stabilisation and Cryopreservation. Characterisation of the selected clones.
Tests such as Ig Isotyping, Mycoplasma tests etc.