Novus Biologicals | Antibody News

A large percentage of the products in our antibody catalog are used for cancer research. Some oncogenes are expressed in several types of tumour, while others are quite specific. For example, there are several products on our antibody database which target genes specific to nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC), such as UBAP1 and MMP9. Recently, a Chinese cancer study, which used no fewer than 10,000 volunteer subjects, uncovered 3 new susceptibility genes for NPC.

NPC is a cancer which attacks the epithelial cells of the nasopharynx, the area of the upper throat located behind the nose. It is particularly prevalent in the Guangdong it is also known as Cantonese Cancer for this reason. The study, led by Dr Liu Jianjun and Professor Yi-Xin Zeng, performed a genome-wide association study to identify genetic risk factors specific to the South Chinese population, using 5,000 known sufferers and 5,000 controls. Antibody assays of tissue samples revealed that genetic HLA (human leukocyte antigen) variation, plus genetic alterations of the TNFRSF19, MDSIEVI1 and CDKN2A/2B genes could significantly increase the risk of developing NPC.

Human leukocyte antigens are cell-surface glycoproteins which, together form the major histocompatibility complex in humans. Formed of three classes, each with specific functions, they encode a wide range of proteins (including other genes) and are essential for immune function. They are present on almost all nucleated cells. We at Novus Biologicals have over 450 products on our antibody database targeting HLA proteins.

HLA genes were known to have a link with NPC as far back as 1974. However, low sample numbers and the range of genetic markers available hampered further identification. This latest study has overcome this to a large extent, allowing antibody suppliers like us to further enhance our NPC range.

Most reagents in antibody catalogs are produced using traditional immunisation technology, using peptides or other immunogens isolated and purified from cell lysates.

Typically, mice are immunised with the antigen in groups, varying the mouse strain and antigen dosage. Pre-immune and immune sera are evaluated and mice showing the best immune response are selected for somatic cell fusion. This is the fusion of antibody-producing lymphocytes with proprietary myeloma cells from a non-antibody producing source, creating a hybridoma.

The hybridoma cells then proliferate, producing a continuous supply of monoclonal antibodies. Hybridomas producing the best performing Abs are then cloned, increasing the likelihood of monoclonality. Although it is the standard technique for monoclonal antibody production, it often results in a poor yield when difficult target antigens are used. Problematic immunogens include transmembrane, conserved, and smaller sized proteins.

Recently, we at Novus Biologicals introduced a totally new concept to our antibody database: genomic antibody technology, or GAT. Using this technique, immunoglobulins can be produced targeted to the most complex of immunogens.

Genomic Antibody Technology avoids the use of native-sourced antigen entirely. Instead, the amino acid sequence is used, supplied as electronic information. The sequence is biosynthesised and placed in a proprietary plasmid vector (DNA able to exist outside the chromosome.) The plasmid is injected into specific tissues of a host animal (i.e. transfection). The cells take up the vector and proceed to synthesise and secrete the immunogen, which is immediately recognised by the immune system. The result is production of highly specific monoclonal antibodies in response.

GAT antibodies are an exciting new addition to our antibody catalogue, solving many of the problems associated with hybridoma technology and streamlining the whole process.

We at Novus Biologicals have an extensive antibody database covering all areas of biological research. Recently, we dramatically increased the scope of our antibody catalogue by the addition of over 800 antibodies created by Genomic Antibody Technology (GAT), the result of a new partnership with SDIX (Strategic Diagnostics, Inc.), who formulated the technique. As we begin creating novel GAT reagents of our own, this database will expand still further – there are many GAT antibodies still to be created.

Genomic Antibody Technology has many advantages over conventional immunization techniques, using a totally novel method in which immunoglobulins are produced using only the DNA sequence of the target antigen. The need for recombinant proteins, peptides and natively sourced antigens is eliminated. Not only does this make the entire process of producing antibodies time and cost effective, it also eliminates the possibility of protein denaturation, a common problem during expression and purification.

Genomic Antibody Technology is not limited to small immunogens. The immunogens to which the antibodies will be targeted are expressed in vivo, meaning large proteins of up to 100 amino acids can be used, with good native configuration which is presented direct to the immune system. This leads to the expression of high-performing, highly specific immunoglobulins.

In addition to the reagents in our antibody catalog, we at Novus Biologicals work with SDIX to provide custom antibodies to specific antigens supplied by our customers. If you are, for example, studying a specific tumour cell line these proteins can be in short supply or easily denatured. Because custom antibody production using GAT only requires you to supply the amino acid sequence, this is no longer a problem.