Antigen Design

The identification and preparation of the target antigen is one of the most important parts of an antibody discovery project. Paragon will work with the client to determine the optimal format for both display screening and traditional hybridoma.

Secreted or cytosolic antigen, or viruses or Virus-like particles that may be obtained from cell culture can be used as primary immunizing agent. Paragon is acutely experienced in gene transfection in eukaryotic as well as prokaryotic cells, and therefore uniquely capable of designing appropriate target production cultures.

It is often desirable to use polypeptide sequences rather than whole proteins for immunization. Paragon will work with the client to determine optimal peptide selection. We will then subcontract the synthesis of peptides, including preparation of carrier conjugates and/or multi-antigenic peptide systems (MAPS).

Membrane-associated antigen can present unique challenges, particularly when comprising multiple trans-membrane domains (e.g. G-protein coupled receptors).
 

Use of the host cell for immunization, and subsequent screening against knock-out or siRNA suppressed cells.

Transfection into an appropriate cell line, such as the NS-0 myeloma of mouse origin for immunization of mice.

Immunizing with polypeptides representing specific extracellular domains.