Target Analysis and Immunization

Choosing the right combination of immunogens, immunization schedules and species mitigates risk and ensures the best outcomes. Based on the characteristics of the antigen and starting material, we can develop peptides, proteins, or antibodies, suitable for customization from multiple immunization platforms.

IPA has developed multiple strategies to select the correct domains of your target antigen (e.g., in silico modelling) and combine these antigens with the optimized immunization routes in different species. Depending on the characteristics of the individual antigen and the available starting material, we either generate synthetic peptides, recombinant proteins, antibodies, or antibody fragments (anti-idiotypic projects), cell lines suitable for immunization (syngeneic), or plasmids for genetic immunization (NonaVac^TM). We can further immunize with smaller proteins or whole cell bacteria.

Our genetic immunization protocols have proven successful in the generation of monoclonal antibodies against new, challenging, and conformation-sensitive targets, and have been successfully applied in transgenic animals.

Through our proprietary vectors, our algorithm-based protocols produce native protein with appropriate post-translational modifications in vivo and provide very high transfection efficiency. We recommend this technology for complex protein classes, including GPCRs and ion channels as it bypasses the requirement to produce difficult recombinant proteins, and overcomes conformational obstacles of such antigens. Our vectors are developed in-house and not subject to downstream milestones and royalties.

Rapid Prime identifies positive monoclonal antibodies in as little as 32 days. This method is especially beneficial for generating anti-idiotypic antibodies, and producing monoclonal antibodies against conformational epitopes. Other sources of immunogens include conserved or smaller proteins, peptides, and whole cell bacteria.

After the immunization of rodents, we apply our proprietary electrofusion or PEG-fusion to generate hybridomas. The subsequent cloning, using semi-solid media and clone picking to accelerate the process, allows us to identify monoclonal antibody producing hybridoma cells, fast.

Rapid Prime immunization can also be combined with B cell Select or Phage Display.

Immunization of multiple species with a syngeneic cell line. After the selection of the species for the immunization, we discuss a suitable cell line and prepare transfected cells for immunization and screening.

The success of your antibody development project is highly dependent on the quality of your antigen. IPA can produce your antigen at the scale and quality needed for immunization and use it seamlessly in a subsequent antibody discovery campaign. 

In the case of anti-peptide projects, the immunizing antigen must be of high purity, enabled for carrier conjugation and safe for injection into animals. Therefore, to help ensure the best start to your antibody development projects, IPA’s scientists assist you in epitope prediction and antigen design. Our peptide production service also includes modifications such as phosphorylations.