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SharePETA Science Consortium International e.V. and Abcam plc., a leading global life sciences company, are collaborating on a new project that could change the way some antibodies are produced for scientific research. The project will determine the DNA sequence of an animal-derived polyclonal antibody in order to produce the antibody recombinantly without the use of animals.
The novel project aims to replace the use of a polyclonal antibody commonly used in cancer research with a recombinant multiclonal antibody. Animal-derived polyclonal antibodies, which are derived from multiple B cells (antibody secreting cells) and recognise multiple binding regions on a target, are less exact and reliable than recombinant antibodies – which are highly specific for their intended target, consistent and reproducible across batches, and offer long-term and scalable supply.
The Science Consortium will fund a third-party, Abterra Biosciences, to sequence the antibody mixture using mass spectrometry and sequence analysis technology. Abcam will produce the identified candidate recombinant antibodies and evaluate their ability to be used in applications in which the polyclonal antibody was used.
“This is a great opportunity to continue our work with the PETA Science Consortium and make even more progress towards sustainable, high-performance antibodies that do not rely on animal use to produce. The collaboration is one way in which we’re embracing innovative approaches to ensure more sustainable production of our products – an important aspect of our commitment to support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals,” says Hannah Cable, Vice President of New Product Development at Abcam.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Abcam to advance our mutual goal of developing and validating recombinant antibodies,” says Science Consortium President Dr Amy Clippinger. “Sequencing existing antibodies and producing them recombinantly is one path towards producing scientifically superior antibodies without the use of animals.”