FAQ
I was not aware that antibodies can be generated through genetic immunization. How does this work in principle?
Small amounts of a eucaryotic expression vector (plasmid DNA) with the gene subcloned that encodes the target protein is administered directly into the skin of the immunized animals using a gene gun. The plasmid DNA is introduced directly into the cytoplasm of different cells within the dermis. These cells express and secrete the antigen which is then available for recognition and transportation by antigen-presenting cells (APC) and B cells in the lymphoid tissues. The APC process the antigen intracellularly and activate T helper cells that provide a suitable cytokine milieu for the antigen-specific B cells to develop into antibody-producing plasma cells.
GENEART and GENOVAC are partners in the production of antibodies by genetic immunization. What does GENOVAC do and what role does GENEART play in the cooperation?
GENEART's optimized genes are used for genetic immunization at GENOVAC. Prices and services are the same, no matter whether you order via GENEART or GENOVAC. If you need an expression-optimized synthetic gene for immunization, it is best to make use of GENEART's expertise in gene design for immunization. GENEART wil then supervise the entire antibody project. GENEART's core expertise is in the field of gene synthesis and optimization, while GENOVAC specializes in genetic immunization and screening for antibodies where no protein is available. both companies agreed to the partnership to enhance the benefits to their customers in terms of increased immunization success with optimized genes or if a customer is unable to provide a gene for immunization.
From DNA sequence file directly to antibody – what does that mean?
Thanks to its expertise in gene design and de novo gene synthesis, GENEART can provide you with a fully synthetic RNA and codon-optimized gene which is also optimized for both expression and immunogenicity of the encoded product. Genetic immunization with such optimized genes can induce enhanced antibody titers in cases where wildtype genes result in weak or no specific antibody responses. GENEART was the first company in the world to offer this service and received an award for it in 2004 (http://www.geneart.com/press/PM02022004engl.php).
GENEART is proud to include this service in the partnership with GENOVAC.
What are the advantages of genetic immunization compared to conventional immunization?
The most important advantages are as follows:
- Convenient and saves time and money (no need for purified protein or peptide)
- Higher affinity and specificity of the resulting antibodies (due to continuous presentation of native protein to the immune system without contaminating by-products as frequently happens with purified protein preparations)
- Antibodies against native protein structures, toxic proteins, isoforms, mutant protein variants and self-proteins (possible due to the flexible construction of immunogen and expression vectors for immunization with DNA)
Can I use any expression vector for immunization, or do you use a special one?
In principle, any mammalian expression vector is suitable but, depending on the antigen, the result of genetic immunization is very different (sometimes there is no antibody response at all). We use specially developed immunization vectors that have been optimized for optimal display of the antigen to the immune system of the animals. This results in optimized secretion of the antigen and activates the response of the immune system to the antigen. Our vectors are superior to conventional expression vectors and can be used for all the various antigens.
Which antigens can be used for genetic immunization?
With conventional expression vectors, secreted and cell surface antigens are generally suitable for genetic immunization, whereas nuclear and cytoplasmatic antigens are less suitable. Using our proprietary vectors, however, we are able to induce antibodies against cytoplasmatic and nuclear antigens.
Can I send my sequence data by e-mail?
Yes, but it is recommended to fill out the online request form on our website as this ensures that customers provide the exact data we require to prepare a quotation. SSL protection ensures secure data transfer. If we have additional questions after receiving the questionnaire we will contact you by e-mail or phone.
How long do you need for the production of antisera/antibodies?
For polyclonal antisera we need approximately 3 months. For the production of monoclonal antibodies, the time needed depends mainly on the immune response to the antigen (number of booster immunizations) and the extent of the subcloning required. The average delivery time is 6 months. If you order a synthetic gene for immunization, the time for gene synthesis and subcloning has to be added. For a 1000 bp gene we need about 20 additional business days.
How good is your success rate for the production of antibodies by genetic immunization?
Where our feasibility analysis indicates that the project has a good chance of succeeding, we have a success rate of over 80%. We constantly work on our immunization strategy to increase the reliability of our services.
Can you guarantee successful production of antibodies and do you have a milestone system?
We provide no guarantees but most projects have been successful thanks to our improved immunization strategy and immunization vector. We work on the basis of a three-step milestone system and it is possible to stop a project if a milestone cannot be reached. Customers are then only charged for the services that have been provided.
Can you provide any references?
A list of relevant scientific publications and a list of reference customers can be sent to you on request.
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