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Antibody services at GENEART

GENEART specializes in generating antibodies by genetic immunization, starting from a DNA sequence file. We are one of the very few companies to immunize animals directly with protein expression plasmids and do not need purified antigen as a starting material.

Immunization principle

Immunization is achieved by delivering the plasmid DNA into the skin of the animals with a gene gun. The DNA is then translated into properly folded protein by the cells of the animal itself. By contrast, the purification of recombinantly expressed protein for immunization purposes is often time-consuming and laborious and in many cases results in protein that is contaminated with host protein or misfolded/denatured due to the purification or expression conditions.

Improved immunization success through expression-optimized genes

Through gene synthesis we are able to produce a complete expression-optimized gene or a gene that encodes only a fragment of the relevant protein against which the antibody should be directed. The process can also include additional elements that are necessary for optimal immunization results. Immunization success, and sometimes the quality of the resulting antibodies (i.e. higher titers), is improved by using synthetic genes that are optimized for expression and RNA stability.

Limitations of genetic immunization

Antibody production by genetic immunization has several advantages for many applications, but it isn't the method of choice for others as it produces correctly folded, native protein that induces the immune response. The resulting antibodies predominantly recognize the native protein. Such antibodies are well suited to assays where the relevant protein antigen is present in a native form (e.g. ELISA, immunostaining or FACS analysis). If you intend to carry out assays where the antigen is (partly) denatured (e.g. Western blots), we recommend to apply classical protein or peptide immunization which is not a service offered by GENEART.

Our partner for genetic immunization is GENOVAC.