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Updated: Aug 22, 2026
Immunization of Alpacas (Lama pacos) with Protein Antigens and Production of Antigen-specific Single Domain Antibodies
Published on: January 26, 2019
Expression and production of llama variable heavy-chain antibody fragments (V(HH)s) by Aspergillus awamori
Vivi Joosten1, Robin J Gouka, Cees A M J J van den Hondel
1Department of Microbiology, TNO Nutrition and Food Research, P.O. Box 360, 3700 AJ, Zeist, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
We report the expression and production of llama variable heavy-chain antibody fragments (V(HH)s) by Aspergillus awamori. Fragments encoding V(HH)s were cloned in a suitable Aspergillus expression vector and transformants secreting V(HH) fragments were analysed for integrated gene copy-numbers, mRNA levels and protein production. Functional V(HH)s were detected in the culture medium, indicating the feasibility of producing this type of protein in a fungal expression system. Secreted V(HH)s were subjected to (extracellular) degradation, which could be partially prevented by the addition of BSA to the culture medium.
