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Updated: May 30, 2026
Construction of Synthetic Phage Displayed Fab Library with Tailored Diversity
Published on: May 1, 2018
Generation of recombinant antibody fragments that target canine dendritic cells by phage display technology
J Fitting1, D Killian, C Junghanss
1Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapy, Department of Applied Medical Engineering, Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
Abstract:
One of the main goals in cancer immunotherapy is the efficient activation of the host immune system against tumour cells. Dendritic cells (DCs) can induce specific anti-tumour immune responses in both experimental animal models and humans. However, most preclinical studies using small animal models show only limited correlation with studies carried out in clinical settings, whereas laboratory dogs naturally develop tumours that are biologically and histopathologically similar to their human counterparts. Here, we describe the generation and characterization of recombinant antibodies against canine DCs, isolated using the Tomlinson phage display system. We successfully isolated highly specific single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies in a sequential three-step panning strategy involving depletion on canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells followed by positive selection on native canine DCs. This provides the basis for an antibody-based method for the immunological detection and manipulation of DCs and for monitoring antigen-specific immune responses.
Insights
Researchers developed new antibodies to target dendritic cells (DCs) in dogs, aiding cancer immunotherapy research. This advancement helps bridge the gap between animal models and human cancer studies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Cancer immunotherapy aims to activate the host immune system against tumors.
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial for inducing specific anti-tumor immune responses.
- Preclinical studies in small animals often have limited correlation with human clinical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate and characterize recombinant antibodies targeting canine dendritic cells (DCs).
- To establish an antibody-based method for immunological detection and manipulation of DCs in dogs.
- To facilitate monitoring of antigen-specific immune responses in canine cancer models.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Tomlinson phage display system for antibody isolation.
- Employed a three-step panning strategy: depletion on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and positive selection on native DCs.
- Generated single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies specific for canine DCs.
Main Results:
- Successfully isolated highly specific scFv antibodies against canine DCs.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of using phage display for canine DC targeting antibody development.
- Established a foundation for antibody-based DC detection and immune response monitoring.
Conclusions:
- Recombinant antibodies against canine DCs were successfully generated and characterized.
- This work provides a novel tool for canine cancer immunotherapy research.
- The developed antibodies can aid in the immunological detection and manipulation of DCs, improving translational research from dogs to humans.
