Epitope mapping of antibodies by mass spectroscopy: a case study

Epitope mapping of antibodies is the identification and characterization of binding sites of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) on target antigens. This knowledge can be useful in generating novel antibodies to a particular target as well as elucidating an antibody mechanism of action. Several techniques are available to identify antibody epitopes among which are preliminary and simple ones like sequence homology analysis ELISA and Western blotting. However, the more widely used robust methods typically involve the use of mass spectrometry to fully analyze and interpret the data and accurately identify the binding site. Such methods include epitope extortion/excision, hydrogen deuterium exchange.