Recombinant Antibodies for Academia: A Practical Approach

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Immunology
• Reagent Development

Background:

• Phage display technology has been optimized for in vitro recombinant monoclonal antibody production.
• Recombinant antibodies offer a potential for vast, inexpensive, and renewable supplies of well-characterized reagents.
• Current academic research predominantly relies on animal-derived antibodies, leading to reproducibility issues and ethical concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To promote the adoption of recombinant antibodies in academic research.
• To describe the experience and strategies of an open-source recombinant antibody facility.
• To highlight the potential of recombinant antibodies to replace animal-derived antibodies.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and production of recombinant antibodies using phage display technology.
• Strategic choices in establishing and operating an open-source antibody facility.
• Characterization of recombinant antibodies for research applications.

Main Results:

• Established an open-source recombinant antibody facility in Geneva.
• Detailed the techniques and strategic decisions involved in antibody isolation and production.
• Demonstrated the feasibility and potential of large-scale recombinant antibody provision.

Conclusions:

• Recombinant antibodies produced via phage display can significantly benefit basic science by improving reproducibility and reducing animal use.
• An open-source facility model can facilitate wider access to well-characterized recombinant antibodies in academia.
• There is a growing movement to replace animal-derived antibodies with recombinant alternatives, supported by initiatives like the Geneva Antibody Facility.