Miniaturized single-cell technologies for monoclonal antibody discovery
Julie Van Lent1, Jolien Breukers1, Karen Ven1
1Department of Biosystems, Biosensors Group, KU Leuven, Leuven 3001, Belgium. jeroen.lammertyn@kuleuven.be.
Lab on a Chip
|September 10, 2021
Summary
Single-cell technologies enable efficient discovery of fully-human monoclonal antibodies (FH-mAbs) by isolating and analyzing individual B cells. This review explores key strategies and future opportunities for advancing antibody therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Immunology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Antibodies (Abs) are crucial biological therapeutics and diagnostics.
- Fully-human monoclonal antibodies (FH-mAbs) are preferred for low immunogenicity and high specificity.
- Single-cell technologies offer efficient screening of antigen-specific B cells for antibody discovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the principles and challenges of single-cell technologies for monoclonal antibody (mAb) discovery.
- To highlight the integration of various single-cell strategies for mAb production.
- To provide an outlook on future opportunities and challenges in miniaturized antibody discovery.
Main Methods:
- Single-cell confinement using droplet microfluidics or microstructure arrays.
- Identification and retrieval of antigen-specific B cells.
- Single-cell sequence determination for antibody production.
Main Results:
- Single-cell technologies facilitate rapid screening of B cells for antibody discovery.
- Integration of confinement, identification, retrieval, and sequencing strategies enhances mAb discovery.
- Numerous integrated devices demonstrate the potential of these technologies.
Conclusions:
- Miniaturized single-cell technologies hold enormous potential for advancing antibody discovery.
- Further innovation is needed to overcome existing challenges and fully exploit these technologies.
- The field is poised for significant advancements in therapeutic and diagnostic antibody development.
