Antigen-Antibody Complex Characterization Using the iEM Platform
Structural studies on antigen-antibody complexes are crucial for exploring the molecular mechanisms of antibody-mediated neutralization and provide valuable information for structure-based vaccine development. Numerous techniques and methods, such as X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy, have been applied to characterize antibody structure and antigen-antibody complex structure. However, distinct disadvantages hinder their advancement. X-ray crystallography is limited by difficulties with sample crystallization and is not suitable for the analysis of highly dynamic structures, while NMR is restricted to characterizing relatively small proteins.
Structural Characterization of Antigen-Antibody Complexes at the iEM Platform
Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is a powerful structural technique developed in recent years to study biological macromolecular complexes. When combined with the traditional methods, cryo-EM as a routine and effective technique has been widely used to map the interactions between antibodies and antigens. Based on advanced EM methods, we are able to perform comprehensive antibody and antigen-antibody complex imaging, facilitating the application of antibodies in the development of molecular biology, immunology, and pharmacology. Our specific services include,
Identification of antibody binding epitopes
Determination of correlation between structures and activity
Identification of cross-specificity
Antibody binding epitopes, also known as antigenic determinants, are composed of continuous sequence (primary structure of the protein) or discontinuous three-dimensional structure of the protein, determining antigenicity of special chemical groups, usually composed of 5-15 amino acid residues. According to their structure, the epitope can be divided into linear epitopes and conformational epitopes. Single particle cryo-EM is a useful technique for elucidating the structural basis of antigen-antibody interactions. Advancements in single particle analysis workflows have enabled rapid, high-resolution epitope mapping.
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with negative staining is applied to quickly characterize polyclonal antibodies and identify the different epitopes and correlate structures and activity. Although the image resolution of this method is low, TEM with negative staining is a fast method for evaluating epitope-paratope recognition, requiring little sample and being suitable for a variety of sample types.
In addition, our high-resolution structure analysis of antibody-antigen complexes may provide useful information on cross-specificity and potency.
Application of Our Services
Explore the molecular mechanisms of antibody-mediated neutralization.
Explain the differences between different antibodies.
Optimization of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).
IP protection of antibody products as well as in the formulation and delivery space.
Structural analysis of antibodies and their interactions with antigens will greatly promote the development of antibody therapeutics and biologics discovery. Creative Biostructure is a forward-looking research institute as well as a leading custom service provider in structural biology. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality EM for our global customers. If you are interested in our solutions, please feel free to contact us. Our experienced and professional staff will get back to you as soon as possible.
