Antigen Design and Preparation Services for Coronavirus
Since the outbreak of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in various regions of the world, the research and development (R&D) of small-molecule drugs and biologics targeting novel coronavirus have been intensified and achieved some breakthroughs. The selection of the correct antigen is one of the most critical steps in a successful antibody development project. Drawing on our expertise in protein structural biology, Creative Biostructure currently provides custom antigen design and preparation services for the therapeutics development for coronavirus infection. Based on the application of antibodies, we will comprehensively consider many factors such as homology, molecular weight, purity, length, hydrophilic, and structure to help you design and prepare the optimal antigen.
Brief Introduction to Neutralizing Antibody R&D for SARS-CoV-2
Similar to SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 invades host cells by recognizing ACE2 receptor through the spike (S) protein. The amino acid sequence identity of the S proteins of the two is about 77%. Therefore, to develop the neutralizing antibody of SARS-CoV-2, many scientists focus on that of SARS-CoV. Recent studies have revealed the structural basis of the SARS-CoV-specific human monoclonal antibody CR3022 binding to the cryptic epitope in the receptor binding domains (RBD) of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. The study found that the antibody could not neutralize SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. However, the RBD cryptic epitope is highly conserved, which is very valuable for the development of universal antibodies against human coronavirus infection.
Antigen Design Principle
Depending on different goals and intended applications, antigens may need to be designed and prepared in a variety of forms. In general, natural proteins are superior to recombinant proteins, and recombinant proteins to peptides. However, when proteins cannot be obtained by natural sample isolation or recombinant expression, the advantages of peptides are more obvious. When the epitope of the antigen is known, the synthetic polypeptide antigen can be preferentially selected. The polypeptide is a kind of haptens, which alone cannot induce an immune response, that is, it does not have immunogenicity, but when it is conjugated with a carrier such as a large molecular protein, it can obtain immunogenicity and induce an immune response.
Antigen Design and Preparation Services for Coronavirus
Designing the appropriate antigen with proper antigenicity and immunogenicity is one of the key steps in antibody development. With more than ten years of rich experience and an advanced antigen preparation platform, our scientists are confident in designing the most suitable antigens for your program to develop the treatment of coronavirus infection and preparing them in a high-quality manner.
Creative Biostructure can develop high-quality antigens of various types, such as soluble proteins, membrane proteins, peptides, plasmids, and prokaryotic/eukaryotic cells. Our team of scientists has developed an advanced protein expression platform for producing recombinant proteins or protein domains with desired properties and conjugates as antigens, including bacteria, yeast, insect cells, mammalian cells, and cell-free expression systems. The purification protocol we developed ensures purity greater than 98%. We provide design, synthesis, and purification services of peptide antigen. We analyze and select the sequence that best suits your target antigen protein as the immunogen and synthesize the peptide with high purity. To improve immunogenicity, we can provide custom conjugation services for the provided peptides, such as KLH-, BSA-, and OVA-conjugation.
As a leading custom service provider in the field of antigen preparation, Creative Biostructure has successfully completed many challenging antigen preparation projects. Nowadays, we hope to apply our expertise and experience in antigen design and preparation for the development of antibodies against coronavirus infection. If you are interested in our custom antigen design and preparation services for coronavirus, please feel free to contact us for more details. Our customer service representative is available 24 hours a day from Monday to Sunday.
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Reference
- Yuan M.; et al. A highly conserved cryptic epitope in the receptor-binding domains of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV. Science. 2020.
- Tian X.; et al. Potent binding of 2019 novel coronavirus spike protein by a SARS coronavirus-specific human monoclonal antibody. Emerging Microbes & Infections. 2020, 9(1): 382-385.
