Generation and characterisation G-protein-coupled receptor monoclonal antibodies utilising detergent-free solubilisation

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In recent years, there has been significant growth in the development of antibodies as therapeutic agents. Of particular benefit is their exquisite specificity, even between closely-related receptor subtypes sharing a conserved ligand binding site for the natural agonist. This project aims to utilise a novel antibody generation platform in collaboration with leading pharmaceutical/bio-technology company, UCB, to raise and pharmacologically characterise monoclonal antibodies targeting G-Protein-Coupled receptors (GPCRs). GPCRs are the largest family of membrane receptors and are of great pharmacological significance, with around 30-40% of current drugs targeting these receptors; and a huge demand for more effective medicines. We have successfully raised putative antibodies for one class A GPCR so far, and aim to raise antibodies from other classes and different types of GPCRs. Alternative receptor expression systems and solubilisation methods will also be explored during this project, involving novel polymers, utilising the latest, detergent free methods. Dependent upon characterisation outcomes of the antibodies there is also potential to move into characterisation in live cells, incorporating immunohistochemistry into the project.