Our services are required when you are in doubt which region of the molecule to choose for a peptide antigen. There is a number of algorithms designed to predict linear continuous epitopes from the primary amino-acid sequence of the molecule. For several years we design epitopes for our own antibody program, and large number of the molecules (>2000) were analyzed by us. These proteins were from different functional or structural groups of the molecules, and the antibodies designed were intended for different use. We think that we have selected some criteria that allow to expect that the chosen sequence will give raize to an antibody that will work in intended application. We perform these services for our clients on average analyzing 5 projects every week.
How is it done?
> the sequence is analyzed for potential N and O-linkage sites for glycans that might mask the epitope
> the sequence is analyzed using 3 different algorithms to identify the most prominent regions for the presence of linear epitopes
> the structural map for the molecule is build, that includes (if known) functional structural elements and secondary structure prediction on the basis of 10 algorithms used
> the best short epitope candidates are selected on the basis of regions identified in (2) and region structure in (1)
>the best epitopes on the basis of presence of certain amino-acids are selected, extended or shortened for maximal success at synthesis
> the epitopes are analyzed for their uniqueness and (if requested) for specific properties (i.e. presence in the whole family of related molecules, or presence only in one particular member of the family etc.)
> on the basis of the analysis we give the customer our advice concerning linear peptide epitopes for immunization and opinion concerning relative "quality" of the epitope.
|
|