Discovery Services

Monoclonal Antibody Discovery

Monoclonal antibodies are a key component of basic science research as well as cancer diagnostics, therapeutics and immunotherapies. Our semi-automated hybridoma discovery service offers time- and cost-competitive custom monoclonal antibody discovery to Fred Hutch investigators as well as external users from academia and industry.

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To schedule antibody discovery services with the Antibody Technology shared resource, or to get more information about how we can work with you, fill out the inquiry form on our Rates and Scheduling page.

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Each antibody discovery campaign is unique, and successful projects are tailored to the specific needs of the investigator. Our experts will work with you in designing a strategy to identify the desired antibody. Our strategy includes antigen design and identification of the optimal immunization program and screening protocols.

scientific image of DNA sequencing data and a graphic of a mouse undergoing an injection — We evaluate target sequences based on their conservation and potential immunoreactivity in different species (mouse, rat, hamster) to determine the best species for the program. Click for high-resolution image

We use various host species (mouse, rat, hamster), strains and adjuvants to generate novel antibodies. We select specific animals from a campaign cohort to advance for hybridoma generation based on their immunogenic responce to the desired antigen.

Array of colorful circles. A subset is highlighted with a red rectangle. — Bead-based ranking of polyclonal antisera for high-titer antibodies Image by Ben Hoffstrom Click for high-resolution image

We isolate antibody-producing B cells from high-titer animals and fuse them with myeloma cells to produce hybridoma cell lines capable of antibody production and long-term propagation. Our electrofusion protocol is nearly 20 times more efficient than traditional PEG fusions and routinely yields 100,000 viable hybridomas per fusion.

Electrofusion uses AC oscillating current to align cells via their inherent dipole prior to a DC fusion pulse.

Video by Ben Hoffstrom and Dave McDonald (Cellular Imaging shared resource).

We plate hybridoma cells in semisolid methyl cellulose selection media containing fluorescently labeled target antigens. As colonies grow, target-specific antibodies are identified, picked, robotically transferred to liquid cultures for secondary screening, and ultimately archived.

Fluorescent labeling of target-specific hybridoma colonies — Hybridoma colonies secreting IgG antibody are detected in green. Target-specific clones are shown in yellow. Image by Ben Hoffstrom and Julio Vasquez (Cellular Imaging shared resource).

We use a combination of custom antigen-coupled bead arrays along with traditional cell-based flow cytometry to screen for monolonal antibodies. This assay offers a signal-to-noise ratio that is 10 to 100 times more sensitive than traditional ELISA-based detection. We have validated the platform for modified peptide targets, small molecules, recombinant proteins and cell-surface receptors.

Scientific image showing output of identification assay — Cytometric bead and cell-based flow identify target-specific antibodies. Image by Antibody Technology shared resource staff Click for high-resolution image

Questions about our antibody discovery services or how to schedule with us?

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