Next-Generation Recombinant Antibodies and Antigens for the Detection of Biological Threat Agents and Simulants

摘要

Antibodies are currently the essential component in immunological sensors that detect BW (biological warfare) agents, giving them both sensitivity and selectivity. There is considerable lot-to-lot variability in the production of antibodies. The process of developing antibodies in animals or in mammalian cell culture is also time-consuming, which limits the capacity for 'just-in-time' or surge production. Powerful recombinant DNA technologies are allowing the development and eventual replacement of these traditional affinity assay reagents with novel reagents that have improved performance and ease of production. This paper describes our efforts in two such technologies, recombinant antibodies and affinity-isolated peptide aptamers.