Methods and compounds for raising antibodies and for screening antibody repertoires

摘要

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for raising antibodies generally comprising 1) providing highly immunogenic vesicles bearing at least one target antigen and 2) immunizing animals with the said antigen-bearing vesicles to induce antigen-specific antibody responses. The invention also relates to methods of screening antibody repertoires comprising 1) providing vesicles bearing at least one target antigen and one marker and 2) isolating antibody-producing cells or particles with defined antigen specificity using the said antigen- and marker-bearing vesicles. Antibodies with defined antigen specificity can then be prepared from isolated antibody-producing cells using known methods of the art. This invention can be used in experimental, research, therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic areas.