production of functional antibodies or the parts thereof, derived from the heavy chains of immunoglobulins of camelidae

摘要

A process is provided for the production of an antibody or a fragment or functionalized fragment thereof using a transformed lower eukaryotic host containing an example DNA sequence encoding the antibody or (functionalized) fragment thereof, wherein the antibody or (functionalized) fragment thereof is derived from a heavy chain immunoglobulin of Camelidae and is devoid of light chains, and wherein the lower eukaryotic host is a mould, preferably belonging to the genera Aspergillus or Trichoderma, or a yeast, preferably belonging to the yeast genera Saccharomyces, Kluyveromyces, Hansenula, or Pichia. The heavy chain fragment can contain at least the whole variable domain. A complementary determining region (CDR) different from the CDR belonging to the natural antibody ex Camelidae can be grafted on the framework of the variable domain of the heavy chain immunoglobulin. The catalytic antibodies can be raised in Camelidae against transition state molecules. The functionalized antibody or fragment thereof can comprise a fusion protein of both a heavy chain immunoglobulin from Camelidae or a fragment thereof and another polypeptide, e.g., an enzyme, preferably an oxido-reductase. Also provided are new products obtainable by a process as described, and compositions containing a product produced by a process as described, which composition may contain a new product as provided.