Resources

List by Alphabet: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

humanized antibody

A humanized antibody is an antibody derived from non-human sources, such as mice, that has been modified to closely resemble a human antibody while retaining its ability to recognize and bind to a specific target antigen. The process of humanization is typically undertaken to reduce potential immune responses when the antibody is used in human applications, such as diagnostics or therapeutics.

The concept of humanizing antibodies arose from the need to overcome potential immunogenicity issues that can arise when non-human antibodies are introduced into human bodies. When antibodies from non-human species are used in humans, the immune system may recognize them as foreign and mount an immune response against them. This can limit the efficacy and safety of the antibody-based treatment.

To create a humanized antibody, the following steps are generally taken:

Antibody Selection: An antibody from a non-human species, often a mouse, is selected based on its ability to bind to the desired target antigen.

Framework Engineering: The framework regions of the selected antibody are modified to closely resemble those of a human antibody. These regions contribute to the overall structure and stability of the antibody.

Complementarity-Determining Regions (CDRs): The CDRs, which are the specific regions of the antibody that interact with the target antigen, are retained from the original non-human antibody. These CDRs are critical for the antibody's specificity.

Reshaping: The modified antibody is reshaped to ensure compatibility with human immune cells and processes.

Expression and Testing: The humanized antibody is then produced and tested to ensure that it retains its binding affinity for the target antigen while minimizing immunogenicity in humans.

Humanized antibodies aim to combine the target specificity of the original non-human antibody with the reduced immunogenic potential of human antibodies. This process has been highly successful in creating therapeutic antibodies that can be safely used in humans for treating various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory conditions.

It's worth noting that advances in antibody engineering have led to the development of "fully human" antibodies, which are generated using techniques like phage display or transgenic animals. These antibodies do not involve the humanization step and are inherently less likely to trigger immune responses when used in human applications.

Related terms: igm

Related Biology Tools

  • GenSmart™ Codon Optimization

    GenSmart Optimization is a free online tool for performing codon optimization to improve gene expression. GenScript's patented algorithms are integrated into the tool to optimize the computing capability of high-performance sequence generation.

    Learn More

  • DNA Construct Design Tool

    GenSmart™ Design is a free online DNA construct design tool developed by GenScript. GenSmart™ Design has two design modules, the Create Construct module for individual plasmid design and the Create Library module for DNA library design.

    Learn More

  • Codon Frequency Tables

    This online tool shows commonly used genetic codon frequency table in expression host organisms including Escherichia coli and other common host organisms.

    Learn More

Service and Products

Antibody Production Services

Comprehensive custom antibody production services including monoclonal and polyclonal antibody production services with industry leading turnaround times.

Polyclonal Antibody Services

The fastest custom polyclonal antibody production services in the industry with unmatched guarantees.

Custom Monoclonal Antibody Development Services

Developing custom monoclonal antibodies with standard or fully custom protocols including everything from antigen synthesis to antibody scale-up options.

Phospho-Specific Antibody Services

Guaranteed ELISA titer of ≥ 1:64,000 and < 10% cross reactivity with non-phospho peptide.

Immunoassay Development Services

Our custom immunoassay development service offering comprehensive high-throughput assay development with fast turnaround and high efficiency.

Large-scale Antibody Manufacturing

Our large-scale antibody manufacturing services offer polyclonal and monoclonal antibody production of gram quantities for industrial antibody yields.

COVID-19 Reagent Antibodies

On demand SARS-CoV-2 control mAbs ideal for diagnostics, therapeutic, and vaccine development.

If you know of any terms that have been omitted from this glossary that you feel would be useful to include, please send detail to the Editorial Office at GenScript: [email protected]

If your term is adopted, we will send 1,000 EzCoupon points to your GenScript account.