Phage display technology is a powerful technique for antibody discovery. It is often used to identify high-affinity interactions between antibody fragments (e.g. VHHs) and target proteins for the production of monoclonal antibodies. Originally developed in the mid-1980s, phage display is a key technology for antibody engineering, drug discovery, protein-protein interactions, and vaccine development.1
By genetically engineering the bacteriophage’s coat protein, the VHH (heavy-domain camelid antibody fragment) sequence can be linked to the phage DNA, enabling the displayed antibody fragment to be encoded by the viral genome. This facilitates the production of a diverse library of phage particles, each carrying a different antibody fragment on its surface.
These phage display libraries screen the phage particles to identify antibodies that bind to specific target antigens in a process called panning, which involves repeated rounds of binding, washing, elution, and amplification. Once identified, these antibodies can be further optimized for improved affinity, specificity, and therapeutic properties. Additionally, phage display has facilitated the discovery of small peptide-based drugs and the identification of potential drug targets.
At Biointron, we are dedicated to accelerating antibody discovery, optimization, and production. Our team of experts can provide customized solutions that meet your specific research needs. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help accelerate your research and drug development projects.
- Hammers, C. M., & Stanley, J. R. (2014). Antibody Phage Display: Technique and Applications. The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 134(2), e17. https://doi.org/10.1038/jid.2013.521