Analysis of cloned Fvs from a phage display library indicates that DNA immunization can mimic antibody response generated by cell immunizations

Background: Generation and cloning of antibodies against cell surface antigens can be simplified by combining DNA immunization which enables generation of antibodies against a protein in its natural configuration without the need for any protein purification step and antibody phage display which due to its immense screening power and physical coupling between the phenotype and genotype of antibodies simplifies the cloning of antibody genes. Objectives: Since DNA immunization is expected to elicit antibodies against a protein in its natural configuration, we wanted to see if it can mimic the antibody response generated by cell immunization. Study Design: A phage display library made from splenic mRNA of a mouse immunized with mesothelin cDNA was panned on mesothelin-positive cells. The single-chain Fvs (scFvs) selected were then analyzed. Results: We obtained several anti-mesothelin scFvs. One of these Fvs is almost identical to the Fv of a monoclonal antibody that was previously obtained from a hybridoma in which the mice were immunized with a mesothelin-positive ovarian cancer cell line. Another Fv was found to be specific for mesothelin present on human cells. Conclusion: Our results indicate that an antibody phage display library made from spleens of DNA-immunized mice is a rapid and efficient alternative to cell immunization for obtaining antibodies against different epitopes of a membrane antigen that is very difficult to purify in a native form. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.