Antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies isolated from B cells expressing constitutively active STAT5.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Fully human monoclonal antibodies directed against specific pathogens have a high therapeutic potential, but are difficult to generate.

Methodology/principal findings

Memory B cells were immortalized by expressing an inducible active mutant of the transcription factor Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5 (STAT5). Active STAT5 inhibits the differentiation of B cells while increasing their replicative life span. We obtained cloned B cell lines, which produced antibodies in the presence of interleukin 21 after turning off STAT5. We used this method to obtain monoclonal antibodies against the model antigen tetanus toxin.

Conclusions/significance

Here we describe a novel and relatively simple method of immortalizing antigen-specific human B cells f

SUBMITTER: Scheeren FA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3078118 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature