Epitope binning and mapping have become a goldmine for finding and developing therapeutic antibodies in the fast-growing biopharmaceutical world. Not only can these services identify exact binding sites of antibodies but also provide deep understanding of mechanisms of action – further reinforcing IP protection. Creative Biolabs offers end-to-end solutions for a variety of research goals and supports creative minds in biologics discovery with leading platforms and tools.
For finding the antibody binding site or epitope on the antibody target protein (antigen), and understanding the antibody binding process and intellectual property defense, Creative Biolabs offers epitope binning and mapping services to locate and define antibody binding sites for the search and design of novel therapeutic antibody product. Our capabilities range from highly challenging epitopes like:
Highly conformational epitopes;
Epitopes on GPCRs, multi-transmembrane proteins and viral structural proteins;
Epitopes on multi-subunit proteins.
Technologies and Platforms
Technologies for Epitope Binning and Mapping
We offer high-resolution conformational epitope mapping services for complex proteins and conformational epitopes with >95% success. Our Shotgun Mutagenesis technology can reliably map conformational epitopes at even single amino acid resolution.
Technology
Conformational Epitopes
High Resolution
Complex Proteins
Energetic Hot-Spots
Speed
Suitability
Co-Crystallography
✔
✔
Ideal for detailed structural analysis of conformational epitopes.
Peptide Scanning
✔
✔
Best for rapid and cost-effective identification of linear epitopes.
Epitope Binning
✔
✔
Optimal for high-throughput classification of monoclonal antibodies into binding groups.
Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange (H/D)
✔
✔
Suitable for mapping conformational changes in dynamic binding interactions.
Shotgun Mutagenesis Epitope Mapping
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
Best for high-resolution mapping of challenging targets, including GPCRs and viral proteins.
Platforms for Epitope Binning and Mapping
Array-Based SPR
Ideal for competitive binding and kinetic studies.
BLI-Based Octet Systems
High throughput with label-free real-time analysis.
IBIS MX96
Efficient handling of large antibody libraries.
Biacore Systems
Renowned for sensitivity in affinity measurements.
End-to-End Epitope Binning and Mapping Services
We offer various types of epitope binning and mapping services to help our clients get the key epitope data of mechanism of action to progress lead candidates, and also protect antibodies via stronger patents.
Fig.1 Epitope Maps Provide Data for Determining the Mechanism of Action of an Antibody.1
At Creative Biolabs, we offer seamless and comprehensive end-to-end epitope binning and mapping services on a fee-for-service basis. Our workflow is designed to deliver precise and actionable data, ensuring regulatory compliance and robust intellectual property protection.
Assay Setup
We begin by tailoring assay protocols to meet the specific requirements of each client's program. This customized approach ensures high sensitivity and relevance to project objectives.
Target Protein Mutagenesis
Using advanced mutagenesis techniques, we introduce targeted mutations into the antigen. This step is critical for mapping binding interactions and identifying key residues.
Antibody Screening
Antibodies are screened against the designed mutation array to evaluate their binding profiles. High-throughput technologies such as SPR and BLI are utilized to ensure rapid and accurate characterization.
Final Reporting
Our final report includes a comprehensive graphical representation of epitope data, pinpointing critical residues and providing detailed analysis of mapped epitopes. This thorough documentation supports both regulatory submissions and intellectual property filings, ensuring actionable insights for therapeutic development.
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Workflow: A Streamlined Path to Epitope Clarity
Our comprehensive workflow is meticulously designed to provide clarity and precision at every stage of your antibody characterization project, ensuring a seamless and productive partnership.
Required Starting Materials:
To initiate our service, clients typically need to provide:
Target antigen: This can be a purified protein, a cell line robustly expressing the antigen, or an expression vector suitable for in situ antigen production.
Antibody panel: We work with various formats, including purified antibodies, hybridoma supernatants, or diverse scFv/Fab libraries.
Project goals: Clearly defined objectives such as detailed MoA elucidation, strengthening intellectual property, or efficient lead candidate selection.
Key Steps Involved:
Final Deliverables:
Detailed scientific report.
Raw data files.
Expert interpretation and strategic recommendations.
Publication
This publication introduces a novel platform called epitope binning-seq. This platform is designed to overcome the limitations of conventional epitope binning methods, which are often complex and require individual antibody production. The new method simultaneously analyzes multiple antibodies by displaying them on antigen-expressing mammalian cells and using flow cytometry and next-generation sequencing to group them based on epitope similarities. This versatile and efficient approach has the potential to expedite the identification of clinically useful antibodies.
Fig.2 Overview of epitope similarity and binning-seq.2
Why Choose Creative Biolabs?
Label-Free, Real-Time Analysis: Achieved through cutting-edge SPR and BLI platforms.
High Throughput: Rapid turnaround for antibody characterization and binning.
Cost-Effective Solutions: Competitive pricing without compromising quality.
Regulatory Support: Comprehensive data suitable for IP claims and filings.
To provide a broad range of options for our clients, Creative Biolabs also offers ELISA and FACS analysis for binning measurements. We aim to be your best-trusted partner in biologics discovery and development. Please contact us to learn more.
FAQs
What is the difference between epitope binning and mapping?
Binning groups antibodies based on competitive binding, whereas mapping identifies precise binding sites.
How does epitope binning improve therapeutic development?
It identifies antibody diversity and functionality, streamlining lead selection.
Can both linear and conformational epitopes be mapped?
Enhanced IP Strategy
Using Creative Biolabs' epitope binning and mapping service in our research has significantly improved our intellectual property strategy. Their detailed epitope mapping data provided irrefutable evidence for our patent applications, differentiating our lead candidates from competitors. - Dr. A***n S
Mechanism of Action Clarity
The HDX-MS epitope mapping performed by Creative Biolabs provided unprecedented clarity on our antibody's mechanism of action. We now have a precise understanding of its conformational binding, which is critical for our regulatory submissions. - Dr. R***l P
Contact Us
At Creative Biolabs, we are deeply dedicated to empowering your success. By leveraging our comprehensive epitope binning and mapping services, you can gain a significant competitive edge, effectively de-risk your development pipeline, and ultimately bring your innovative antibody therapeutics to patients faster and more efficiently.
Contact us today to discuss your project and discover how our expertise can advance your antibody development program.
References
Image retrieved from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Epitope-mapping-MOA.jpg, Kathryn Edmondson, 2017, distributed under Open Access license CC BY-SA 4.0, without modification.
Lin, Ning, et al. "Epitope binning for multiple antibodies simultaneously using mammalian cell display and DNA sequencing." Communications Biology 7.1 (2024): 652. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-024-06363-7