Human and mouse monoclonal antibodies by repertoire cloning

Abstract

Antibody repertoires, the wide range of antibody molecules produced by animals, can now be established in bacteria by cloning and expression of antibody genes. Beginning with immunized animals, antigen can be used to select, from the repertoire, clones which secrete specific monoclonal antibody. In the future, immunization may become unnecessary. The method may provide a general route, which has so far eluded biotechnologists, to human monoclonal antibodies.