ILAR Journal Online, Volume 37(3) 1995: Adjuvants and Antibody Production

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ILAR Journal V37(3) 1995
Adjuvants and Antibody Production

Introduction
Margaret Landi

Antibody Production is often the rate limiting step in many research projects and can be the key to the success or failure of a study. In this issue we present five different articles that provide an in-depth look at a the technology available for the creation of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. The issue begins with an article by Drs. Hanly, Artwohl, and Bennett. This excellent article gives the reader a basic understanding of antibody production and reviews procedures and tehniques that can be used to create polyclonal antibodies in mammals and poultry. In the second article, Dr. Jennings discusses various commercially available adjuvants, including the grandparent of all adjuvants, Freund's. While Freund's adjuvant is well known for its ability to produce high antibody titers and its good avidity, the common complications of erythema, edema, iduration, and abscessation have made the use of this agent highly controversial. Dr. Jennings also discusses Ribi Adjuvant System® and Hunter's TiterMax®.

The third article, by Drs. Grimaldi and French, reviews techniques and procedures important in monoclonal antibody production. Special emphasis is placed on murine monoclonal antibodies, and it is written so that people not working directly in this field can understand the process involved in the production of this type of antibody. Drs. Karu, Bell, and Chin describe the emerging field of recombinant antibody technology. Their article begins with the limitations of hybridoma techniques and then reviews the general principles and methodology of recombinant antibody technology. In addition, these authors discuss antibody engineering, the production of synthetic combinatorial libraries, and finally the impact of all this technology on animal use.

Finally, Drs. Jackson and Fox surveyed institutional policies and guidelines regarding antibody production at a number of different facilities. Their article summarizes their findings and discusses controversial issues, such as the number of taps recommended in ascitic mice and concerns about personnel safety in antibody production. While their recommendations are not necessarily those of the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources (ILAR), they do raise points that should be considered by institutional animal care and use committees (IACUCs).

The goal of this issue is to present its readers with useful current information on the production of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, as well as to provide practical and proven guidelines that will foster the refinement, and in some cases replacement, of whole animal protocols. Whether the reader is an educator, scientist, technician, veterinarian, or member of an IACUC, the concise, peer-reviewed articles in this issue should prove to be a valuable resource for making informed decisions in the creation and review of animal use protocols that involve antibody production.