The Monoclonal Antibody and Reagent Core

ABSTRACT – Monoclonal Antibody and Reagent Core This Program Project addresses the impact of antibodies cross-reactive to DNA and the N- methyl D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), DNRAbs, on adult brain in mice and patients with neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE). The premise of the program is that DNRAbs induce brain injury in a manner reflecting the region of antibody penetration. Project 1 utilize a panel of monoclonal DNRAbs. These need to be produced in large quantity. The Monoclonal Antibody and Reagent Core will produce both human and murine antibodies and will test these for preservation of antigen binding. The Core will produce antibody that is validated for binding to DNA, DWEYS and the extracellular domains of GluN2A/B. The Core will generate GluN2A/B extracellular domains for use in ELISAs to confirm antibody specificity. Projects 1 and 2 require that serum be tested for DNRAb titer. The Core will provide quality control for these assays also. This facility will be cost-effective and will maintain quality control for both projects in the Program. This represents an efficient approach to the generation of reagents to be used by multiple investigators and one that maximizes the production of high quality reagents. Antibodies represent a highly versatile tool in medical research. They are used in diagnostics, in basic and clinical research and in developing new therapies. The DNRAbs created in our laboratory are utilized in all of the above areas not only in our studies but in many laboratories within the United States and abroad.