The Antibody Characterization Program opens the reagent target request to the research community approximately once a year. Interested researchers with readily available protein/peptides can submit a request using a form provided when the opportunity is open. The Antibody Scientific Committee evaluates proposed antibody targets based on their relatedness to cancer, the availability of commercial antibodies/affinity binders for the target, and justification and contribution to existing NCI-funded projects. Once approved, for each protein/peptide target, up to three affinity binders are generated and characterized using standardized assays that include (non-inclusive list): SDS-PAGE, Western Blot, ELISA, Immunohistochemistry, Immuno Mass Spectroscopy and affinity measurements.
Affinity binders, such as monoclonal antibodies, are subsequently made available to the research community through DSHB at the University of Iowa and/or other third-party vendors. All affinity binders are expressed, purified, produced and characterized using SOPs that are freely accessible to the public. Since not all affinity binders selected will be applicable to specific utilities, reasonable efforts are made to select binders with as broad utility as possible. More information about this and the next start target request window is available by contacting Dr. Tara Hiltke:
| Email: | hiltket@mail.nih.gov |
| Phone: | 240-781-3435 |