Production of scFv antibody fragments from a hybridoma with functional activity against human vascular endothelial growth factor.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a major role in the development of aberrant neovascularization in ocular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), and is an important therapeutic target for these diseases. Monoclonal antibodies specific for VEGF are in clinical use for some patients with ARMD, delivered by intraocular injection. We have shown previously that single chain antibody fragments (scFv) penetrate into the eye when applied topically to the ocular surface. Here we describe the production of a scFv from a monoclonal antibody specific for human VEGF and demonstrate its ability to decrease proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in culture. A suitably formulated anti-VEGF scFv may have potential as a less invasive topical treatment for potentially blinding neovascular diseases of the eye.
Irani
Yazad
Y
Department of Ophthalmology, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.
Brereton
Helen M
HM
Tilton
Ronald G
RG
Coster
Douglas J
DJ
Williams
Keryn A
KA
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006801:Humans; D006825:Hybridomas / Q000276:immunology*; D007128:Immunoglobulin Fragments / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000276:immunology; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000276:immunology*
D007128:Immunoglobulin Fragments; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A