SBIR Phase I: Humanized Mouse Ig system employing BAC

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to introduce the entire human immunoglobulin locus into the mouse in order to enable the subsequent production of completely humanized monoclonal antibodies from hybridomas. Monoclonal antibodies against cell surface proteins are currently being used for a variety of clinical indications, including cancer and autoimmunity. Their binding avidity and specificity make them one of the most important modes of therapy for the treatment of a variety of diseases where specific targeting is required. The current technology is based on a system where only 80% of the immunoglobulin locus has been humanized. Replacement of the remaining mouse genes with the human ones will improve the quality and diversity of the antibodies produced and as such, will be an important contribution to this important therapeutic modality.