Novel Therapeutic Approach to Hypercholesterolemia Using Next-Generation DNA Sequ

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We have developed and completed a proof-of-principle on a new transgenic mouse model for comprehensive characterization of the antibody repertoire made in response to ovalbumin injection using surface antibody capture and next-generation DNA sequencing technologies. A more commercially valuable proof is now sought using a novel screening method with an emerging drug target for hypercholesterolemia, known as PCSK9. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Therapeutic and diagnostic applications of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) offer a way to target treatments to specific proteins. However, monoclonal antibodies have traditionally been made using hybridoma technologies which only access a small fraction ofthe immune system. Abeome has developed a novel method of antibody discovery using next-generation DNA sequencing of the variable gene repertoire of antigen-specific antibody producing cells. Thus, the immediate goal for this Phase I project is to us