ProCode™ Applications

  • Monoclonal Antibody Selection and Affinity Maturation
  • Protein Solubility Optimization
  • Discovery for Protein Drugs
  • Discovery for Small Molecule Drugs

Self Editing for Folded “Soluble” Proteins:

ProCode uses the twin arginine translocase that self edits to transport only folded proteins. A library of sequences for any protein is generated by error prone PCR or similar methods. Antibiotic provides a simple selection tool where antibiotic strength is used to increase selection stringency (numerous alternatives are available and tested). Examples include several scFvs and Aβ42: a diversity library was generated by error prone PCR using a sequence that generates a fibrillar Aβ42 protein. Sequencing of the ProCode selected soluble protein showed a match for the published amino acid changes known to be required for conversion of Aβ42 from a fibrillar to a soluble form. Similar projects using scFv demonstrated rapid solubility improvement without interfering with biological activity.

Antibody Selection and Affinity Maturation:

Antibody selection and maturation uses a two hybrid format with the generation of variable region diversity performed as a part of the ProCode technology beginning with human variable CDR cassettes. Interaction of the appropriate scFv with antigen-βlac complex results in transfer of the complex into the periplasm conferring antibiotic resistance. Increasing the concentration of antibiotic is used to select for higher affinity. Transfer of scFv without antigen does not confer antibiotic resistance and the antigen-βlac fragment cannot be transported alone since it does not have a leader sequence. This process can take only days to accomplish compared to alternative methods like phage display which requires months to achieve the same results. High throughput selection and affinity maturation is readily accomplished.

ProCode Development Opportunity:

Vybion's ProCode Technology can provide partners and clients with opportunities for rapid development of molecule improvement for bioactivity and yield. For protein improvement and antibody selection and maturation, ProCode is an alternative with significant advantages.

  • Saves time: Days to develop not months
  • Saves money: Development costs lower and time-to-market faster
  • Easy to use: Ability to pursue multiple pathways for molecule selection and improvement in high throughput