The use of recombinant antibodies to characterise FC binding proteins

Antigens bind to the Fab regions of antibodies; however, binding of proteins to Fc regions of antibodies is required for the creation of an effector response. In humans, Fc receptors exist for all antibody subclasses, whereas bacteria and viruses also contain Fc binding proteins that may bind human antibodies, some of which have been well characterised. Protein G from Streptococci and Protein A from Staphylococci are examples of bacterial Fc binding proteins which are currently used in laboratories to purify antibodies. Although much is known about Protein G and Protein A, little is known about other important Fc binding proteins and how they interact with antibodies. The aim of this project was to characterise the non-specific binding of antibodies to parasitic, human and bacterial Fc binding proteins using various panels of domain swapped and point-mutant antibodies.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo