Custom Conjugates / Custom Services

Custom Conjugates

Custom Conjugates are powerful tools that specifically destroy targeted cell types. This technique has important research applications in determining the function or contribution of the targeted cells in a biological system or for the removal of interfering cell types. Through the use of custom conjugates, you can eliminate any cell type.

Requirements for Successful Targeting

A cell surface marker.
A molecule, such as an antibody or a ligand, that binds to that marker.

Your targeting agent is conjugated to Saporin, a highly active and potent ribosome-inactivating protein.

Getting Started

Select your targeting agent.
As an example, for the specific and complete removal of mature T lymphocytes, use your own anti-transferrin receptor antibody; or obtain one from the ATCC.
Use the appropriate Secondary Conjugate to screen your targeting agent for specificity and internalization.
Call for a quote.
Call ATS toll-free (877) 889-2288 to discuss your targeting project. All discussions and services can be covered with a confidentiality agreement.
Prepare for stunning, powerful research results!

Examples of Uses

Examine the role of targeted neurons in behavior, in gene expression and to determine the effect of these neurons on other neurons in the brain.
Selective removal of subtypes of the hematopoietic system, which has well-characterized cell surface markers.

Research Applications

Custom conjugates are valuable tools with the potential for applications in many areas.

In vitro, custom conjugates can be used to selectively eliminate cells expressing a specific receptor/antigen. This could be very useful in various cloning and gene trapping strategies where the goal is to select for cells based on expression (or suppression of expression) of a particular gene.

In vivo, custom conjugates can be used to specifically eliminate selected types of neurons for studies of the function of those neurons and responsiveness of animals to a variety of manipulations, including:

Behavioral studies
Drug treatments
Physiological studies

Screening Targeting Agents

Use a Secondary Conjugate to test your antibody as a targeting reagent.

Also available: Custom Protein-Protein Conjugates

Check out this article in Targeting Trends for more information.

Jan-Feb-Mar 2003 - Targeting Talk: Custom Conjugations; Part II: Targeted Toxins (Peptide-Saporin conjugates)

Oct-Nov-Dec 2002 - Targeting Talk: Custom Conjugations; Part I: Immunotoxins (Antibody-Saporin conjugates)