Custom Antibody Development — Llama & Alpaca Antibodies

Since 2007, Capralogics, Inc. has proved to have strong expertise in immunization services for custom polyclonal antibody production in llamas and alpacas.  Llamas and alpacas belong to the camelidae family.  Camelids are unique with having smaller functional single chained antibodies that consist of a single variable binding domain termed VHH and two constant domains know as CH2 and CH3.

 The VHH domain antibody has many valuable applications and advantages over a traditional IgG antibody including the following:

• VHH antibodies are small and they have the ability to recognize antigenic sites that are normally inaccessible to conventional antibodies such as enzyme-active sites and in vivo barriers formed by the vascular endothelium.
• Rapid tissue penetration with the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
• Have high tolerance to extremes in pH and temperature meaning that they retain native structure and biologically active conformation making them ideal for biosensor applications.
• Well expressed in microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast.
• An affordable alternative to monoclonal antibody production.

Standard Production Package 

Package Contents:
1 Llama or Alpaca
84 days of animal maintenance: housing, feed, daily monitoring, and veterinary care
4 immunizations with Freund’s Adjuvant (additional charge may apply for other adjuvants)
Pre-Immune Bleed (~15-20ml serum)
Test Bleed (~25ml serum)
Production Bleed (200-400ml serum or ~500ml whole blood with heparin)

Protocol:
Day 1: Pre-immune bleed/ Immunize using CFA
Day 21: Immunize using IFA SQ
Day 42: Immunize using IFA SQ
Day 52: Test Bleed
Day 63: Immunize using IFA SQ
Day 73: Production Bleed (whole blood/heparin or serum)
Day 84: PI to decide to terminate or extend project

-Inquire for other additional adjuvant availability and custom protocol options

Note:  Extension pricing will apply after day 84, inquire here to request quote.

For more information on the advantages and uses of camelid antibodies click here.

We also offer custom antibody production in other host species: goat antibodies, rabbit antibodies, sheep antibodies, and chicken antibodies.