Custom Llama Antibody Production

In 2007 Capralogics added the llama to its line of host species available for custom polyclonal antibody production. The llama is part of the camelidae family that also includes alpacas, and camels. In additional to conventional IgG these animals produce a functional single chained antibody that is also capable of antigen binding sometimes referred to as VHH antibodies. These antibodies consist of only heavy chains and lack the light chains and functional CH1 and CH4 domains.

VHH antibodies have many advantages over traditional antibodies including the following:

• Due to their small size they have the ability to recognize antigenic sites that are normally inaccessible to conventional antibodies such as enzyme-active sites and in vivo barriers.
• Rapid tissue penetration with the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
• Have high tolerance to extremes in pH and temperature and are able to refold after chemical or heat denaturation and still maintain functionality 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   $1,800.00

Package Contents:
1 Llama
84 days of animal maintenance: housing, feed, daily monitoring, and veterinary care
4 immunizations with Freund’s Adjuvant
Pre-Immune Bleed (10ml)
Test Bleed (20ml)
Production Bleed (200-400ml)

Protocol:
Day 1: Pre-immune bleed/ Immunize using CFA
Day 21: Immunize using IFA
Day 42: Immunize using IFA
Day 52: Test Bleed
Day 63: Immunize using IFA
Day 73: Screen Bleed
Day 84: PI to decide to continue or extend project

Extension Prices:
Monthly Animal Maintenance: $200.00
Production Bleed: $0.75/ml of serum or plasma
Test Bleed: $25
Injection: $20

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.