Perforin is a 70 kDa cytolytic protein expressed in cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells. Antibodies targeting perforin, such as Clone B-D48 (BioLegend Cat. No. 353303/353304), are critical for studying immune-mediated cell lysis .
Reactivity: Human
Host Species: Mouse
Conjugation: Available in PE, Brilliant Violet 421™, Pacific Blue™, and other fluorophores .
Applications: Intracellular flow cytometry (ICFC) for detecting perforin in immune cells .
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Antigen Function | Mediates targeted cell lysis via pore formation in pathogen membranes . |
| Distribution | Cytoplasmic granules of CTLs and NK cells . |
| Gene ID | 5551 (PRF1) . |
CD24 is a GPI-linked glycoprotein expressed on B cells, neutrophils, and cancer cells. Clone ML5 (BD Pharmingen™ Cat. No. 561647) is a widely used antibody for CD24 detection .
Reactivity: Human
Host Species: Mouse
Applications: Flow cytometry for immunophenotyping lymphocytes and cancer cells .
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Antigen Function | Adhesion receptor; binds CD62P (P-selectin) on platelets/endothelium . |
| Distribution | B lineage cells (excluding plasma cells), neutrophils, epithelial cells . |
Protease-activated receptor 4 (PAR4/F2RL3) is involved in platelet activation and inflammation. Anti-PAR4 (F2RL3) (extracellular)-FITC Antibody (Alomone Labs Cat. No. APR-034-F) detects surface expression in live cells .
Reactivity: Human, mouse, rat
Host Species: Rabbit
Applications: Live-cell flow cytometry (e.g., detecting PAR4 on megakaryoblastic leukemia cells) .
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Antigen Function | Mediates thrombin signaling in platelets and immune responses . |
| Distribution | Platelets, neutrophils, HL-60 leukemia cells . |
Recent advancements use protein language models (e.g., ESM-1b, ESM-1v) to evolve antibodies with enhanced binding affinities. Key findings include :
Affinity Improvements: Up to 160-fold for Ebola GP-binding antibodies .
Neutralization: 32-fold improvement in pseudovirus neutralization for SARS-CoV-2 Beta variant .
Polyspecificity: No significant increase in off-target binding for evolved variants .
| Antibody | Target | Improvement (Fold) | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| mAb114 UCA | Ebolavirus GP | 160x (Fab Kd) | Therapeutic neutralization . |
| C143 | SARS-CoV-2 Beta | 13x (Fab Kd) | Broad-spectrum antiviral . |
The term "PER24" may stem from:
Typos: Potential conflation of "Perforin" (PRF1) and "CD24."
Proprietary Names: Undocumented commercial designations not yet published.
Contextual Misinterpretation: Hypothetical constructs not validated in peer-reviewed studies.
Database Searches: Query UniProt (PRF1, CD24, F2RL3) or IEDB for epitope specificity.
Experimental Validation: Perform Western blot/flow cytometry with controls to confirm target specificity if working with an uncharacterized antibody.
Based on available information, PER24 appears to be related to R24, which is a mouse IgG3 monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes and binds to ganglioside GD3 expressed by cells of neuroectodermal origin. The antibody demonstrates high specificity and has shown promising results in targeted cancer immunotherapy applications, particularly for melanoma .
The binding characteristics of such antibodies are typically assessed through multiple methods including ELISA, Western blot, and real-time binding interaction measurements. For instance, real-time GD3-antibody binding interactions can be measured with optical biosensor technology such as BIAcore, which provides valuable kinetic data on antibody-antigen interactions . When designing experiments to characterize antibody binding, researchers should consider both qualitative immunodetection methods (such as thin-layer chromatography) and quantitative kinetic analysis.
Researchers should employ multiple analytical methods to assess antibody purity and concentration. Protein A chromatography is commonly used for purification of monoclonal antibodies, as demonstrated with similar antibodies where 57 mg of pure monoclonal antibody was obtained from 1.6L of crude supernatant .
For concentration determination, spectrophotometric methods are standard, though researchers may encounter challenges with accuracy if samples contain contaminants. For purity assessment, methods such as SDS-PAGE, size exclusion chromatography, and mass spectrometry provide complementary information. When reporting antibody concentrations in experiments, scientists should specify both the concentration determination method and purity assessment to ensure reproducibility across laboratory settings.
Based on similar antibody research, optimal storage conditions for maintaining antibody activity typically involve storage at 4°C for short-term use (within 2 weeks). For long-term storage, maintaining conjugated beads and detector antibodies at 4°C while keeping calibrators at temperatures below -80°C can preserve activity for up to 6 months .
Researchers should implement a quality control program for antibody activity by periodically testing binding activity against standards. Freeze-thaw cycles should be minimized, as repeated freezing and thawing can lead to antibody degradation and loss of function. When preparing working solutions, it's advisable to make small aliquots to avoid repeated freezing and thawing of the stock solution.
When designing experiments to evaluate antibody specificity and cross-reactivity, researchers should implement a multi-method approach. Based on similar antibody characterization studies, this would include ELISA assays against potential cross-reactive antigens, Western blot analysis to determine binding to linear versus conformational epitopes, and flow cytometry to assess binding to native antigens on cell surfaces .
For example, when characterizing antipertactin antibodies, researchers used biolayer interferometry (BLI) competition assays to determine which antibodies bind spatially distinct epitopes. In this approach, the antigen was captured by an immobilized antibody and then allowed to bind a second antipertactin antibody to identify distinct competition groups . Similarly, for PER24 antibody, researchers could:
Perform ELISA against a panel of related and unrelated antigens
Use flow cytometry to calculate effective Kd values under conditions of excess antibody
Conduct competition assays with known antibodies binding similar epitopes
Test binding to samples from different species to assess cross-species reactivity
This comprehensive approach provides robust evidence of antibody specificity and helps identify any potential cross-reactivity that could confound experimental results.
When designing immunoassays with PER24 antibody, researchers should include multiple types of controls to ensure valid and reproducible results:
| Control Type | Purpose | Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Positive Control | Confirms assay functionality | Known positive sample or recombinant antigen |
| Negative Control | Detects non-specific binding | Samples known to lack target antigen |
| Isotype Control | Evaluates non-specific binding due to antibody class | Irrelevant antibody of same isotype |
| Concentration Controls | Establishes assay linearity | Serial dilutions of standard antigen |
| Secondary Antibody Control | Assesses secondary antibody specificity | Omit primary antibody |
| Blocking Control | Validates specificity | Pre-incubation with target antigen |
Additionally, researchers should include calibration standards to enable quantitative analysis. For ultrasensitive detection methods such as Single Molecule Array (Simoa), proper calibration is particularly critical due to the high sensitivity of the technique . Experimental design should also account for potential matrix effects from complex biological samples by including matrix-matched calibration curves.
To optimize assay conditions for maximum sensitivity, researchers should systematically evaluate multiple parameters. Based on ultrasentitive antibody pair approaches, several aspects require careful consideration:
First, buffer composition significantly impacts antibody-antigen binding. Researchers should test different buffers varying in pH, ionic strength, and detergent concentration. For instance, when working with antibody pairs for detection systems like Simoa, specialized buffers such as Homebrew Detector/Sample Diluent are often utilized to minimize background and maximize signal-to-noise ratio .
Second, incubation time and temperature can dramatically affect assay performance. Generally, longer incubation times at lower temperatures favor equilibrium binding and may improve sensitivity, but this needs to be balanced against practical considerations. Testing combinations of room temperature, 37°C, and 4°C incubations with varying durations will help identify optimal conditions.
Third, consider signal amplification strategies. For highly sensitive detection, enzymatic amplification systems or approaches like Single Molecule Array (Simoa) technology can push detection limits to unprecedented levels, allowing for quantitative detection of target proteins in a wide range of biological samples .
Finally, optimize antibody concentrations through checker-board titration experiments. The optimal concentration balances specific signal strength against background noise. For approaches using bead-conjugated antibody pairs, the ratio of capture to detection antibody often requires specific optimization for each target.
Glycosylation patterns significantly impact antibody effector functions including complement fixation and binding to macrophage Fc receptors. Research on monoclonal antibodies like R24 has shown that heavy chains are typically glycosylated while light chains exhibit no detectable carbohydrates . These glycosylation patterns are essential for antibody functionality in vivo.
To characterize antibody glycosylation, researchers can employ both enzymatic deglycosylation using PNGase F and chemical deglycosylation by hydrazinolysis. Released glycans can then be structurally characterized through several complementary techniques:
High pH anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD)
Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry
Electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight (ESI-QTOF) mass spectrometry
Research on similar antibodies has revealed considerable complexity in glycosylation patterns. For example, R24 antibody analysis identified six major biantennary chains of complex glycosylation with variations in galactosylation and core fucosylation. The predominant N-linked structure was an agalacto biantennary chain (57%), followed by monogalacto biantennary chains (30%) . This glycosylation profile can significantly influence antibody half-life, stability, and immunogenicity.
Researchers investigating PER24 should consider that different expression systems (hybridoma cells, CHO cells, etc.) can produce varying glycosylation patterns, potentially affecting antibody functionality in downstream applications.
When evaluating antibody-mediated protection in animal models, researchers should implement multi-parameter assessment approaches. Based on research with protective antibodies, several methodologies have proven effective:
First, consider direct administration of purified antibody followed by challenge with the relevant pathogen or tumor model. For example, studies with antipertactin antibodies demonstrated that representative antibodies binding distinct epitopes protected mice against experimental infection, and a cocktail of antibodies from each epitope group protected mice against a subsequent lethal dose, greatly reducing lung colonization levels after sublethal challenge .
Second, quantitative assessment of protection requires careful experimental design. Researchers should include:
Dose-response studies with varying antibody concentrations
Time-course experiments to determine optimal antibody administration timing
Comparison with isotype control antibodies to establish specificity
Inclusion of antibodies with impaired effector functions to determine mechanism
Third, mechanistic studies are crucial for understanding protection. For antipertactin antibodies, protection was significantly reduced when antibody effector functions were impaired, suggesting that bactericidal mechanisms were primary, while blockade of other functions played a lesser role . Similar mechanistic studies for PER24 would require generating modified antibody variants with selective impairment of specific effector functions.
Finally, consider complementary in vitro assays that correlate with in vivo protection. These might include bactericidal/phagocytic assays, complement activation measurements, or receptor blockade assays depending on the antibody's proposed mechanism of action.
Targeting intracellular antigens presents significant challenges for antibody-based approaches due to the cell membrane barrier. Researchers have developed several strategies to address these challenges:
First, consider cell fixation and permeabilization protocols optimized for the target antigen and cell type. Different permeabilization agents (Triton X-100, saponin, methanol) affect epitope accessibility differently. For example, some epitopes may be destroyed by harsh detergents while others require complete membrane disruption for accessibility. Researchers should systematically test different fixation/permeabilization combinations to identify conditions that preserve both cellular morphology and epitope integrity.
Second, antibody engineering approaches can enhance intracellular delivery. Techniques include:
Conjugation to cell-penetrating peptides
Encapsulation in liposomes or nanoparticles
Use of electroporation or other physical delivery methods
Genetic fusion to protein transduction domains
Third, intracellular expression of recombinant antibody fragments (intrabodies) offers an alternative approach. By expressing single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) or nanobodies inside target cells, researchers can bypass membrane barriers entirely. This requires genetic modification of the target cells but may provide more consistent target engagement.
Finally, consider the use of surrogate markers or reporter systems that can indicate the presence or activity of intracellular targets without requiring direct antibody access to the intracellular compartment.
When researchers observe different performance characteristics of the same antibody across detection platforms (e.g., ELISA, Western blot, immunohistochemistry), several factors may contribute to these discrepancies:
First, epitope conformation varies significantly between platforms. In Western blotting, proteins are denatured, exposing linear epitopes but destroying conformational ones. In contrast, ELISA may preserve some conformational epitopes depending on plate coating methods. For example, studies of antipertactin antibodies demonstrated that while some antibodies recognized linear epitopes detectable by Western blot, others required intact protein conformation .
Second, antigen density and presentation differ across platforms. Flow cytometry assesses binding to native cell surface antigens, while immunoprecipitation requires antibody recognition in solution. These differences can lead to apparent discrepancies in affinity or specificity. Research has shown that effective Kd values measured by flow cytometry can differ significantly from solution-phase measurements due to avidity effects of binding to cell surfaces .
Third, detection sensitivity varies widely between methods. Single molecule array (Simoa) technology offers ultrasensitive detection compared to conventional ELISA . When comparing results across platforms, researchers should consider detection limit differences and ensure that comparisons are made within the linear range of each assay.
When troubleshooting cross-platform discrepancies, researchers should:
Verify antibody concentration and activity in each system
Test multiple antibody concentrations to identify optimal working ranges
Consider whether additional blocking agents are needed to reduce background
Determine if sample processing affects epitope accessibility
Non-specific binding in complex biological samples presents a significant challenge for antibody-based detection. Based on research experience with various antibodies, several strategies can mitigate this issue:
First, optimize blocking conditions. Different blockers (BSA, casein, non-fat milk, commercial blockers) have varying effectiveness depending on the sample type. Systematic testing of blocking agents, concentrations, and incubation times can significantly reduce background. For ultrasensitive detection methods, specialized buffers such as Homebrew Detector/Sample Diluent may provide superior background reduction .
Second, pre-adsorption techniques can reduce non-specific binding. Incubating the antibody with materials containing potentially cross-reactive components (but lacking the specific target) can sequester antibodies responsible for non-specific binding. This approach has proven effective for improving specificity in various immunoassay formats.
Third, consider sample pre-treatment methods to remove interfering components:
Immunodepletion of abundant proteins
Size exclusion filtration
Protein precipitation followed by selective resolubilization
Heat treatment to denature interfering proteins
Fourth, implement stringent washing protocols with detergent-containing buffers. Increasing wash volume, duration, and number of wash cycles can significantly reduce non-specific binding while maintaining specific signals.
Finally, validate results with complementary detection methods. When multiple independent techniques yield consistent results, confidence in specificity increases substantially.
When antibody-based detection yields results that contradict other analytical methods (PCR, mass spectrometry, etc.), systematic investigation is required to resolve these discrepancies:
First, carefully examine the specificity of all detection methods. Antibodies may recognize specific protein isoforms, post-translational modifications, or conformational states that other methods miss or cannot distinguish. For instance, glycosylation analysis of antibodies revealed complex patterns with six major biantennary chains showing variations in galactosylation and core fucosylation . Similar complexity in target antigens may lead to method-dependent detection differences.
Second, consider sensitivity thresholds. Different methods have vastly different limits of detection. Single molecule array (Simoa) technology offers ultrasensitive detection capabilities , potentially detecting antigens at concentrations below the threshold of other methods. Quantitative comparison across platforms requires consideration of these detection limits.
Third, evaluate sample preparation effects. Protein denaturation, reduction, enzymatic digestion, or extraction protocols may differentially affect the target's detectability by various methods. Systematic comparison using identical starting material processed in parallel for each analytical approach can help identify procedure-dependent artifacts.
Fourth, implement orthogonal validation strategies:
Use multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes
Compare results from different analytical platforms
Employ genetic approaches (knockdown/knockout) to confirm specificity
Test samples with known positive and negative status
When reconciling contradictory results, researchers should consider the biological question being addressed and which method's results align best with existing knowledge and complementary experiments.
Before implementing antibodies in diagnostic or therapeutic applications, comprehensive validation studies are essential to ensure reliability, specificity, and safety. Based on established practices for antibody validation, researchers should conduct:
First, analytical validation focusing on performance characteristics:
Specificity testing against a panel of related and unrelated antigens
Sensitivity determination using purified antigens and spiked samples
Precision studies assessing intra- and inter-assay variability
Linearity assessment across the anticipated concentration range
Stability studies under various storage and handling conditions
Second, clinical validation examining performance in the intended application:
Correlation with existing gold standard methods
Assessment using well-characterized clinical samples
Determination of clinical sensitivity and specificity
Evaluation of positive and negative predictive values in the target population
Third, for therapeutic applications, additional studies are required:
In vitro mechanism of action investigations
Animal model efficacy studies
Toxicology and pharmacokinetic assessments
Immunogenicity evaluation
Research with monoclonal antibodies like R24 has demonstrated the importance of glycosylation characterization, as glycosylation patterns significantly impact in vivo functionality including complement fixation and binding to macrophage Fc receptors . Similarly, detailed characterization of any post-translational modifications of PER24 would be essential for therapeutic applications.
The validation approach should be tailored to the specific intended use, with more stringent requirements for therapeutic applications compared to research-only reagents.
Ensuring batch-to-batch consistency is critical for longitudinal studies and requires comprehensive characterization and quality control processes. Based on established antibody production practices, researchers should implement:
First, standardized production protocols with clearly defined parameters:
Consistent cell culture conditions (medium composition, seeding density, harvest time)
Standardized purification protocols with defined acceptance criteria
Well-characterized starting materials and reagents
Second, implement comprehensive quality control testing for each batch:
Protein concentration determination by multiple methods
Purity assessment using SDS-PAGE, size exclusion chromatography, and mass spectrometry
Activity testing through binding assays with standard antigens
Glycosylation analysis, particularly important as studies have shown significant impacts of glycosylation on antibody function
Third, establish reference standards and retention samples:
Create a well-characterized reference standard from an initial production batch
Compare each new batch against this standard
Maintain retention samples from each batch for retrospective analysis if needed
Fourth, implement stability monitoring programs:
Real-time and accelerated stability studies
Periodic retesting of retained samples
Establishment of shelf-life specifications
For production scale considerations, studies have shown that approximately 57 mg of pure monoclonal antibody can be obtained from 1.6L of crude hybridoma supernatant using protein A chromatography . This provides a benchmark for expected yields when scaling production for long-term studies.
Computational modeling has become increasingly valuable for understanding antibody-antigen interactions and guiding experimental design. Several approaches can be implemented:
First, structural modeling and molecular dynamics simulations can predict antibody-antigen binding modes. Starting with crystal structures of similar antibodies or homology models, researchers can dock potential antigens and simulate the dynamics of the resulting complexes. These simulations can reveal key interaction residues and predict the effects of mutations on binding affinity.
Second, epitope mapping through computational approaches complements experimental methods. Algorithms that predict surface accessibility, hydrophilicity, and antigenicity can identify potential epitopes before experimental validation. This is particularly valuable when experimental epitope mapping is challenging, as demonstrated in studies where antibodies defined four distinct competition groups on pertactin .
Third, binding affinity prediction algorithms can guide antibody engineering efforts. Machine learning approaches trained on existing antibody-antigen interaction data can predict how specific mutations might affect binding kinetics. This can significantly reduce the number of variants that need to be experimentally tested.
Fourth, in silico humanization strategies can predict the impact of framework changes on binding properties. When developing therapeutic antibodies from murine origins (like R24), computational modeling can identify which framework residues are critical for maintaining binding properties during humanization .
These computational approaches can significantly accelerate research progress by focusing experimental efforts on the most promising directions, reducing the time and resources required for antibody characterization and optimization.
Antibody conjugates represent a rapidly evolving field with significant potential for targeted drug delivery and imaging applications. Several emerging approaches are particularly noteworthy:
First, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) utilize the specificity of antibodies to deliver cytotoxic payloads directly to target cells. The conjugation chemistry significantly impacts performance, with recent advances focusing on site-specific conjugation methods that preserve antibody binding properties. Researchers developing PER24-based ADCs should consider:
Conjugation strategies that avoid the antigen-binding region
Drug-to-antibody ratios that optimize efficacy while maintaining favorable pharmacokinetics
Linker designs that provide stability in circulation but release the payload at the target site
Second, antibody-photosensitizer conjugates for photoimmunotherapy combine the specificity of antibodies with the localized damage of photodynamic therapy. When the photosensitizer is activated by light of a specific wavelength, it generates reactive oxygen species that cause cellular damage. This approach allows for precise spatial control of therapeutic effects.
Third, bispecific antibody constructs that simultaneously engage the target antigen and recruit effector cells represent another frontier. These molecules can bring cytotoxic T cells or NK cells into proximity with target cells, enhancing immune-mediated killing without requiring conjugation to cytotoxic drugs.
Fourth, antibody-nanoparticle conjugates for multimodal imaging combine the specificity of antibodies with the unique properties of nanoparticles. These constructs can incorporate multiple imaging modalities (fluorescence, MRI, PET) and potentially therapeutic capabilities, allowing for theranostic approaches that simultaneously diagnose and treat disease.
The glycosylation characteristics of antibodies, as demonstrated in studies of R24 , must be carefully considered when developing conjugates, as these modifications can affect circulation time, tissue distribution, and immunogenicity of the resulting conjugates.
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are transforming antibody research by enabling comprehensive characterization of antibody repertoires and epitope recognition patterns. Several promising applications include:
First, immune repertoire sequencing can characterize the diversity of antibody responses following immunization or natural infection. By sequencing the variable regions of antibody genes from B cells, researchers can track the evolution of antibody responses over time, identify clonal expansions, and monitor somatic hypermutation. This approach could provide insights into how diverse antibody responses develop against specific epitopes, similar to the four competition groups identified in antipertactin antibody studies .
Second, paired heavy and light chain sequencing technologies allow researchers to maintain the natural pairing information that defines antibody specificity. This represents a significant advance over earlier approaches that lost pairing information during library construction. The resulting comprehensive dataset of naturally paired sequences enables more effective antibody discovery and engineering.
Third, integrated approaches combining NGS with high-throughput functional screening create powerful platforms for antibody discovery. By correlating sequence features with binding or functional properties, researchers can identify sequence determinants of specificity and affinity. This has particular relevance for understanding complex binding patterns like those observed in antipertactin antibodies, where antibodies binding to multiple epitopes protected primarily through the same bactericidal mechanism .
Fourth, epitope binning combined with NGS can map the complete landscape of antibody recognition against a target antigen. This comprehensive view helps identify immunodominant epitopes and potential "blind spots" in immune recognition, guiding vaccine design and antibody therapeutic development.
These technologies will likely reveal previously unappreciated complexity in antibody responses and enable more rational approaches to antibody engineering and therapeutic development.
The development of bispecific or multispecific antibodies incorporating specific binding domains represents a frontier in antibody engineering with numerous therapeutic applications. Several approaches hold particular promise:
First, T-cell engaging bispecific antibodies combine target recognition with T-cell recruitment through CD3 binding. This approach has shown remarkable efficacy in hematological malignancies and is being extended to solid tumors. For applications involving PER24 binding domains, researchers should consider:
Format selection (tandem scFv, diabody, IgG-like) based on the required pharmacokinetics and biodistribution
Binding affinity balancing to ensure preferential binding to the target cell before T-cell recruitment
Potential on-target, off-tumor toxicity if the target antigen shows expression in normal tissues
Second, bispecific antibodies targeting multiple disease-relevant epitopes can enhance therapeutic efficacy through complementary mechanisms. For example, combining antibodies from different competition groups (similar to the four distinct epitope groups identified in antipertactin antibodies ) could provide broader coverage and reduce the likelihood of escape through epitope mutation.
Third, multispecific antibodies with enhanced tissue targeting can improve therapeutic index. By combining a disease-targeting binding domain with domains recognizing tissue-specific markers, researchers can enhance localization to specific anatomical sites while reducing systemic exposure.
Fourth, antibody-cytokine fusions represent another promising approach. By linking cytokines to antibody binding domains, researchers can concentrate immunomodulatory signals in the target tissue, potentially enhancing efficacy while reducing systemic toxicity.
When developing such complex molecules, researchers must carefully consider glycosylation patterns, as these significantly impact in vivo functionality including complement fixation and binding to macrophage Fc receptors . The glycoengineering of bispecific molecules represents an additional level of complexity but also an opportunity for fine-tuning functional properties.