Affibody molecule

Affibodys are artificial, derived from the protein A from the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus peptides that are capable of binding antigens. They consist of 58 amino acids of the IgG binding domain of protein A, which are arranged in three α - helices. Having a molecular weight of about 6 kDa, they are the smallest antigen-binding peptides in addition to Kunitz domain peptides. Affibodys are especially used as an alternative to antibodies in science. In addition Affibodys, such as the HER2 specific ABY -025, currently being tested as potential cancer diagnostics clinically.

Properties

Due to their small molecular size Affibodys possess many advantageous physicochemical properties. These include a high pH stability and heat tolerance. In addition Affibodys have over antibodies superior tissue permeability.

Production

Through targeted or random change of up to 13 of the 58 amino acids can be synthesized affibodies against different proteins. Affibodys can additionally with other molecules, such as dyes can be conjugated and thereby learn more applications.