The Hybridoma Core will be used by 29 UM-RDCC investigators who are pursuing research projects thatrequire monoclonal antibodies. The primary purpose of the Hybridoma Core is to generate somatic-cellhybrids (hybridomas) that produce monoclonal antibodies of desired specificity. It is currently supported bythe Michigan Diabetes Center, and by the RDCC for use by investigators within these centers. Services provided include immunization of mice, fusion of B lymphocytes with myeloma cells to createhybridomas, subcloning and cryopreservation of hybridomas, antibody isotyping, production of ascites inmice, and production of antibodies in vitro. Consultation is provided by the Core directors in strategies forimmunization, and screening assays to ensure efficient generation and detection of the desired antibodies.The majority of hybridomas produced in the core are of murine origin, but rat, hamster and humanhybridomas have also been produced. Since its establishment in 1980 the Hybridoma Facility has producedmonoclonal antibodies against a wide variety of lymphocyte surface antigens, tumor cell antigens, purifiedproteins, cytokines, hormones, hormone receptors and recombinant proteins. Over the past thirteen years ofUM-MAC/RDCC support (1988-2004) over 250 fusions were performed for investigators in these Centers.Subcloning was performed for more than 1250 hybridomas, and more than 1200 monoclonal antibodybatches were produced in murine ascites. A variety of specialized procedures have been added to addressvarious needs of UM-RDCC investigators including bulk production of monoclonal antibodies in vitro.The current proposal will allow this facility to continue to provide up-to-date hybridoma technology forUM-RDCC laboratories. The core will also provide collaborative and consultative services for the UM-RDCCinvestigators who may wish to select recombinant antibody-like, reagents from phage display libraries.Through these initiatives, the Hybridoma Core will remain on the cutting edge of monoclonal antibodytechnology, and continue to provide optimal service to a broad range of users who will contribute to thepublic health by using monoclonal antibodies for studying the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment ofrheumatic diseases.
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