CLONING, EXPRESSION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A SINGLE-CHAIN ANTIBODY PS-9 TARGETED TO PANCREATIC-CANCER

Genes encoding single-chain antibodies have been first constructed. wh ich consist of the heavy and light chain variable domains of antibody PS-9 joined together by a flexible peptide linker. The genes were clon ed into coat protein g3p genes of pCANTAB5 phagemids, and expressed as fusion proteins on the phase tips. Immunological assay demonstrated t hat the engineered antibodies specifically bound to cancer cells LS-17 4-T as well as to pure bovine submaxillary gland mucin. Their specific ity and affinity appeared the same as their parent antibodies. Our res ults supposed that the single-chain antibodies will be a target for th e diagnosis and treatment of cancer.