MOLECULAR-CLONING AND PRIMARY CHARACTERIZATION OF A SINGLE-CHAIN ANTIBODY AGAINST HUMAN SARCOMA-ASSOCIATED ANTIGEN P200

Background: Monoclonal Antibody (MAb) 29-13 reacts with the human sarc oma-associated antigen (SAA) p200. We report here engineering and prim ary characterization of a single chain antibody (scFV2913). Materials and Methods: The scFV2913 recombinant gene, consisting of VH-linker-VK , was constructed with RT-PCR. This gene was cloned and expressed in E . coli. The renatured scFV2913 was used in the immunostaining study. R esults: Consistent with its parent MAb 29-13, purified and renatured s cFV2913 showed affinity and specificity to the SAA p200 according to t he immunohistochemical staining study of 99 specimens of human sarcoma s and other tissues. Conclusions: Due to its retained specificity and affinity, scFV2913 may be useful in immunodiagnosis and immunotherapy for sarcoma patients.