AFFINITY CLEAVAGE OF CELL-SURFACE ANTIBODIES USING THE AVIDIN-BIOTIN SYSTEM

In the present study, we have demonstrated the feasibility of targetin g a proteolytic enzyme, via the high-affinity avidin-biotin system, to act in a highly selective manner upon a cell surface-associated antib ody. As an example of this approach, a cell-bound biotinylated monoclo nal antibody could be removed efficiently by means of biotinylated pro teinase K, bridged to streptavidin. Only low levels of cell death were observed using this procedure. The approach may prove useful for a va riety of applications including the recovery of antibody-free positive ly selected cell populations.