Production of antibodies or (functionalized) fragments thereof derived from heavy chain immunoglobulins of camelidae

Abstract

A process is provided for the production of an antibody or a fragment or functionalized fragment thereof using a transformed lower eukaryotic host containing an expressible DNA sequence encoding the antibody or (functionalized) fragment thereof, wherein the antibody or (functionalized) fragment thereof is derived from a heavy chain immunoglobulin ofand is devoid of light chains, and wherein the lower eukaryotic host is a mould, preferably belonging to the generaoror a yeast, preferably belonging to the yeast genera. The heavy chain fragment can contain at least the whole variable domain. A complementary determining region (CDR) different from the CDR belonging to the natural antibody excan be grafted on the framework of the variable domain of the heavy chain immunoglobulin. The catalytic antibodies can be raised inagainst transition state molecules. The functionalized antibody or fragment thereof can comprise a fusion protein of both heavy chain immunoglobulin fromor a fragment thereof and another polypeptide, e.g., an enzyme, preferably an oxido-reductase. Also provided are new products obtainable by a process as described, and compositions containing a product produced by a process as described, which composition may contain a new product as provided.