INNOVATION:  UCLA researchers have engineered IgA/IgG hybrid antibodies that combine characteristics of both IgA and IgG into a single immunoglobulin molecule. The IgG constant region was enhanced with the addition of IgA constant regions. This addition resulted in a molecule that has the pH stability of IgA and greater complement fixing activity than IgG due to its polymeric structure. By utilizing this technology, any variable region can be paired with the IgA/IgG hybrid to yield an immunoglobulin molecule with unique effector functions.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• Recombinant antibody therapies

ADVANTAGES

• The IgA/IgG hybrid has the pH stability of an IgA molecule
• The IgA/IgG hybrid has complement fixing activity greater than monomeric IgG molecules.
• Can produce the IgA/IgG hybrib monoclonal antibodies in large quantities using standard antibody production techniques.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 1998-610

US Patent: 6,284,536