Production of a recombinant Fab in Pichia pastoris from a Monocistronic expression vector

J Biochem. 2007 Dec;142(6):665-9. doi: 10.1093/jb/mvm226. Epub 2007 Nov 24.

Abstract

Recombinant Fab is usually expressed using dicistronic vectors producing the heavy and light chains separately. We developed an improved vector for Fab fragment expression in Pichia pastoris, which allows a stoichiometric expression of both chains based on a monocistronic arrangement. The protein is produced as a unique polypeptide harbouring a KEX2 processing site between both chains. After KEX cleavage, a correctly folded mature Fab is formed. The produced recombinant protein is characterized as a heterodimeric functional Fab. The vector described is a new tool for the proper expression of antibody fragments or any heterodimeric polypeptides.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Dimerization
  • Gene Expression
  • Genetic Vectors*
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / biosynthesis*
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / genetics
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / immunology
  • Kinetics
  • Pichia / genetics*
  • Recombinant Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / immunology

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments
  • Recombinant Proteins