Epitope mapping

[4][5][6][7][8] Epitope characterization can also help elucidate the binding mechanism of an antibody[9] and can strengthen intellectual property (patent) protection.

[citation needed] By providing information on mechanism of action, epitope mapping is a critical component in therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb) development.

Epitope mapping can reveal how a mAb exerts its functional effects - for instance, by blocking the binding of a ligand or by trapping a protein in a non-functional state.

Membrane proteins frequently have short antigenic regions (epitopes) that fold correctly only when in the context of a lipid bilayer.

[11][12] Epitope data have been central to several high-profile legal cases involving disputes over the specific protein regions targeted by therapeutic antibodies.

Epitope maps provide MOA information
High-resolution epitope maps of antibodies against Ebola glycoprotein (GP), determined using shotgun mutagenesis epitope mapping . Epitope maps provide data for determining mechanism of action (MOA).
Epitope maps support IP
Shotgun mutagenesis epitope mapping of antibodies against HER2 revealed a novel epitope (orange spheres). Epitope maps provide supporting data for intellectual property (patent) claims.