Rabbits transgenic for human IgG genes recapitulating rabbit B-cell biology to generate human antibodies of high specificity and affinity.

Transgenic animals incorporating human antibody genes are extremely attractive for drug development because they obviate subsequent antibody humanization procedures required for therapeutic translation. Transgenic platforms have previously been established using mice, but also more recently rats, chickens, and cows and are now in abundant use for drug development. However, rabbit-based antibody generation, with a strong track record for specificity and affinity, is able to include gene conversion mediated sequence diversification, thereby enhancing binder maturation and improving the variance/selection of output antibodies in a different way than in rodents.

Sequence analysis of 0.5 Mb of the rabbit germline immunoglobulin heavy chain locus.

A bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library was created using partially digested rabbit chromosomal DNA. Four BAC clones spanning about 0.5 Mb of the rabbit immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain locus were isolated and sequenced.

Measurement of motility of Helicobacter pylori, Campylobacter jejuni, and Escherichia coli by real time computer tracking using the Hobson BacTracker.

Aims: (1) To make precise measurements and comparisons of various aspects of motility of three gastrointestinal pathogens, Helicobacter pylori, Campylobacter jejuni, and Escherichia coli, in log phase growth; (2) to provide background information on motility data to study the influence of pH, viscosity, and chemotactic factors, thereby gaining a better understanding of bacterial pathogenesis.

Methods: Computer image processing technology and phase contrast microscopy (Hobson BacTracker) were used to measure several indices of bacterial motility in real time. Ten clinical isolates of each species in log phase liquid culture were studied.