NIAID has a hybridoma available for non-exclusive licensing that produces a monoclonal antibody specific for DNA/RNA hybrids. This antibody, which has been extensively characterized by NIH researchers, is already a widely-used research tool. It is currently the only monoclonal antibody available that is specific for DNA/RNA hybrids, making it a unique reagent. It is used in immuno-fluorescence (IF) microscopy, where it can be used to detect sites of transcriptional activity and potentially sites of viral replication. It has also been used in DNA/RNA immunoprecipitation (DRIP) experiments by a variety of researchers.
Aside from its use as a research tool, this antibody has potential to be used in diagnostic kits for viral/bacterial infections, cancers, and a variety of other human diseases. DNA/RNA hybrids arise during normal cellular function, but they are typically present in cells at low levels. When DNA/RNA hybrids are found at high levels in a cell, it indicates that the cell is "abnormal". For example, the cell may be cancerous or infected with a virus. NIH researchers have also incorporated the antibody into a micro-array platform, expanding its potential for use in diagnostic devices.
Potential Commercial Applications:
Research tool:
• Detection and visualization of DNA/RNA hybrids, "R-loops", or sites of viral replication in cells
• DNA/RNA immunoprecipitation (DRIP) studies
• Antibody based micro-arrays
• Viral/bacterial infections
• miRNA biomarkers of disease (i.e. certain cancers)
For use in diagnostic kits that detect:
• Viral/bacterial infections
• miRNA biomarkers of disease (i.e. certain cancers)
Competitive Advantages:
• Only available monoclonal antibody specific for DNA/RNA hybrids
• Binding properties extensively characterized by NIH researchers
• Widely-accepted as a key research reagent
• Antibody based micro-arrays are inexpensive, efficient, and increase detection of small or structured transcripts, as well as transcripts present at low levels
Development Stage:
• in vitro data available
Inventors:
S. Leppla, C. Leysath, D. Phillips, D. Garboczi, L. Lantz (all of NIAID)
Publications:
• Phillips DD, et al. (2013) – PMID: 23784994 – PMCID: PMC4061737 – The sub-nanomolar binding of DNA-RNA hybrids by the single-chain Fv fragment of antibody S9.6
• Hu Z, et al. (2006) – PMID: 16614443 - PMCID: PMC1435976 – An antibody-based microarray assay for small RNA detection
Licensing And Collaborative Research Opportunity: The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate or commercialize antibodies produced by the S9.6 hybridoma. For collaboration opportunities, please contact Dr. Natalie Greco, 301-761-7898; Natalie.Greco@nih.gov.