Obtaining anti-hCD73 Monoclonal Antibodies from Hybridoma Technology

• Grant number: 24/18609-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Applied Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Priscila Pini Zenatti Salles
• Grantee: Lorena Luciano Ferreira
• Host Institution: Centro Infantil de Investigações Hematológicas Dr Domingos A Boldrini (CIB). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The ectoenzyme CD73 plays an important role in the conversion of ATP to adenosine, promoting immune suppression and favoring tumor progression. Although its role is well-established in several cancers, its importance in pediatric cancers is still underexplored. Monoclonal anti-CD73 antibodies have the potential to reverse this suppression and improve anti-tumor responses, offering a promising therapeutic approach. This project aims to obtain monoclonal antibodies against human CD73 protein using hybridoma technology. For this, spleen cells from mice immunized with CD73 protein will be fused with myeloma cells to form antibody-producing clones. The antibodies produced will be evaluated for specificity and affinity using ELISA and flow cytometry techniques. Antibodies that show promising results will have their respective hybridoma clones amplified and stored in a nitrogen tank for future sequencing, and they will be evaluated for their ability to interfere with CD73 enzymatic activity. Initial results obtained from DNA immunizations have shown promise in the production of anti-CD73 antibodies. Therefore, the production of hybridomas is a crucial step for future in vitro and in vivo validation assays, as well as advancements in the therapeutic applicability of these antibodies. Thus, this study aims to contribute to the development of new immunotherapy options, addressing gaps in current treatment strategies.