Reformatting of scFv antibodies into the scFv-Fc format and their downstream purification.

ABSTRACT

The scFv-Fc format allows for rapid characterization of candidate scFvs isolated from phage display libraries before conversion into a full-length IgG. This format offers several advantages over the phage display-derived scFv, including bivalent binding, longer half-life, and Fc-mediated effector functions. Here, a detailed method is presented, which describes the cloning, expression, and purification of an scFv-Fc fragment, starting from scFv fragments obtained from a phage display library. This method facilitates the rapid screening of candidate antibodies, prior to a more time-consuming conversion into a full IgG format. Alternatively, the scFv-Fc format may be used in the clinic for therapeutic applications.