Abstract

Near-infrared fluorescence molecular imaging has become an established preclinical technique to investigate molecular processes in vivo and to study novel therapies. Furthermore, fluorescence molecular imaging is gaining significant interest from clinicians as an intra-operative guidance tool. This technique makes use of targeted fluorescent tracers as contrast agents that recognize specific biomarkers expressed at the site of disease. Single-domain antibodies have shown to possess excellent properties for in vivo imaging in comparison to conventional antibodies. In this chapter, we describe a method for site-specific conjugation of a near-infrared fluorophore to single-domain antibodies by exploiting cysteine-maleimide chemistry. As opposed to random conjugation, site-specific conjugation results in a homogenously labeled fluorescent tracer and avoids inference with antigen binding.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.