Submitted by Cássia Santos (cassia.bcufg@gmail.com) on 2015-02-27T12:50:00Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Greice Japolla - 2014.pdf: 735093 bytes, checksum: 4795f79b674744556e9029a8e9b99c2f (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2015-03-04T11:45:39Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Greice Japolla - 2014.pdf: 735093 bytes, checksum: 4795f79b674744556e9029a8e9b99c2f (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-04T11:45:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Greice Japolla - 2014.pdf: 735093 bytes, checksum: 4795f79b674744556e9029a8e9b99c2f (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-02-11 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Bovine herpesvirus type 1 ( BHV - 1 ) is recognized as an important pathogen of economic losses in cattle , these animals causing diseases known as infectious bovine rhinotracheitis ( IBR ) , infectious pustular vulvovaginitis , infectious balanoposthitis and neurological disorders . For effective control of these diseases, the correct diagnosis is necessary, but none of the available tests enables a quick result made the field. Considering this, the aim of this study was to construct a combinatorial antibody library, for it to be used in the future development of new diagnostic approaches . Two breed White Leghorn chickens were immunized with 105.5 TCID50/ml of BoHV - 1, birds were necropsied , their spleens removed for total RNA extraction , cDNA synthesis , amplification of gene fragments encoding the light chain ( VL ) and heavy ( VH ) and production of scFv ( v) fragments. These fragments were cloned into vectors fagomidiais expressed as fusion proteins on filamentous phage and amplified by infection of E. coli. Selection of viral particles ( fused scFv) binding to the BHV -1 ( biopanning ) by six cycles were performed. The affinity of the scFv antibody library BHV -1 observed in ELISA shows that the produced fragments are reactive to HIV, the use of such antibodies in the development of new diagnostic platforms is possible . The sequencing results showed a reduction of variability in comparison to the dot blot previously performed, and a desirable feature of this process , however, it was possible to sequence the clones efficiently, it has been found , therefore, a need to further analyze the shape of results / O herpesvírus bovino tipo 1 (BoHV-1) é reconhecido como um importante patógeno de perdas econômicas em bovinos, causando nestes animais enfermidades conhecidas como Rinotraqueite Infecciosa Bovina (IBR), vulvovaginite pustular infecciosa, balanopostite infecciosa e desordens neurológicas. Para um efetivo controle destas enfermidades, o diagnóstico correto se faz necessário, porém nenhuma dos testes disponíveis possibilita um resultado rápido feito a campo. Considerando isto, o objetivo deste estudo foi construir uma biblioteca combinatorial de anticorpos, para que esta seja futuramente utilizada no desenvolvimento de novas abordagens diagnósticas. Duas galinhas da raça White Leghorn foram imunizadas com 105,5 DICC50/mL de BoHV-1, as aves foram necropsiadas, seus baços retirados para extração de RNA total, síntese de cDNA, amplificação dos fragmentos gênicos codificantes das cadeias leve (VL) e pesada (VH) e produção de fragmentos scF(v). Estes fragmentos foram clonados em vetores fagomidiais, expressos como proteínas de fusão em bacteriófagos filamentosos e amplificados pela infecção de bactérias E.coli. Foi realizada a seleção de partículas virais (scFv fusionados) ligantes ao BoHV-1 (biopanning) através de seis ciclos. A afinidade da biblioteca de anticorpos scFv ao BoHV-1 observada no teste de ELISA mostra que os fragmentos produzidos são reativos ao vírus, sendo possível a utilização destes anticorpos no desenvolvimento de novas plataformas de diagnóstico. Os resultados de sequenciamento mostraram uma diminuição da variabilidade em comparação ao dot blot realizado anteriormente, sendo uma característica desejável neste processo, porém não foi possível sequenciar os clones de modo eficiente, verificando-se, portanto, a necessidade de analisar de forma mais aprofundada os resultados obtidos .

Foram estudados a composição e o pH do meio de cultivo para a produção do fragmento de anticorpo (scFv) anti-LDL(-), expresso em Pichia pastoris recombinante. Os experimentos que definiram a composição e pH do meio assim como a concentração inicial de células na fase de indução foram realizados em agitador orbital a 250 rpm, com temperatura de 30 ºC na fase de crescimento e 20 ºC na fase de indução, durante 72 horas, com adição diária de 1% (v/v) de metanol. Para modificação do meio foi realizado um planejamento experimental empregando como variáveis independentes: extrato de soja, casaminoácidos e ureia, os quais substituíram o YNB e a biotina presentes no meio padrão (BMMY). Apesar de haver maior produção no meio com extrato de soja, o meio contendo 10 g.L-1 de casaminoácidos foi selecionado, uma vez que este favoreceu a etapa de purificação. A partir da faixa de pH estudada entre 3,0 e 8,0, determinou-se que o pH 8,0 no início da fase de indução favorece a maior produção. Finalmente, o meio BMMY-CA (pH 8,0) foi utilizado para cultivo em biorreator com volume de trabalho de 10L e a partir deste cultivo foram calculados os parâmetro cinéticos (velocidades de crescimento, de consumo de substrato e de produção, bem como produtividade). Diante do conjunto de experimentos realizados, foi possível otimizar a composição do meio de cultivo e as condições operacionais, que possibilitaram um aumento do rendimento bem como aumento do volume de produção do scFv anti-LDL(-) em biorreator. / Composition and pH culture medium for the production of anti- LDL(-) antibody fragment (scFv) were studied in recombinant yeast Pichia pastoris. The experiments that defined medium composition, pH and the initial cell concentration in the induction phase were carried out in baffled shaker flasks at 250 rpm, with temperature at 30°C for growth phase and 20°C for induction phase, during 72 hours with daily addition of 1% (v/v) methanol. A design of experiments employing for medium modification with independent variables: soy extract, casamino acids and urea, which replaced the YNB and biotin present in the standard medium (BMMY) was conducted for medium formulation. Even though, there was an increase in medium production with soy extract, the medium containing 10 g.L-1 casamino acids was selected since it favors the purification step. Through a pH range study (3.0 to 8.0), it was determined that pH 8.0 during induction phase offered higher levels. Then, the best results from shaker flask cultivation (BMMY-CA with casamino acids and pH 8.0) were carried out in 1L bioreactor, showing a biomass and a scFv production increase compared to the standard, BMMY (pH 6.0). Finally, the medium BMMY-CA (pH 8,0) was submitted to a volume scale-up into a 10L bioreactor, which was also used to evaluate kinetic parameters (rates of growth, substrate consumption and production as well as productivity). In conclusion, by optimizing culture medium and operating conditions it was possible to increase yield and scale-up the production of scFv anti-LDL(-) in bioreactor.

Os produtos de modificação de lipoproteínas de baixa densidade (LDL) como a subfração eletronegativa [LDL(-)] desempenham um importante papel na progressão da aterosclerose. O acúmulo massivo de LDL modificada captada por macrófagos resulta em células espumosas que liberam mediadores inflamatórios e contribuem para a aterogênese. O scFv (single chain fragment variable) é um fragmento de anticorpo recombinante que contém o sítio completo de ligação ao antígeno. Diante do papel da LDL(-) na aterogênese e da necessidade de novas intervenções terapêuticas que possam inibir o acúmulo de lipídeos em macrófagos, este trabalho objetivou a expressão do scFv anti-LDL(-) 2C7 em Pichia pastoris, bem como a avaliação do efeito deste fragmento de anticorpo sobre a formação de células espumosas em cultura de macrófagos RAW 264.7. O vetor inicial de expressão pPIgLE apresentava como estratégia de detecção e purificação o fusionamento com a proteína A. No entanto, a alta imunogenicidade da proteína A inviabilizaria o estudo da proteína de fusão em cultura de macrófagos, o que determinou a substituição da estratégia de purificação anterior pela cromatografia com resina de níquel através da inserção de hexahistidina na região C-terminal da proteína. A análise de sequenciamento confirmou a presença da inserção e das regiões determinantes de complementariedade. O cassete de expressão com hexahistidina foi inserido no vetor pPIgLE de P. pastoris e transformado na linhagem SMD1168 (Invitrogen®). Testes preliminares de expressão em pequena escala permitiram a análise entre sete clones diferentes, demonstrando uma banda correspondente ao peso molecular de 28 KDa em SDS-PAGE, confirmado por Western Blot. A separação do scFv 2C7 através de resina de níquel obteve uma proteína pura, conforme foi analisado em SDS-PAGE corado com prata. A afinidade do scFv 2C7 a 9 LDL(-) foi confirmada por Dot Blot. O ensaio de captação de LDL(-) demonstrou que o scFv 2C7 foi eficaz na redução de células espumosas e este efeito foi acompanhado pela diminuição na expressão gênica de CD36, TLR-4 e COX-2. Baseado nestes dados, o scFv 2C7 demonstra uma propriedade importante para uma futura intervenção terapêutica para a aterosclerose. / The modification products of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), as the electronegative subfraction [LDL(-)], play an important role in the progression of atherosclerosis. The massive accumulation of modified LDL uptake by macrophages results in foam cells that release inflammatory mediators and contribute to atherogenesis. The scFv (singlechain fragment variable) is a recombinant antibody fragment that contains the complete site antigen-binding. Considering the role of LDL(-) in atherogenesis and the need for new therapeutic interventions that may inhibit the accumulation of lipids in macrophages, this study aimed the expression of anti-LDL(-) 2C7 scFv in Pichia pastoris and the evaluation of the effect of this recombinant antibody fragment on foam cells formation in cultured RAW 264.7 macrophages. The pPIgLE expression initial vector presented as a strategy for detection and purification the fusion with protein A. However, the high immunogenicity of the protein impairs the study of the fusion protein in cultured macrophages, leading to the replacement of the previous strategy of purification by chromatography with nickel resin by inserting hexahistidine tag at the C-terminus of the protein. The sequence analysis confirmed the presence of insertion and the complementary determining regions. The expression cassete with hexahistidine was inserted into the pPIgLE vector of P. pastoris and transformed in the SMD1168 strain (Invitrogen®). Preliminary tests of expression in small-scale allowed the analysis of seven different clones, showing a band corresponding to the molecular weight of 28KDa on SDS-PAGE, confirmed by Western Blot. The separation of 2C7 scFv by the nickel resin yield a pure protein, as it was shown by SDS-PAGE stained with silver. The affinity of 2C7 scFv was confirmed by Dot Blot. The assay of LDL(-) uptake showed that the 2C7 scFv was effective in reducing foam cells and this effect was determined by the decrease in gene expression of CD36, TLR-4 and COX-2. Based on these data, the 2C7 scFv demonstrates an important property for future therapeutic intervention for atherosclerosis

Plusieurs évidences suggèrent que des membres impliqués dans le contrôle de l'activation de la cascade apoptotique et particulièrement les membres de la famille de protéines Bcl-2 pourraient jouer un rôle dans le phénomène de résistance observé dans les tumeurs ovariennes. Le but de cette étude est de déterminer l'importance relative de la protéine Bcl-2 dans le phénomène de résistance clinique à la chimiothérapie dans le cancer ovarien, plus précisément au cisplatin. L'analyse de l'expression de la protéine Bcl-2 dans des cellules d'ovaire normales et cancéreuses a démontré une surexpression de la protéine dans les cellules cancéreuses par rapport aux cellules d'ovaire normales, mais aucune corrélation entre l'expression de la protéine Bcl-2 et la sensibilité au cisplatin des cellules d'ovaire cancéreuses n'a pu être établie. Pour pouvoir mieux évaluer le rôle de la protéine Bcl-2 dans le phénomène de résistance, nous avons utilisé un anticorps monovalent modifié (scFv) dirigé contre cette dernière. Ce scFv agit essentiellement comme un inhibiteur spécifique de la protéine Bcl-2 ans les cellules.

The availability of cost-effective high throughput screening assays combined with an enhanced understanding of oncogenesis has driven the development of more potent, specific, and less toxic anti-cancer agents. At the forefront of these advances are immunoglobulin molecules and their fragments. However, difficulties in producing antibodies in sufficient quantity and quality for commercial application have driven the development of alternative systems that can produce antibodies efficiently and cost-effectively. This thesis focuses on the engineering of an antibody fragment referred to as a single chain variable fragment (scFv), which consists of antibody light and heavy chain variable domains fused together by a peptide linker. Although the use of scFvs circumvents many of the issue of full-length antibody production, they still possess their own unique set of difficulties, including stability. In this thesis, we explored the following strategies to increase scFv stability. First, we increased the number of linkers used to join the variable light and heavy domains. We constructed two linear and two cyclic permutated scFvs that contained additional peptide linkers. Two linear permutated scFvs, named Model 1 and Model 3, showed increased stability with calculated melting temperatures (Tms) exceeding that of the unpermutated scFv. The two cyclic scFvs were less stable with Tms less than that of the unpermutated scFv. Second, we mutated light and heavy variable domains by introducing prolines or mutating glycine to alanine in the variable domain framework regions. Sites for proline mutations and glycine to alanine mutations were identified and scFvs containing the mutations were purified and their thermal stability tested. Unfortunately, there were no discernible differences between purified scFv mutants and the control scFv. Third, we designed a new selection/screening strategy using phage display and yeast two-hybrid assays to identify complementarity determining regions on scFvs that increased intracellular stability. We used this strategy to isolate anti-Abl-SH3 scFvs. Transient expression of scFvs in K562 cells indicated that two anti-Abl-SH3 scFv decreased viability.

Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of the body's own cells. While cancer rates increase with age, this disease afflicts both young and old. Traditional cancer therapy has had three major facets: 1) chemotherapy, which can non-specifically damage healthy tissue, 2) radiation, which can make some types of cancer more likely in the future, and 3) surgery, which can be physically traumatic and is not effective in removing unseen microtumors or circulating metastases. Immunotherapy, by its very nature, is drastically different. Immunotherapy seeks to employ cells or molecules from the immune system, in their original or a modified form, to augment, assist or replace missing elements of the native functioning immune system. Our immunotherapeutic approach has been to develop novel chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) and deliver the engineered transgene into hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). We have developed a novel single chain TCR (scTCR) in which the TCR V-alpha and V-beta segments are joined by a flexible linker. In addition to our scTCR we developed a single chain antibody molecule (scFv) to increase avidity to the tumor antigen and avoid the potential limitation of MHC restriction. Our lab has previously developed a signaling cassette based on the CD3 zeta chain, CD28 and p56Lck proteins which are prominent in the T-cell signaling pathway. The single chain specificities are linked to the signaling cassette that we have shown to function in T-cells. With specificity and signaling coupled, the chimeric antigen receptor can be transduced into hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) via a lentivirus vector. This adoptive immunotherapy can potentially eliminate malignant cells or supplement traditional therapies by providing engineered specificity and a useful method to transfer and expand tumor specific T-cells. We show in this study that the CAR can be delivered effectively to HSC and that the introduced transgene is expressed in multiple cell lineages. We also have developed a novel method of increasing lentiviral transduction efficiency. Both transduced fraction of cells and overall expression can be increased by proper timing and coordination of cell growth, cell cycle phase, vector addition and treatment with heat shock.

abstract: Specificity and affinity towards a given ligand/epitope limit target-specific delivery. Companies can spend between $500 million to $2 billion attempting to discover a new drug or therapy; a significant portion of this expense funds high-throughput screening to find the most successful target-specific compound available. A more recent addition to discovering highly specific targets is the application of phage display utilizing single chain variable fragment antibodies (scFv). The aim of this research was to employ phage display to identify pathologies related to traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly astrogliosis. A unique biopanning method against viable astrocyte cultures activated with TGF-β achieved this aim. Four scFv clones of interest showed varying relative affinities toward astrocytes. One of those four showed the ability to identify reactive astroctyes over basal astrocytes through max signal readings, while another showed a statistical significance in max signal reading toward basal astrocytes. Future studies will include further affinity characterization assays. This work contributes to the development of targeting therapeutics and diagnostics for TBI. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Bioengineering 2013

Globally, breast cancer is the leading cause of death in the female population aged 45 and below with a breast cancer incidence reaching 18.1 million in the year 2018. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is part of a group of cancers that lack the expression of Progesterone receptor (PR), Estrogen receptor (ER) and Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). TNBC is commonly associated with early stage metastasis with low survival rates as well as a high frequency of recurrence and proves to be problematic in both the young and elderly female populations. Conventional diagnostic methods for TNBCs include mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound while therapeutic methods include mastectomy and breast conserving surgery (coupled with radiation therapy). The lack of effective therapeutic options, poor prognostic value and high rates of metastasis, has made treatment of TNBC difficult. The major focus of this work was on the following tumour associated antigens (TAAs): CSPG4 (a transmembrane protein found in 50% of TNBC cases), EGFR (which is overexpressed in 13-76% of TNBCs), and MSLN (which is overexpressed in 67% of TNBCs) as potential targets for monospecific therapy. The evolution of antibody-based immunotherapy strategies has led to applications of single chain variable fragment (scFv) & single domain/nanobody (VHH) antibody formats for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. In this work, these recombinant antibody fragments have been combined with SNAP-tag, a modified version of the human DNA repair enzyme O6-alkylguanine-DNA-alkyltransferase (AGT), which autocatalytically binds benzyl-guanine modified substrates such as fluorophores or small molecule toxins covalently in a 1:1 stoichiometry. In this study, the primary aim was the comparison of different antibody formats fused to SNAPtag and the potential of these biopharmaceuticals towards immunodiagnosis and therapy of TNBCs. First functionalities of two scFv SNAP fusion proteins and one VHH SNAP fusion protein previously not having been described are provided through binding analyses on receptor positive tumour cell lines. This was achieved by in-silico design and molecular cloning of genetically fused antiCSPG4(scFv), -MSLN(scFv), -MSLN(VHH), -EGFR(scFv) & -EGFR(VHH) to SNAP-tag. The final constructs were confirmed by Sanger sequencing and subsequently transfected into a mammalian vector system (HEK293T) for transient expression of the engineered fusion proteins. Full length protein purified from cell culture supernatant was analysed for diagnostic/therapeutic activities dependant on the substrate attached in the form of a fluorophore or small molecule toxin resulting in recombinant antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). The study shows promise in providing new immunodiagnostic and therapeutic agents that are specific and less harmful than the current state of the art procedure

La toxoplasmose est un problème majeur de Santé Publique et notamment en médecine humaine. Le développement de vaccins est donc d’une grande priorité. L’efficacité de la stratégie vaccinale contre Toxoplasma gondii dépend de l’induction des réponses immunitaires muqueuse et systémique Th1. Les cellules dendritiques (CDs) ont un rôle essentiel dans l'orchestration de l’immunité innée et l’induction de l’immunité adaptative spécifique à Toxoplasma gondii. Dans cette étude, nous explorons une stratégie de vaccination originale qui consiste en l’administration par voie systémique et muqueuse de protéines de fusion capables de cibler l’antigène de surface SAG1 aux CDs, en utilisant un fragment d'anticorps de type scFv dirigé contre le récepteur d'endocytose DEC205. Nos résultats montrent que le ciblage de SAG1 aux DCs par le fragment scFv via la voie intranasale et sous-cutanée, réduit dramatiquement la charge parasitaire cérébrale par rapport à l’antigène non ciblé et est plus efficace que l’immunisation par la voie intranasale ou la voie sous-cutanée seule. Le ciblage des DCs potentialise la réponse immunitaire vers un profil Th1 par la production d’IFN-γ, d’IL-2, d’IgG2a sériques, tout en favorisant la production IgA muqueuses spécifiques. Parallèlement, nous avons montré qu’il était possible de conférer une reconnaissance par la protéine L à toutes les chaînes légères kappa, ce qui permettra dans l’avenir de purifier plus efficacement les antigènes ciblés par chromatographie d’affinité avec la protéine L. / Toxoplasmosis is a major public health problem and the development of a human vaccine is of high priority. Efficient vaccination against Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) requires both a mucosal and systemic Th1 immune response. Moreover, dendritic cells (DCs) play a critical role in orchestrating the innate immune functions and driving specific adaptive immunity to T. gondii. In this study, we explore an original vaccination strategy that combines administration via mucosal and systemic routes of fusion proteins able to target the major T. gondii surface antigen SAG1 to DCs using an antibody fragment scFv directed against DEC205 endocytic receptor. Our results show that SAG1 targeting to DCs by scFv via intranasal and subcutaneous administration improved protection against chronic T. gondii infection. A marked reduction in brain parasite burden is observed when compared with the intranasal or the subcutaneous route alone. DC targeting improved both local and systemic humoral and cellular immune responses and potentiated more specifically the Th1 response profile by more efficient production of IFN-γ, IL-2, IgG2a and nasal IgA. In parallel, we found a strategy to confer PpL recognition to all kappa chains. Therefore, affinity chromatography on protein L (PpL) matrix could be used to get easily highly purified targeted proteins.

Human neurocysticercosis (NC) is an important but neglected cause of epilepsy in developing countries where the parasite occurs. Expression of single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies on the surface of bacteriophage is widely used to prepare antibodies with pre-defined specificities. A phage antibody library was selected against peptides displayed on phages coupled to beads and total saline extract of Taenia solium metacestodes immobilized on microtiter plate wells. After two rounds of selection 96 phage clones of each panning were selected, tested for scFv expression and specificity to each target. Specific clones were further analyzed by ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), Dot-blot, sequencing and immunofluorescence. After selection, three clones were used for antigen capture to characterize its targets for future immunodiagnostic assays development. Total saline extract was fractionated on ion exchange resin diethylaminoethyl (DEAE), and fractions were tested by ELISA to detect sera IgG from: NC, other parasites and health controls (40 each). The fractions with best diagnostic parameters (sensitivity, specificity, area under curve and likelihood ratio, calculated by TG-ROC) were selected and subjected to antigen capture using each purified scFv clone. Each captured fraction was tested by ELISA to detect IgG in 30 serum samples from each group. In immunofluorescence tests, no fluorescence was observed in negative controls, and all clones showed a non-uniform staining profile, and their targets were elucidated through mass spectrometry. After ion exchange fractionation and ELISA tests, DEAE S2 fraction showed to be the best one and was used to capture new antigens. DEAE S2 showed 93.3% specificity. Among all clones, A4 and B6 captured antigens from saline extract and DEAE S2 fraction, respectively, with the best diagnostic parameters. In conclusion, antibody phage display technology is a potential approach for the study of antigen-antibody interactions, which can be used to further elucidate the biology of interaction on neurocysticercosis and to capture new antigens with potential applications in NC diagnosis and therapeutics. / A neurocistocercose humana (NC) é uma doença muito importante, porém negligenciada e é a maior causa de epilepsia em países em desenvolvimento onde a parasitose ocorre. A expressão de fragmentos de cadeia única das regiões variáveis de anticorpo (scFv) na superfície de bacteriófagos é amplamente utilizada para obter anticorpos com especificidades pré-definidas. Uma biblioteca de anticorpos foi utilizada para a seleção de clones específicos à peptídeos expostos em fagos acoplados a beads e ao extrato salino total de Taenia solium (S) imobilizado em placas de microtitulação. Após dois ciclos de seleção, 96 clones de anticorpos foram selecionados contra cada alvo, testados para expressão do scFv e especificidade pelo alvo. Aqueles clones que se mostraram específicos foram melhor analisados por ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay), Dot blot, sequenciamento e imunofluorescência. Três clones foram selecionados para serem utilizados na captura antigênica e caracterização do antígeno verdadeiro e para captura de novos antígenos com potencial aplicação em testes diagnósticos. O extrato S foi fracionado em resina de troca iônica diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) para obter frações que foram posteriormente testadas por ELISA para detectar IgG em amostras de soro de pacientes: com NC, outras parasitoses e saudáveis, 40 amostras cada grupo. A fração com melhores parâmetros diagnósticos (sensibilidade, especificidade, área sob a curva e likelihood ratio, calculadas por TG-ROC) foi selecionada e sujeita à captura antigênica usando cada clone de scFv purificado. Cada fração capturada foi testada por ELISA para detectar IgG em 30 amostras de soro de cada grupo. Nos testes de imunofluorescência, nenhuma fluorescência foi observada com os controles negativos e todos os clones mostraram um padrão de marcação não uniforme, seus antígenos alvo foram elucidados por espectrometria de massas. Após fracionamento por troca iônica e ELISA, a fração DEAE S2 se mostrou a melhor e foi utilizada para a captura de novos antígenos. A fração DEAE S2 mostrou especificidade de 93,3%. Dentre todos os clones, o A4 e o B6 capturaram antígenos do extrato S e fração DEAE S2, respectivamente, com os melhores parâmetros diagnósticos. Em conclusão a tecnologia de exposição de anticorpos em fagos é uma técnica potencial para o estudo de interações antígeno-anticorpo utilizadas para melhor elucidar a a biologia da interação na NC e para capturar novos antígenos potencialmente aplicáveis para o diagnóstico da NC. / Doutor em Imunologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas