Detection of circulating anti-Neu5Gc antibodies as a proof of use of recombinant glycoproteins: rEPO and analogues

Project Title: Detection of circulating anti-Neu5Gc antibodies as a proof of use of recombinant glycoproteins: rEPO and analogues

Researchers: Dr. Pascual, Dr. Bolos, Dr. Segura

Institution: Fundacio IMIM, Spain

Year approved: 2011

Summary: The main objectives of the project are:

• Developing a test to quantify antibodies against Neu5Gc circulating in human blood (serum or plasma) based on what has already been described in the literature.
• Test human blood samples from healthy individuals and from patients being treated with rEPO.
• Refine the analytical test in order to increase specificity and minimise background by testing different Neu5Gc containing antigens and approaches (inhibition).
• Validate the test for anti-doping purposes establishing thresholds to ascertain the illegal exposure to recombinant glycoproteins as well as studying the pharmacokinetics of antibody production.