Molecular Model of Variable Part of Antigen-binding Fragment of Mouse Antibody, 1975

89.0001.381

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Made by Dr. David Davies, an expert in crystallography, this was the first molecular model of an antibody fragment of a mouse antibody (FAB).

The NIH Record wrote in 1975: “By helping to define the 3-dimensional structure and chemical make-up of antibodies— proteins critical in the body's defenses against bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances—NIH scientists are contributing to an international effort that may eventually make possible the manufacture of artificial antibodies…. Dr. Davies noted that the structural analysis would have been impossible without a source of crystallizable antibody. Most antibodies, produced by a variety of plasma cells, are heterogeneous and won't crystallize. Dr. Michael Potter and colleagues in NCI solved this critical part of the puzzle by providing quantities of the unique, homogeneous antibody produced in plasma cell tumors of inbred mice.” See page 5