Neutralization Antibody Validation*

Neutralization, or functional blocking, of proteins by antibodies is often used to study biologic function mediated by cell surface expressed proteins. For example, to study the effects of a particular cytokine on cell signaling and other biologic effects, antibodies can be used that will specifically bind and reduce the amount of free cytokine that can bind to receptors, thereby downregulating its biologic effects. Neutralization testing is one strategy we use to validate Invitrogen antibodies for research use. When used as a tool to test the specificity of antibodies, the rationale is that when an antibody exhibits functional blocking characteristics, it is strong evidence that the antibody is binding the intended target and demonstrating that the antibody is specific to its intended target. To determine if neutralization or a functional blocking approach is applicable for specificity testing, one has to rely on a defined system with a measurable output in order to be able to quantify the effects of the blocking function. These systems could be a motility assay, bioactivity assay, or any other measurable activity.

Neutralization validated antibodies

In the example below (Figure 1), recombinant Red firefly (RFF) luciferase generates light (bioluminescence) in the presence of luciferase substrate (left panel). The RFF luciferase antibody blocks RFF luciferase activity in a dose-dependent manner, resulting in decreased activity as reflected by reduced bioluminescence.

When possible, we combine blocking testing with other supporting data, like a western blot, to show that the antibody recognizes the intended protein target at the expected molecular weight (right panel). In the example (Figure 2), whole cell lysates from RFF luciferase, Green Renilla (GR) luciferase, or untransfected 293 cells were analyzed in a western blot. As expected, the RFF luciferase antibody only detected its target in cells expressing the RFF luciferase protein. From these results, we can verify that the RFF antibody functions as expected.

In addition to the neutralization of biological activity for specificity testing of antibodies, blocking can be utilized in a different way to determine specificity. In these cases, the immunizing peptide, which is usually abundantly available, can be used as a method for antibody specificity verification. We routinely use this control in western blotting applications, especially when performing specificity testing of antibodies that are directed against specific phosphorylation sites.

Invitrogen antibodies that have been verified against neutralization/blocking are indicated with a “verified specificity” symbol in search results and on relevant product pages. The data showing the verification will be provided on each product page.

*The use or any variation of the word “validation” refers only to research use antibodies that were subject to functional testing to confirm that the antibody can be used with the research techniques indicated. It does not ensure that the product(s) was validated for clinical or diagnostic uses.