Selection of human monoclonal antibody Fab fragments to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 from phage antibody library

Human monoclonal antibody Fab fragments to HIV-1 have been prepared by using phage display technology. The human IgG Fab genes of heavy and light chains were amplified from an individual with HIV-1 infection. The combinatorial phage antibody library was prepared by inserting both heavy and light chain Fab genes into phagemid vector pCOMB3 and followed by the help of helper phage infection. The library was selected by panning phages, which expressed the specific human antibody Fabs on their surfaces. Six rounds of panning against coated HIV-1 gp41, gp120, and gp 160, respectively were performed and showed specific enrichment of phage antibodies. The specific human Fab fragments to HIV-1 were selected and exhibited higher affinity. The specific bindings of the Fab antibodies to HIV-1 were verified by their specific reactions to HIV-1 antigen in ELISA, competitive inhibition ELISA, and Dot blot.