Abstract
Recombinant protein G has been utilized in the purification of antibodies from various mammalian species based on the interaction of antibodies with protein G. The interaction between immunoglobulin and protein G may not be restricted to the Fc protion of antibodies, as many different $F(ab)_2$ or Fab fragments can also bind to protein G. I found both FAb $F(ab)_2$ of 145-2C11, a hamster anti-mouse $CD3{\varepsilon}$ antibody, bound to the protein G-sepharose. Interestingly, Fab and $F(ab)_2$ of 145-2C11 did not bind to the protein A-sepharose. The binding of Fab and $F(ab)_2$ of 145-2C11 to protein G provided a useful method to remove proteases, chopped fragments of the Fc region, and other contaminating proteins. The remaining intact antibody in the protease reaction mixture can be removed by using a protein A-sepharose, because the Fab and $F(ab)_2$ portions of 145-2C11 did not bind to protein A-sepharose. The specific binding of Fab and $F(ab)_2$ portions of 145-sC11 to a protein G-sepharose (though not to a protein A-sepharose) and binding of intact 145-2C11 to both protein A- and G-sepharose will be useful in developing an effective purification protocol for Fab and $F(ab)_2$ portions of 145-2C11.