Aim: To construct human phage antibody library against SARS virus.
Methods: Human Fab genes were amplified by RT-PCR from lymphocytes of a convalescent SARS patient and cloned into vector pComb3 to construct phage antibody library. Antibodies against SARS virus were screened by biopanning with immobilized virus antigen. The binding specificity of phage antibody to SARS virus was detected by ELISA.
Results: 13 Ig genes were obtained by PCR. A human phage antibody library consisting of 1.3 x 10(6) clones was constructed by electrotransformation and 60 percent of the clones contained Fab genes. After three rounds of panning with SARS virus antigen, phage antibodies against SARS virus were specifically enriched. ELISA detection verified 10 positive phage antibodies that were highly specific for SARS virus.
Conclusion: Human phage antibody library against SARS virus has been constructed successfully, from which 10 anti-SARS virus antibodies were obtained.