Generation and characterisation of antibodies specific for the multidrug resistance-associated protein, MRP

Abstract

Multidrug resistance associated protein 1 (MRP1) is a 190kD integral membrane glycoprotein which belongs to the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily of transport proteins. The MRP1 specific MAbs, MRPrl, MRPm6 and QCRL-1 have facilitated both clinical and experimental investigations of this protein to date. In this thesis we have used various types of MRP 1-related immunogens in various species and utilising different immunisation protocols with the objective of producing additional MRP1 specific MAbs which might detect different epitopes Immunogens used included short synthetic peptides, fusion protems and MRP1 over-expressmg cells Species used for immunisation included New Zealand White rabbits, Balb\c mice and Wistar rats. A number of immunisation routes, such as mtrapentoneal, subcutaneous and the lymphatic system via footpad injections were used Variations in immunisation protocols included in-vivo and in-vitro immunisations