Monoclonal Antibodies and Immunodiagnostics Production (MIP)Unit
About Specialized Unit
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The Monoclonal Antibodies and Immunodiagnostics Production (MIP) Unit was first established in 1995 within the Immunology Department at TBRI to raise monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against various medically significant parasites in Egypt, with Schistosoma being the primary focus. MAbs were utilized in the development of immunodiagnostic assays, such as sandwich ELISA, for diagnosing schistosomiasis, fascioliasis, and filariasis. The MAb-based sandwich ELISA for Schistosoma antigen detection in patient sera became a trusted method used by thousands of TBRI inpatients, outpatients, and health insurance patients (MOH) for effective diagnosis of active Schistosoma infections and monitoring of treatment efficacy.
In 2014, the MIP Unit was designated as a special unit, consisting of a tissue culture lab for MAb preparation, an accessory lab for conducting immunodiagnostic assays, and a cryopreservation room equipped with a liquid nitrogen system and ultra-freezers for storing cryopreserved biomaterials, including hybridoma cells producing monoclonal antibodies. The unit is managed by a well-trained team of researchers from the Immunology Department, working under the supervision of a group of experienced professors.
To improve the performance of the immunodiagnostic assays, in 2015, our team introduced nanotechnology by applying nanoparticles conjugated with MAbs in a sandwich ELISA, significantly enhancing its sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, in 2016, we began developing a simple, rapid, field-applicable, and cost-effective lateral flow immunochromatographic strip (LFIS) for the diagnosis of active schistosomiasis, using our anti-Schistosoma MAbs conjugated with nanoparticles. This nanoparticles-conjugated MAb-based LFIS has been developed for use in both local and international markets as a screening test for active schistosomiasis, with patent status pending.
Workshops on monoclonal antibody production and the immunodiagnosis of schistosomiasis have been conducted at the MIP Unit for local trainees from various scientific research centers in Egypt, as well as trainees from several African countries under the patronage of the WHO. Currently, the MIP Unit at TBRI is nominated to become a WHO Center of Excellence for Neglected Diseases.
Mission
To advance the field of immunodiagnostics by producing high-quality monoclonal antibodies and developing innovative diagnostic assays, enabling effective detection and management of parasitic diseases and cancer, while providing training and support to researchers and healthcare professionals both in Egypt and internationally.
Vision
To be a leading center of excellence in the production of monoclonal antibodies and immunodiagnostic solutions, globally recognized for our contributions to the detection and treatment of neglected tropical diseases, empowering healthcare systems, and improving patient outcomes in Egypt and across Africa.
Structure
Structure of the unit
The unit consists of:
1. Monoclonal Antibody Production Lab:
The laboratory was established for the production of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and includes:
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Preparation Area (Area A): This area includes a hand sterilization station, benches for reagent preparation, lockers, and units for the storage of plasticware, gowns, and overshoes.
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Working Area (Area B): This tissue culture area is equipped with the following:
a. CO2 incubator (Thermo Scientific, USA)
b. Cooling centrifuge (Eppendorf, Germany)
c. Laminar flow (Telstar, Spain)
d. Ordinary microscope (Olympus, Japan)
e. Inverted microscope (Olympus, Japan), digital camera with an adapter for ordinary and inverted microscopes (Olympus, Japan)
f. Refrigerator
2. Cryopreservation Unit:
For the storage of cells in liquid nitrogen (-196°C), it is equipped with:
- Liquid nitrogen tank: Serves as a reservoir for liquid nitrogen.
- Two liquid nitrogen locators with racks (Thermo Scientific, USA): Used for sample storage.
- Controlled-rate freezer (Thermo Scientific, USA)
3. Storage Unit:
For storing sterile disposables.