How to request a target for antibody characterization

The NCI’s antibody program seeks cancer-related targets from the scientific community for affinity reagent production and characterization approximately every 12 to 18 months. Interested researchers with readily available protein/peptides can submit a request using an online form that is provided when the opportunity is open. An external Antibody Scientific Committee reviews the applications and provides scientific insight and guidance to the NCI's Antibody Characterization Program. This committee evaluates proposed antibody targets based on their relatedness to cancer, the availability of commercial antibodies/affinity binders for the target, and justification and contribution to existing NCI-funded projects. If approved, these reagents are generated using a fit for purpose philosophy and the requestor is encouraged to participate in both reagent screening and selection.

Regardless of the intended application, each affinity reagent is evaluated using a variety of characterization methods such as ELISA, western blot (recombinant/cell lysate/native), surface plasmon resonance, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, immuno-mass spectroscopy, reverse phase protein array, and immunohistochemistry. All data and standard operating procedures are available on the NCI’s antibody portal. Since not all affinity binders selected will be applicable to specific utilities, reasonable efforts are made to select binders with as broad utility as possible. More information about this process and the next start target request window is available by emailing Dr. Tara Hiltke (hiltket@mail.nih.gov).