Regioselective labeling of antibodies through N-terminal transamination

A convenient new method is described for the introduction of ketone groups at the N-termini of antibodies. The reaction occurs in the presence of pyridoxal-5′-phosphate under conditions mild enough to maintain antigen binding function, as confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Further derivatization of these functional sites was accomplished through oxime formation, yielding well-defined antibody conjugates for a wide range of applications. The ability of the modified antibodies to bind their targets was confirmed via immunodot blot analysis. The generality of this method has been demonstrated on a number of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, all with different binding specificities.