AtaGenix Laboratories

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Humanization & Sequence Optimization

Reducing Immunogenicity While Preserving Affinity

Overview

Therapeutic and diagnostic antibody development increasingly relies on engineering strategies that ensure efficacy, safety, and developability. Among these, antibody humanization is a critical step for minimizing immunogenicity of non-human antibodies while maintaining antigen-binding performance.

At AtaGenix, we provide customized antibody humanization and sequence optimization services using a structure-guided, in silico-assisted approach. Our platform combines CDR grafting, back mutation prediction, and post-translational modification (PTM) risk analysis, delivering optimized antibody variants with reduced immunogenicity and preserved binding affinity.

Why Antibody Humanization?

Antibodies derived from mouse, rabbit, or camelid systems often trigger immune responses when administered to humans. Humanization addresses this by replacing the non-human framework regions with human germline sequences while retaining the antigen-binding CDRs.

Benefits of humanization include:

Lower risk of anti-drug antibodies (ADA)
Improved clinical safety profile
Maintained or enhanced binding affinity (KD)
Compatibility with downstream Fc engineering and developability profiling

Our Strategy

AtaGenix employs a comprehensive antibody humanization strategy, integrating:

CDR grafting onto high-homology human germline frameworks
3D structural modeling to identify conformation-critical residues
Back mutation analysis to recover lost affinity
In silico screening for aggregation hotspots and PTM liabilities
Codon optimization and sequence reformatting for expression efficiency

This multi-layered workflow ensures minimal affinity loss and supports a wide range of antibody formats, including IgG, scFv, Fab, and VHH.

Project Workflow

Step Description Timeline Deliverables
1. Sequence Analysis Human germline selection, CDR grafting, structure modeling, PTM screening 2–3 days Optimized humanized sequences
2. Gene Synthesis & Expression Codon optimization, vector construction, transient expression ~2 weeks Expressed antibody variants
3. Affinity Validation Binding confirmation using BLI or SPR ~1 week KD report, binding curves
4. Optional Add-ons Stability testing, functional assay (FACS, ELISA) On request Stability, functional reports

Total turnaround: typically 3–4 weeks

Key Features

? Structure-Guided Design: Based on homology modeling and conformation-sensitive residue preservation
? Affinity Retention Guarantee: Affinity loss ≤3-fold compared to parental antibody; if unmet, no fee
⚙️ Rapid Turnaround: 3–4 weeks for complete sequence optimization and protein expression
? Comprehensive Analysis: PTM profiling, developability prediction, and codon adaptation included

Deliverables

Humanized antibody sequences
Full alignment report with human germline templates
Back mutation list with justification
Expression yield & QC data
BLI/SPR-based binding kinetics (KD, kon, koff)
Optional: Functional assays (e.g., FACS, cell binding)

Why Partner with AtaGenix?

As a CRO rooted in antibody engineering, AtaGenix offers more than just design tools. Our platform includes full downstream validation capacity and technical consultation with PhD-level scientists experienced in:

Humanization of IgG, VHH, and bispecific formats
Antibody engineering for CAR-T, ADC, and immunotherapy
Optimization for diagnostics and IVD development

With over 14 years of continuous work in antibody development, our humanization service is grounded in real-world experience and optimized for project efficiency.

Supported Formats

Mouse, rabbit, rat, and camelid-derived antibodies
IgG, scFv, Fab, VHH
Bispecific constructs (Knobs-into-Holes, CrossMAb, etc.)
Chimeric or partially human sequences

Get Started Today

Let’s accelerate your antibody development journey! Partner with AtaGenix to transform your non-human antibodies into safe, effective, and humanized therapeutics or diagnostics. Contact us now to discuss your project needs and receive a tailored proposal within 24 hours.

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