F (ab) 2 fragment

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Schematic representation of an F (ab ') 2 and pFc part, formed from an antibody by pepsin digestion.

The F (ab) 2 fragment , also known as F (ab) 2 antibody , is the antigen- binding fragment of an antibody which can be obtained by cleavage with the enzyme pepsin . The F (ab) 2 fragment is a two Fab fragments constructed protein . The two Fab fragments are held together by disulfide bridges or alternatively by adhesive domains. In contrast to classical antibodies such as immunoglobulin G , F (ab) 2 fragments do not trigger a cytotoxic reaction via activation of the complement system , since they lack large parts of the Fc fragment . F (ab) 2 fragments are used as diagnostics and therapeutics in medicine . In addition, they are used as important tools in research and development.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Hudson PJ, Souriau C: Engineered antibodies . In: Nat. Med. . 9, No. 1, January 2003, pp. 129-134. doi : 10.1038 / nm0103-129 . PMID 12514726 .