APPLICATION OF MOLECULAR IMPRINTING FOR SURFACE MAPPING

The ability to accurately identify epitopes on protein surfaces is of paramount importance for the development of drugs and vaccines, and in understanding the pathogenesis of the disease. We have developed a technique for epitope mapping using molecular imprinting. This approach provides the possibility of identifying regions of the protein surface that have not been demonstrated to be antigenic in vivo. This method does not rely on the availability of antibodies, it is robust, quick (2 weeks) and economically effective as compared with existing protocols. The presented case studies will include the epitope mapping of the individual proteins, such as acetylcholine esterase (AChE), and whole cells, particularly cancer and senescent cells.

We believe that the developed technology is an effective tool for fundamental research on structure-based drug discovery, study of protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions and identification of cell-surface biomarkers. The protocols developed constitute a platform technology for the prompt and effective personalised treatment which will include as an integral part of the process not only the identification of the specific targets but also their modulation or eradication through the design of nanoparticles capable of manipulating macromolecular functions.