We have successfully isolated 19 IgG autoantibodies against galactose-de
ficient IgA1 autoantigen from a variety of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patient
s, utilizing both SPYMEG human hybridoma technology and phage-displa
y technology). By comparing genetic analyses, we have designed primers t
o amplify specific conserved gene regions of autoantibodies utilizing the
VH3 family genes, including the representative primers as follows: Hvh3F:
5’-TCCCTGAGACTCTCCTGTGCA-3’; Hvh3R1: 5’-ATTGTCTCT GGAGATG
GT-3’; Hvh3R2: 5’-CAGGCTGTTCATTTGCAG-3’ to pick out potential Ig
AN cases by targeting such unique and specific autoantibodies. Meanwhil
e, we have been collaborating with Thermo Fisher Scientific, Taiwan, to de
sign specific probes for real-time PCR, to be utilized in clinical liquid biops
y testing for IgAN, including: 1. Applied Biosystems assay 24- to 384-wellTaqMan Array cards (microfluidic cards) and 2. Digital PCR assay. Our esti
mated benefits as follows: Domestic – NT$460 million; Global - NT$20 billi
on.