METHODS AND CONSTRUCTS FOR EXPRESSING POLYPEPTIDE MULTIMERS IN EUKARYOTIC CELLS USING ALTERNATIVE SPLICING

摘要

The invention provides a method of producing multiple polypeptides, such as antibodies or antibody fragments, in a eukaryotic cell using a single expression vector. The expression vector is engineered to comprise two or more expression cassettes under the control of a single promoter wherein the expression cassettes have splice sites which allow for their alternative splicing and expression as two or more independent gene products at a desired ratio. Use of the vector for the efficient expression of recombinant antibodies in eukaryotic host cells is disclosed as well as the use of such antibodies in diagnostic and therapeutic applications.