A large array of human monoclonal antibodies to type 1 human immunodeficiency virus from combinatorial libraries of asymptomatic seropositive individuals.

A panel of human monoclonal antibody Fab fragments has been generated against the surface glycoprotein gp120 of type 1 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by antigen selection from a random combinatorial library expressed on the surface of filamentous phage. The library was prepared from 5 ml of bone marrow from an asymptomatic individual who has been HIV-positive for 6 years. The antibodies have high affinity for antigen (mostly with affinity constants of greater than 10(8) M-1) and notable sequence diversity. Given appropriate donor selection, the methods described should allow the generation of antibodies for the evaluation of passive immunization as a therapy for AIDS. IMAGES: