UMAB (Utrecht Monoclonal Antibody facility)

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Overview

The Utrecht Monoclonal Antibody Facility (UMAB) is the antibody facility of UMC Utrecht, specializing in the generation of high-quality monoclonal antibodies targeting surface proteins.
Beyond their biological functions, monoclonal antibodies play a crucial role in biomedical research, diagnostics, and therapeutic development. Generating antibodies against low-immunogenic membrane proteins—such as multi-pass membrane proteins or targets with small extracellular domains—remains technically challenging.
To address this challenge, UMAB has developed a proprietary cell-based immunization method. In addition to antibody generation using hybridoma technology, UMAB is specialized in sequencing antibody variable regions, as well as the production and purification of newly generated monoclonal antibodies.

How we work

UMAB was established in 2012 as a core facility of the Center for Translational Immunology (CTI) at UMC Utrecht.
The facility distinguishes itself from other antibody-generation platforms through its unique cellular immunization approach. In addition, UMAB serves as an informational and advisory resource for antibody-related research questions.
UMAB works closely with researchers to develop custom-made monoclonal antibodies tailored to specific scientific needs. All projects are conducted on a custom basis, and no intellectual property (IP) claims are made by the facility.
UMAB operates under ISO 9001 certification, ensuring consistent quality standards.

About our applications

UMAB offers end-to-end monoclonal antibody development, from target design to high-affinity, functionally validated antibodies. Using a unique immunization and screening workflow, we support academic research with reliable and scalable antibody solutions.

Our applications

  • Unique immunization method to generate high affinity antibodies to surface molecules (KD 10-10 to 10-11 )
  • 5000-10000 generated hybridomas screened for binding
  • Screening on FACS, selection of top 5-10 antibodies
  • From target sequence to mouse hybridoma’s in 6-9 months
  • Sequencing of hybridomas
  • Chimerization on 5-10 mAbs within 3-4 months
  • Produce antibodies of patented sequences for academic use

About our services & fees

UMAB offers a range of specialized antibody services delivered in close collaboration with investigators.
All services are project-based, with transparent fees provided upon request.


Hybridoma Generation and Selection

  • Hybridoma generation and selection
  • Selection of epitope-specific antibodies, including agonistic, antagonistic, and internalizing antibodies
  • Cynomolgus monkey (cyno) cross-reactivity can be included
  • Production of chimeric antibodies with wild-type, silenced (PGLALA/STR), or activated (GASDALIE) Fc tails
  • Close collaboration with investigators throughout the project

Post-Production Services

  • Affinity determination using the Ligand Tracer platform
  • Functional assays, including inhibition assays, internalization assays, ADCC, CDC, and others

Research highlights

UMAB contributes to antibody-driven research by supporting projects that advance scientific insight and therapeutic development.
Our research highlights illustrate the impact of UMAB-generated antibodies in academic and translational research.

  • A lead candidate targeting CD123 developed by Byondis was generated at the UMAB facility.
  • View the Byondis CD123 pipeline
  • New insights into Type I and Type II CD20 antibody mechanisms of action were obtained using a panel of novel CD20 antibodies generated at UMAB
  • (Meyer S, et al. British Journal of Haematology, May 2018).
  • Oncode Institute – Therapeutic Antibody Research
  • UMAB contributes to the Oncode Therapeutic Antibody Project (UMC Utrecht) as part of the Oncode Antibody & Biologics Accelerator Platform.

Meet the team

  • Prof. Dr. Jeanette Leusen, Full professor,
  • Petra Moerer Senior Research Technician,
  • Maaike Nederend Senior Research Technician,
  • Elsemieke Passchier Research Technician

Flow Cytometry Facility

,

The selection and purification of molecules, cells, tissues, and organisms of interest are critical yet often time-consuming aspects of biomedical research. Flow cytometers have revolutionized the sorting and analysis of large numbers of individual cells, microorganisms, and other particles at high speed. The fluidics subsystem of a flow cytometer brings particles in suspension into the flow cell where they are excited by light sources of different wavelengths. With the use of multiple mirrors, band pass, and long pass filters, the emitted light is routed to the appropriate photomultipliers, where the incoming photons are converted into electrons and visualized for further analysis. Applications range from simple cellular readouts to complex phenotyping and high-throughput screening.

Our facility houses three different machines that support a broad range of applications:

BD FACSymphony A1 cell analyzer with small particle detector:

The BD FACSymphony A1 is used for analyzing particles, ranging from very small ones such as extracellular vesicles, to microorganisms such as yeasts, and a wide variety of blood and tissue cells. This analyzer supports high-resolution analysis of up to 16 parameters simultaneously. Examples of possible applications are measuring cell proliferation, apoptosis, transfection efficiency, cell cycle progression, cytometry bead array, and identification of rare subsets by multicolor staining (both intra- and extracellular).

BD FACSAria Fusion cell sorter:

The BD FACSAria Fusion is used for sorting particles, ranging from microorganisms such as yeasts to various blood or tissue cells. This is performed at high speed and in sterile conditions. Thereby facilitating the option to bring these cells back into culture, allowing creation of specific cell clones or performance of functional assays with the cells of interest. This sorter supports high-resolution analysis of up to 17 fluorescent markers simultaneously.

Union Biometrica Large Particle Biosorter:

Some objects are too large or too sensitive for conventional flow cytometry. Therefore, Union Biometrica has developed large particle flow cytometers for handling a wide range of object sizes (1 – 1500 µm). Examples of materials that can be analyzed and sorted with the Biosorter are plant protoplasts, seeds, organoids and whole organisms, including zebrafish embryos and C. elegans embryos and larvae.

Relative size and optical density are measured, as well as fluorescence intensities at three different wavelengths. Sorting and dispensing decisions are based on user-selected ranges using the FlowPilot™ Pro software. Of each object, an optical profile can be made, in which the location and intensity of all parameters can be graphically mapped. This feature makes it possible to distinguish between fluorescence in the head, middle, or tail of the organism.

Utrecht Nanobody Facility

, , ,

Mission

The Utrecht Nanobody Facility (UNF) aims to provide support to academic researchers interested in nanobody technology. We provide advice and expertise for development of new nanobodies or new applications with existing nanobodies. In a collaborative set-up we provide the technology for the selection, production, functionalization, and applications of nanobodies. We offer technology for the functionalization of nanobodies using different site-specific conjugation methods of fluorophores (Alexa, Atto, NIR dyes etc.), drugs, nanoparticles etc. Functionalized nanobodies are excellent tracers for imaging purposes and in collaboration with the Biology Imaging Center we provide for single molecule imaging, super-resolution light microscopy, and in vivo molecular imaging.

Technology

Nanobodies are small antibody fragments (15 kDa) derived from camelid heavy chain antibodies. These single domain antibodies are uniquely adaptable tools. Nanobodies can be selected from (custom built) immune libraries, or alternatively synthetic libraries, using phage display. Extensive equipment is available for the thorough characterization of the nanobodies. Important parameters are production yield, stability, specificity, binding affinity, and selectivity in vivo. Nanobodies can be produced at small scale and equipment is available for the large scale production both from E. coli and HEK cells.

Applications

Nanobodies can be used for different applications, such as stabilization of protein conformation for X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy, protein or vesicle purification, in vitro imaging (both light- and electron- microscopy), as biosensors, and for in vivo imaging. Furthermore, nanobodies can be employed for therapeutic applications, for instance: as antagonists, conjugated to drugs for cancer therapy or fibrosis, as antivirals, for targeted protein degradation, conjugated to nanoparticles carrying drugs, or in immune therapies such as nanobody-based T cell engagers or chimeric antigen receptor T cells.

ARCADIA

, , , , ,

ARCADIA is embedded within the Central Diagnostic Laboratory of the UMC Utrecht dedicated to linking life science research with routine diagnostics. Its central position within laboratory diagnostics in one of the largest academic hospitals in the Netherlands enables ARCADIA to provide comprehensive analytical services to its partners and customers.
ARCADIA offers a variety of services, platforms and tailored solutions to strengthen interaction between patient care, innovation and fundamental research and supports your project according to your specific needs and requirements.

To facilitate researchers in biomarker discovery and validation, ARCADIA offers a ISO9001 work environment with a wide range of cutting-edge technology platforms suitable for measuring several markers simultaneously in low sample volumes such as OLINK (Targeted Proteomics) and multiplex assay platform like MSD Discovery, Ella and Luminex.
The combination with state-of-the-art diagnostic analyzers (Siemens Atellica, Abbott ARCHITECT, Roche Cobas) within the clinical routine laboratory (ISO15189) allows offering tailored analysis services suiting your specific requirements and needs and thereby reducing sample volumes and costs to a minimum.

Single Cell Genomics

, , , , , , , , ,

Single-cell sequencing technologies provide insight into cellular processes at an unprecedented level of detail. They overcome the shortcomings of traditional bulk sequencing and enable the identification of individual cell types and dynamic states. The Máxima Single-Cell Genomics facility makes these technologies available to study pediatric tumors.

Purpose for research

Cancer cells do not exist in isolation but are embedded within a network of healthy ‘neighbors’. Blood vessels and stromal cells can support the disease via efficient nutrient delivery and cell-cell communication while immune cells can target malignant cells for destruction. Diseased cells also signal to their surrounding cells to promote cancer cell survival. Cancer cell heterogeneity makes some cells better able to survive under stressful conditions, such as nutrient deprivation, immune attack, or exposure to chemotherapy. Similarly, immune cells can either be ready to fight the disease or exhausted. Traditional bulk RNA-seq blends all these complex signals into an average that obscures the heterogeneity and interplay between cells.

Recent technological advances have made it possible to use single-cell sequencing to measure the activity of thousands of individual cells in parallel. This enables the investigation of several unexplored aspects of cancer biology such as tumor heterogeneity and clonality, niche-cancer crosstalk, and in-depth characterization of the immune microenvironment. Additionally, multiple modalities can be measured in parallel with RNA, such as open chromatin, cell surface markers, and VDJ rearrangements. All these possibilities lead to new insights into cancer biology, tumor composition, and treatment.

At the SCG facility single, cell genomics technologies are used to assist researchers in acquiring high-quality data to study pediatric cancer.

The facility provides support for single-cell data generation, including:

  • Advice on experimental design, choosing the appropriate technique and optimizing sample preparation.
  • Preparation of libraries and sequencing (10x Genomics, BD, and Illumina single cell preps).
  • Analysis-ready processed data, including quality control reports.
  • Expertise on single-cell data analysis and interpretation.
  • We serve multiple Group Leaders in Utrecht Science Park, the Netherlands and abroad to fruitful outcomes, see “Publications”.

AI Labs

, , , , , , ,

Research

In the AI Labs, collaborative work is conducted involving researchers with the knowledge and expertise to work on AI issues in a societal context. This could be someone doing a short-term project or a researcher working long-term toward a glimmer on the horizon.

One example is a senior researcher or a PhD student focusing on one research question specifically and for a longer period. This can also work the other way round: someone from the police, government or a public institution doing part-time research at Utrecht University. Another possibility is a master’s student working in the organisation to carry out research as a placement or graduation project.

By entering into a long-term collaboration, your organisation can generate even more impact, for instance by hiring academic talent, or boosting in-house talent. Moreover, our researchers and students contribute to a meaningful partnership between the organisation and academia. This greatly enhances your organisation’s research potential.

Education for Professionals

An ever-increasing proportion of work within any business or organisation involves artificial intelligence. For this reason, it is important for employees to gain understanding and skills to handle and work with these new technologies. Our education experts help build that vital knowledge, through group training, courses and workshops.

Utrecht University and Utrecht University of Applied Sciences offer several programmes and courses in the field of AI. However, these may not quite meet the specific needs of your company or organisation. Together, we can explore the best programmes to ensure that your employees are up to speed with the latest developments. We can also train staff internally to deliver courses and workshops to their colleagues in the organisation.

Talent development

Partnering with AI Labs enables employers to position themselves as an exciting place to work in AI and data science, attracting talented future employees.

We frequently organise events to link current and potential partners with students looking for placements and graduation projects. We can also help facilitate guest lectures to showcase companies to young academics.

Knowledge network

Our AI Lab partners benefit from an extensive network of experts from the worlds of academia, industry, the social sector and government. We regularly organise meetings for the specific Labs to share experiences and best practice. That said, we also organise periodic joint meetings with all the Labs for participants to connect with experts outside their own field and learn from each other.

High throughput Screening Facility

,

In general, The Prinses Maxima High throughput Screening Facility conduct and support the development, implementation, and analysis of high-throughput and time-consuming assays. All experiments are designed to enable accelerated identification and validation of new treatment options for childhood cancer, as well as the identification of key genes and proteins underlying disease processes.

The highly flexible HTS platform enables the performance of a variety of high-throughput assays (e.g., ELISA, cell viability, staining), screenings with various drug types (e.g., antibodies, siRNAs, or other chemicals), and readout methods (e.g., absorption-, luminescence-, or fluorescence-based detection). Readout using FACS and microscopy can be performed.

What we offer:

We offer a full-service model with:

  • Assay development and validation – We can support the translation of research questions into assays suitable for high-throughput screening and that can be run on our system.
  • Performing HTS experiments – Standard drug screens (see drug libraries) can be performed upon request. Furthermore, if available, we can provide support for in-house developed automated assays.
  • Data analysis support – In addition to the raw data, we also provide standard data analysis reports for these drug screens. We are also working on expanding our support for other experiments.

In practice:

When a research group expresses interest in using HTS equipment within their research project, we organize a meeting with the person in question to discuss goals, feasibility, and mutual expectations. These discussions are formalized using a project intake form, which is requested for each screening experiment.
Once the project requirements are clear, the experiment planning can begin. The researcher can complete the form to express their preferences and requirements for the specific experiment. Each request is followed up by a member of our team to finalize the details and agree on a date for the experiment and any follow-up.

Communication and data delivery

Data is processed using existing pipelines, and the extent to which the HTS facility can support this is discussed in advance.
All data (raw and processed) are delivered to researchers.

Long-Term Data Storage

We typically retain raw and processed data for up to three months after sharing. After this period, we delete the data. The HTS facility is not responsible for long-term data storage.

Collaboration Requests

We will consider collaboration requests based on staff availability. Due to our team’s limited resources, these requests are considered at our discretion.

Equipment Overview

The HTS facility is a sophisticated robotic system containing 20 different laboratory instruments. The HTS team manages this complex system. It is available to all interested parties, although our focus is on facilitating cancer research.

Highlights include:

  • Beckman Coulter Biomek i7 Hybrid Fluid Transfer Workstation.
  • Echo 550 Fluid Handler for acoustic fluid handling for precise nL transfer volumes of (drug) solutions.
  • Revvity Opera Phenix high-content imaging system.
  • Automated version of the most commonly used lab equipment (e.g., incubator, centrifuge, sample heating/cooling, etc.).

Drug Libraries

We currently have the following libraries set up and ready for screening:

  • PMC Core Library: A drug library with over 200 compounds specifically selected for pediatric oncology, based on current treatment regimens and clinical trials. • Immuno-oncology library (Cat. No. L2170)
  • Epigenetic library (Cat. No. HY-L005)
  • Metabolic library (Custom)
  • Cell cycle – DNA damage library (Cat. No. HY-L004)
  • Drug repurposing library (Cat. No. HY-L035)
  • Anticancer metabolism library (Cat. No. HY-L083)

MedTech Development & Prototyping Facility

, , , , , , , ,

UMC Utrecht’s product development team supports researchers and innovators with (medical) technology by providing design, engineering and prototyping services. The multidisciplinary team, with expertise in mechanical, electrical, and software engineering, offers realization of custom-built research equipment, custom parts, functional demonstrators, and even medical device prototypes ready for clinical use.

With in-house manufacturing capabilities like 3D printing, CNC machining, and laser cutting, it is possible to efficiently bring your concepts to life.
In addition, the team has deep expertise in sensor and measurement systems, high-frequency serial data acquisition, and signal interpretation, ensuring your measurement data is fit for digital twins and AI model training.

As a non-commercial partner, we work closely with researchers and innovators, leveraging our deep knowledge of IMDD, METC, and validation processes, combined with our EN ISO 13485:2016-certified quality system. Thereby ensuring that developed devices, and their accompanying documentation, are suitable for clinical investigation and can be seamlessly integrated into healthcare settings.

Do you have a technical challenge, big or small? No problem! Feel free to drop by at F01.2.22 or contact us through the email button.

Together, we’ll look at your question and find a suitable technical solution.

Scientific Committee (SciCom) Princess Máxima Center

, ,

The goal of the committee is to ensure that the (pre-)clinical research carried out in the Princess Máxima Center is of the highest possible quality, that it is aligned with the mission of the center and complies with legal requirements, rules and regulations. The SciCom is an umbrella committee for all applications that are handled by the Clinical Research Committee (CRC) and/or the Biobank and Data Access Committee (BDAC).

The Clinical Research Committee (CRC) is an independent committee responsible for the scientific assessment and quality assurance of all prospective clinical research proposals.

The Biobank and Data Access Committee (BDAC) is an independent committee responsible for the assessment of research applications where material and/or data is requested from the Princess Máxima Center Biobank.

Scientists from external institutes may submit a research proposal in collaboration with a research group or clinical scientist of the Máxima center. Please contact one of our research groups to discuss the research proposal, or contact the SciCom for more information.

Motion Capture and Virtual Reality Lab

, , ,

The Motion capture and Virtual Reality Lab is a unique lab that aims to develop technology for human-like digital humans for socially interactive experiences. We do not only aim to develop the technology but also aim to evaluate our results taking a human-centric approach.

We are the only lab in the Netherlands at this scale and one of the few worldwide that allows simultaneous and detailed capture of multiple actors in a multi-modal manner including facial expressions, body movements, finger tracking and audio. It also enables fully immersive VR experiences using the whole body.