Development of an Anti-Immunocomplex Antibody and Non-competitive Immunoassay for the Detection of Testosterone
: Bäckström, Ida; Lamminmäki, Urpo; Juntunen, Etvi; Leivo, Janne
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
: 2026
Analytical Chemistry
: 98
: 9
: 6620
: 6626
: 0003-2700
: 1520-6882
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c06003
: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c06003
: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/515763130
Accurate and sensitive quantification of testosterone using simple, high-throughput, and low-cost methods has remained a longstanding analytical challenge, despite the issue being highlighted by the endocrinology community more than a decade ago. Existing competitive immunoassays lack sensitivity and specificity, while reference methods based on mass spectrometry are complex, costly, and unsuitable for routine large-scale testing. Alternative approaches are needed to aid in the diagnosis of androgen deficiency and excess in men, women, and children. In this study, we report a novel anti-immunocomplex (anti-IC) antibody that recognizes a monoclonal anti-testosterone antibody bound to testosterone. The anti-IC antibody was generated using phage display, and the antibody pair was utilized in the development of a non-competitive time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay for the detection of testosterone. The assay demonstrated reliable detection within the physiological range of testosterone in men, women, and children and compatibility with plasma as a sample matrix. These findings emphasize the potential of novel anti-IC antibodies in the development of more sensitive immunoassays, offering accessible alternatives to existing methods for testosterone analysis.
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This research was supported by the Research Council of Finland’s Flagship InFLAMES and the Finnish National Doctoral Education Pilot ImmuDocs. The funding decision numbers are 337530, 357910, and 358823.