IMGT/mAb-DB documentation

Introduction

IMGT/mAb-DB is part of IMGT®, the international ImMunoGeneTics information system®, the high-quality integrated information system specialized in immunoglobulins (IG), T cell receptors (TR), major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of human and other vertebrates species, immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF), MHC superfamily (MhcSF) and related proteins of the immune system (RPI) of vertebrates and invertebrates species, created in 1989 by Marie-Paule Lefranc (Laboratoire d'ImmunoGénétique Moléculaire, LIGM, Université Montpellier 2 and CNRS) and on the Web since July 1995. IMGT/mAb-DB is the IMGT® monoclonal antibodies (mAb) database.

IMGT/mAb-DB provides a unique expertised resource on monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with diagnostic or therapeutic indications, fusion proteins for immune applications (FPIA), composite proteins for clinical applications (CPCA) and relative proteins of the immune system (RPI) with clinical indications.

In 2008, amino acid sequences of monoclonal antibodies (IG, mAb) and fusion proteins for immune applications (FPIA) from WHO INN were entered in IMGT/2Dstructure-DB, a section of IMGT/3Dstructure-DB.

IMGT/mAb-DB Query

The IMGT/mAb-DB query allows multiple criteria for search in the Search by section. It also allows to select fields to be displayed in the result table in the Displayed Fields section.

IMGT/mAb-DB sections of search

Section 1

Allows to query IMGT/mAb-DB by:

• IMGT/mAb-DB ID which has been defined in order to identify the IMGT/mAb-DB entries by numeric code.

• General query: allows you to make requests on multiple fields (currently: INN Name, common name, proprietary name, IG format, PMID, author name, publication title), even with just a part of the information.

Section 2

Allows to query IMGT/mAb-DB by:

• INN provided by WHO INN (World Health Organization).
  The search by INN is case insensitive. A selection on INN is also possible in a drop-down list.
• INN Number
• INN Prop. List as published by WHO INN.
  • 'and before' and 'and after': allows a search of mAb published before a proposed (or recommended) list.
• INN Rec. List as published by WHO INN.
• Common name includes name found in the literature. The search by Common name is case insensitive.
• Proprietary name includes antibody registered trademark, usually identified by symbol ™ (not yet registered) and ® (registered). The search by Proprietary name is case insensitive.

Section 3

Allows to query IMGT/mAb-DB by:

• IMGT receptor type includes:
  • IG or immunoglobulin or antibody, complete or partial (Fab, Fab', scFv). An IG (or antibody fragment) must contain at least one variable domain (for example VH) to be designated with the suffix (stem) '-mab' in INN. IG can be radiolabelled, fused or conjugated for diagnostic or therapeutic purpose.
    • IG class and subclass (for complete IG): e.g. IgG1 kappa, IgG1 lambda, etc.
    • IG format (for IG fragments or constructs): e.g., Fab, scFv, scFv-scFv, VH-VH, etc.

    Note: the 'nd' indicates that the heavy chain and/or light chain is not determined (e.g., "Fab - nd nd" if both chains are not determined, "Fab - G4 nd" if the light chain is not determined)

  • TR (T cell receptors). TR with genetically modified variable genes for T cell therapy are designated as '-tresgene' in INN, the infix '-tres-' being for 'T cell receptor engineered specificity'.
    • TR receptor identification
  • FPIA (Fusion proteins for immune applications). FPIA result generally from the fusion of one or several region and/or domain of protein(s) with the Fc of an IG in a '(protein)2:Fc' format. The Fc is used for its effector properties. They are currently designated with the suffix (stem) '-cept' in INN.
    • FPIA receptor identification
  • CPCA (Composite proteins for clinical applications). CPCA identify genetically engineered proteins other than FPIA that result from the fusion of peptide, region and/or domain of protein(s) of different sources, or from the fusion of peptide, region and/or domain of protein(s) to a chemical or biochemical agent. The Fc may be present and used as a transporter or to increase the product half-life but, not for its effector properties that are rather avoided. CPCA do not have a special suffix (stem) in INN but are designated by a name related to their mechanism of action (MOA) or biological property.
    • CPCA receptor identification
  • RPI (Related proteins of the immune system). RPI comprise the proteins of the immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) other than IG and TR, the proteins of the major histocompatibility superfamily (MhSF) other than MH, cytokines and their receptors, integrins, proteins of the scavenger receptor superfamily (SrSF) and any protein found in vivo that is, directly or indirectly, involved in the immune response.
    • RPI receptor identification
  • any: entries with IMGT receptor type. Any include IG (complete and/or fragments IG) and/or FPIA and/or CPCA and/or RPI
  • none: entries without a know IMGT receptor type. If the button "none" is checked, drop-down lists (for IG, FPIA and RPI) are reset.

  Note: FPIA (Fusion proteins for immune applications) and CPCA (Composite proteins for clinical applications) correspond to in vitro engineered proteins of the WHO INN programme. These categories FPIA and CPCA will be proposed for the INN definition in publication lists.

• Species including:
  • Murine: A murine antibody is one of which both chain types are of mouse origin.
    A murine antibody is identified by the pre-stem -o- in its INN.
  • Rat: A rat antibody is one of which both chain types are of rat origin.
    A rat antibody is identified by the pre-stem -a- in its INN.
  • Chimeric: A chimeric antibody is one of which both chain types are chimeric as a result of antibody engineering. A chimeric chain is a chain that contains a foreign variable domain (V-D-J-REGION) (originating from one species other than human, or synthetic) linked to a constant region (C-REGION) of human origin.
    A chimeric antibody is identified by the pre-stem -xi- in its INN.
  • Humanized: A humanized antibody is one of which both chain types are humanized as a result of antibody engineering. A humanized chain is a chain in which the complementarity determining regions (CDR) of the variable domains are foreign (originating from one species other than human, or synthetic) whereas the remaining chain is of human origin. By extension an antibody is described as humanized if more recent protocoles were used for the humanization.
    A humanized antibody is identified by the pre-stem -zu- in its INN.
  • Human: A human antibody is one of which both chain types, and the J chain in the case of polymeric antibodies, are of human origin.
    A human antibody is identified by the pre-stem -u- in its INN. Note that, in the case of polymeric antibodies, the INN is only based on the immunoglobulin chain origin.
  • Hybrid: A hybrid antibody is one in which one-half of the antibody (one heavy chain and one light chain) is from one species origin whereas the other half is from another species origin.
    An hybrid antibody is identified by a INN pre-stem made of each species pre-stem separated by the letter 'x' in the INN. For example, a rat-murine hybrid antibody is identified by the pre-stem -axo-.
• Radiolabelled/Conjugated/Fused Monoclonals antibodies can be used:
  • Radiolabelled with: with an isotope, directly or via a chelator.
  • Fused with: with another protein (enzyme, toxin, cytokine, ...).
  • Conjugated with: with another type of molecule (antibiotic, chelator, pegol, ...).
• In IMGT/2Dstructure-DB: allows to retrieve mAb and FPIA that have an entry in IMGT/2Dstructure-DB.
• In IMGT/3Dstructure-DB: allows to retrieve mAb and FPIA that have an entry in IMGT/3Dstructure-DB.
• Origin clone species: allows the selection on mAb clones of a single parent cell.
• Origin clone name: the search by clone is case insensitive.

Section 4

Allows to query IMGT/mAb-DB by:

• Specificity class: a bispecific antibody is an antibody with two different variable domain binding sites (Fv), each binding to a different antigen.
• Specificity target taxonomic division: allows to filter the 'Specificity target' content by their species (human, non human, etc.).
• Specificity target: searches mAb for a given target.
• OR specificity target name matching: this field can be used as a wildcarded query in mAb specificities.

Section 5

Allows to query IMGT/mAb-DB by:

• Mechanism of action: describes the interaction between a molecule and its partner(s), and its functions to produce a pharmacological effect.
  • Blocking: a molecule that binds to a receptor or a ligand and inhibits its activity.
  • Agonist: a molecule that activates a receptor and induces its biological response.
• Partner: a protein that interacts directly with the molecule or that competes for its ligands.
• Effect: describes the pharmacological / biological activity of a molecule in living matter, suggesting its use in medical applications.
  • Immunosuppressant: a molecule that decreases the immune system activity.
  • Immunostimulant: a molecule that stimulates the immune system activity.
  • Antibody Fc-effector function: an antibody with an effector function, such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) and/or complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), against a target cell.
  • FcyR crosslinking: an antibody that binds to FcγRIIb to trigger antibody crosslinking (clustering) and strong agonism.

Section 6

Allows to query IMGT/mAb-DB by:

• Clinical indication
• Development status:
  • Phase I: safety testing and pharmaceutical profiling in humans. In Phase I clinical trials, researchers test a new drug or treatment in a small group of people (20-80) for the first time to evaluate its safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects.
  • Phase II: effectiveness in humans (dose-ranging studies in target population). In Phase II clinical trials, the study drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people (100-300) to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.
  • Phase III: extensive clinical trial in humans (late-stage clinical trials in humans). In Phase III studies, the study drug or treatment is given to large groups of people (1,000-3,000) to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments, and collect information that will allow the drug or treatment to be used safely.
  • Phase M: on the market.
  • Phase IV: trials complete; regulatory application filed. In Phase IV studies, the post marketing studies delineate additional information including the drug's risks, benefits, and optimal use.

  These phases are defined by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the Code of Federal Regulations.

  • "Orphan" status: In the U.S., the designation "orphan" status applies to a disease that affects fewer than 200,000 people. In the E.U., the designation "orphan" status defines drugs for rare conditions that affect not more than five in 10,000 people.
• External reference
  • AMM: Autorisation de mise sur le marché (Market authorization).
  • EC: European Commission.
  • EMA: European Medicines Agency for the Evaluation of Medical Products.
  • FDA: Food and Drug Administration. Antibodies and FPIA receiving approval by FDA but subsequently withdrawn from the market are not included in the result list.
  • NCI: National Cancer Institute.
  • NDA: New Drug Application.
  • sBLA: Supplemental Biologics License Application.
  • DailyMed: DailyMed database entries related to mAbs.
  • A query on Regulatory agency, without other fields, will all now products approved (not included the withdrawn ones).
• Regulatory decision year
• Company: propose a search on mAb creation and engineering company. Companies for one clinical indication are classed in a group and separated by "/". The search is case insensitive.
• Expression system: the expression system includes vectors that contains the entire human genomic constant region of a immunoglobulin heavy and/or light chain and is adaptable for insertion, without mutagenesis, of a nonhuman antibody variable region. The resulting expression vector includes the entire human genomic constant region and the entire nonhuman variable region lacking tissue specific promoter and/or enhancer regions normally associated with genomic DNA. The search is case insensitive.
• Application includes diagnostic and therapeutic.
• Clinical domain includes hematology, oncology, immunology, ophtalmology, pulmonary, radioimmunoscintigraphy, respiratory diseases and hereditary inflammatory diseases.

Section 7

Allows to query IMGT/mAb-DB by:

• Author: searches mAbs described in publications by the given author.
• Journal: searches mAbs described in publications in the given scientific journal.
• Title: searches mAbs described in publications in the given article title.
• PMID: searches mAbs described in the publication corresponding to the given PMID.

Section 8

Allows to query IMGT/mAb-DB by:

• Find entries with biosimilars: searches mAbs that have registered biosimilars.
• Biosimilar Company: searches mAbs having biosimilars developed by the given company.
• Biosimilar Trademark: searches mAbs having biosimilars of the given trademark.
• Biosimilar general query: searches mAbs having biosimilar description matching the given query.

IMGT/mAb-DB displayed fields

Allows to select fields to be displayed in the result of the query. Selecting criteria may force the display of corresponding fields.

IMGT/mAb-DB other definitions

• Immunotoxin: IG, RPI or FPIA linked with a toxin. Immunotoxins can be queried in Section 3 'Conjugated'. Examples of toxins in IMGT/mAb-DB: Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A or Staphyloccocus aureus enterotoxin A.
• Immunoadhesin: FPIA constituted of binding domain(s) (usually from a receptor, ligand, or cell-adhesion molecule) linked to immunoglobulin constant domains (Fc regions). An immunoadhesin is identified by the suffix -cept in its INN. Immunoadhesins can be queried in Section 2 'INN name' using 'cept'.
• Immunoconjugate: IG, RPI or FPIA conjugated with another molecule (toxin, antibiotic, chelator, enzyme...). Immunoconjugate can be queried in Section 3 'Conjugated'.
• Original applications are generally submitted for new products including at FDA new uses of food and color additives or for new food labeling claims.
  • IND: Investigational new drug application --for drugs and biologics.
  • NDA: New drug application --human drug.
  • PLA: Product license application --biologics.
  • ELA: Establishment license application --biologics.
  • BLA: Biologics license application --combines PLA and ELA for biologics.
  • PMA: Premarket application --medical device.
  • NADA: New animal drug application.

IMGT/mAb-DB Result

The result presentation depends on the displayed fields chose at the IMGT/mAb-DB query page. On top of each result page, the query are recalled and the number of results is shown. Each displayed field corresponds to a title of column in result table. The blue arrows reorders the result by the selected column.

At the bottom of every page, the references, notes and citations of every entry are available.

IMGT/mAb-DB Card

To get access to the IMGT/mAb-DB card, click in the IMGT/mAb-DB result page on the IMGT/mAb-DB Id (first column on the result).

IMGT/mAb-DB Direct Links

Results from mAb-DB can be obtained using any HTTP GET/POST message to:

https://www.imgt.org/mAb-DB/search

PARAM	VALUE
unknownquery	string
AbId	number
innName	string
reqstNum	number
propList
recList
abName	string
trademark	string
section	string
specificity	string

IMGT/mAb-DB program: Upgrade and new versions

• 2023-10-25: version 2.0.5
  • Wrong species for the items in the 'Specificity target name and species' field (in the card display only)
• 2023-04-14: version 2.0.4
  • Fixed direct search links showing no fields in results table
• 2023-03-31: version 2.0.3
  • Hiding/showing the 'Development Technology' column in the search table is more consistent to the 'Display fields' setting
  • Stay on the query page if wrong value type happens
• 2023-02-02: version 2.0.2
  • Provide some links in the query form to get the corresponding full list of values
  • Restore the action of 'Displayed fields'
  • Remove some parameter accumulation after multiple queries
• 2023-01-18: version 2.0.1
  • Minor changes to the query form
  • Improve the treatment of queries based on 'any' or 'none' values
  • Some entries were missing regarding the sort method (including the default one) in the output table
• 2022-12-16: version 2.0.0
  • Add 'Mechanism of action'
  • Major HTML5/CSS rework
  • More internal changes
• 2022-06-17: version 1.5.14
  • Extend the scope of 'General Query'
  • Other minor changes
• 2021-06-10: version 1.5.13
  • New entries for TR receptor type
  • Improve querying on INN proposed or recommended list
  • Minor changes to the query page
• 2020-10-28: version 1.5.12
  • Removed a small bug that hid part of the information for some updated data
• 2020-07-31: version 1.5.11
  • Minor improvement for rendering references
• 2019-11-25: version 1.5.10
  • Minor bug to query using some 'IG format' cases
• 2019-11-14: version 1.5.9
  • Improve text rendering in 'Radiolabelled/Conjugated/Fused' column
  • More internal changes
• 2019-10-18: version 1.5.8
  • Improve search using generic values ('any' or 'none') for 'IG class and subclass' or 'IG format'
  • Small bug rendering specific entries without any company information in the table list output
• 2018-10-03: version 1.5.7
  • Small change in the text generation of 'Receptor identification'
• 2017-10-04: version 1.5.6
  • Improve rendering of 'Receptor identification' for recent entries
• 2017-03-09: version 1.5.5
  • Change entry counters
• 2016-09-03: version 1.5.4
  • Minor changes
• 2016-04-15: version 1.5.3
  • Add 'Development technology' classes
  • Improve ADC annotation found in 'Conjugated with', introduce 'ADC linker' and 'ADC INN radical' in query and display
• 2016-02-08: version 1.5.2
  • Change 'bispecific' selection
  • Better sort of 'Specificity target kinds' selection values
  • Display biosimilars in different columns
  • Tag 'Fusion -' for fusion proteins in CPCA and FPIA
• 2015-11-18: version 1.5.1
  • Add bispecifity filtering
  • Search by development technology
  • Remove bug when selecting a clinical domain
  • Small improvements in output table display
  • Format revised
• 2015-05-18: version 1.5.0
  • General query improvement.
  • Minor changes in individual card.
  • Remove some Javascript bugs in query interface.
  • Internal code and database changes.
• 07/04/2014: version 1.4.1
  • Recover missing section in individual card.
  • Change bibliographical reference format.
  • Other minor changes.
• 09/12/2013: version 1.4.0
  • Corrected small errors in the handling of biosimilars and clinical trials.
  • Added new ways of quering the database
• 6/12/2012: version 1.3.4
  • Add of the Clinical studies column.
• 11/09/2012: version 1.3.3
  • Add of the development technology column.
• August 2012: Program version: 1.3.2
  • Add of the biosimilar column.
• December 2011: Program version: 1.3.1
  • Upgrade of Query Page: addition of IMGT/Receptor type CPCA (Composite protein for clinical application).
• 20/10/2011: version 1.3.0
  • Upgrade of Query Page and Documentation.
• 05/09/2011: version 1.2.3
  • Upgrade of Query Page.
• 12/07/2011: version 1.2.2
  • Upgrade of Result page (for bispecific antibodies)
• 29/06/2011: version 1.2.1
  • Upgrade of index page
  • Upgrade of Result page
• 17/06/2011: version 1.2.1
  • Upgrade of Query page.
• 31/05/2011: version 1.1.1
  • Upgrade of Query page.
• 17/05/2011: version 1.1.1
  • Upgrade of Query page.
  • Addition of hyper-links to Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) and list of clinical trials (NCT).
• 08/02/2011: version 1.1.0
  • Upgrade of Query page: it's possible to query multiple IG class and subclass, or/and IG format, or/and FPIA chain identification, or/and RPI chain identification in the same search.
  • IMGT/mAb-DB has been upgraded with new functionality: a IMGT/mAb-DB card.
• January 2011: version 1.0.5
  • Recovery of index page.
• December 2010: version 1.0.4
  • Upgrade of Query page.
• October 2010: version 1.0.3
  • Upgrade of Query page.
• August 2010: version 1.0.2
  • Upgrade of Query page: it's possible to query multiple specificity in the same search.
• June 2010: version 1.0.1
  • Upgrade of the interface.
• April 2010: version 1.0.0
  • Upgrade of Query Page: add options to search by IMGT/mAb-DB ID or IMGT/mAb-DB receptor type (IG and FPIA).

IMGT/mAb-DB database: Upgrade and new versions

• Warning: Database update is now a continuous process.
• April 2014: Database version: 201415-1 (07/04/2014)

  IMGT/mAb-DB contains 468 entries.

  The WHO INN proposed list 110 is now available.

• July 2013: Database version: 201350-1 (09/12/2013)

  IMGT/mAb-DB contains 456 entries.

  The WHO INN proposed list 109 is now available.

• December 2012: Database version: 201249-4 (6/12/2012)

  IMGT/mAb-DB contains 430 entries.

  IMGT/mAb-DB now offers information Clinical Trials of the monoclonal antibodies.

  The general query can now be used for PMIDs, authors and publication titles.

  reworked some of the antibodies, suppressed doubles.

• September 2012: Database version: 201237-2 (11/09/2012)

  IMGT/mAb-DB contains 431 entries.

  IMGT/mAb-DB now offers information about Biosimilars and Development Technology of the monoclonal antibodies.

  Added some Virus/Bacteria specific entries, updated some (ids 01, 128, 149, 197, 241, 330, 197, 73, 79, 85, 86, 121).

• August 2012: Database version: 201231-4 (02/08/2012)

  IMGT/mAb-DB contains 420 entries.

  Added INN list 107, update of several entries (156, 324, 366, 80, 64, 40, 114, 298, 294, 295, 352), insertion of id409, update of the IG and CPCA formats.

• April 2012: Database version: 201214-1 (16/04/2012)

  IMGT/mAb-DB contains 395 entries.

  Update entries for ID: 388 and 331.

• February 2012: Database version: 201207-2 (14/02/2012)

  IMGT/mAb-DB contains 395 entries.

  Upgrade with INN proposed list 106 : Addition of 8 mAb and 1 CPCA (INN) in IMGT/mAb-DB.

  Upgrade with INN recommended list 67 : Upgrade of 13 mAb and 2 cept (INN) in IMGT/mAb-DB.

• December 2011: Database version: 201150-3 (14/12/2011)

  IMGT/mAb-DB contains 386 entries.

  Addition of 8 CPCA (INN) in IMGT/mAb-DB.

• October 2011: Database version: 201142-4 (20/10/2011)

  IMGT/mAb-DB contains 378 entries.

  Upgrade of 33 mabs (INN) with specificity target name and species.

• September 2011: Database version: 201136-1 (05/09/2011)

  IMGT/mAb-DB contains 379 entries.

• July 2011: Database version: 201129-4 (28/07/2011)

  IMGT/mAb-DB contains 377 entries.

  Upgrade of the number of entries on the Query Page (241 -mab and 18 -cept) and on the statistics page

  Upgrade with INN list 105:

  • Addition of 13 -mab and 2 -cept in IMGT/mAb-DB.

  Upgrade with INN Recommended list 66.

• June 2011: Database version: 201126-1 (27/06/2011)

  IMGT/mAb-DB contains 362 entries.

• June 2011: Database version: 201124-4 (17/06/2011)

  Upgrade of species (NCBI taxonomy).

• May 2011: Database version: 201120-1 (17/05/2011)

  IMGT/mAb-DB contains 363 entries.

  Addition of hyper-links to Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) and list of clinical trials (NCT).

• February 2011: Database version: 201106-2 (17/02/2011)

  IMGT/mAb-DB contains 367 entries.

  Upgrade with INN list 104:

  • Addition of 16 -mab and upgrade of 2 -mab in IMGT/mAb-DB.

  Upgrade with INN Recommended list 65.

• February 2011: Database version: 201106-2 (08/02/2011)

  IMGT/mAb-DB contains 352 entries.

• December 2010 (version 1.0.4)

  IMGT/mAb-DB contains 352 entries.

  Upgrade with INN list 103:

  • Addition of 10 -mab and upgrade of 3 -mab in IMGT/mAb-DB.

  Upgrade of Query page.

• October 2010 (version 1.0.3)

  IMGT/mAb-DB contains 343 entries.

  Add of IMGT/Receptor type RPI (related protein of the immune system).

• April 2010 (version 1.0.0)

  IMGT/mAb-DB contains 343 entries.

  Modification to the query page:

  • Options available to search by IMGT/mAb-DB ID or IMGT/mAb-DB receptor type (IG and FPIA).

  Upgrade with INN list 101 and 102:

  • Upgrade of 13 -mab and 1 -cept in IMGT/mAb-DB.

IMGT/mAb-DB Statistics

Date	Version	Number entries	Number -cept	Number -mab
July 29, 2013	1.3.5	456	20	301
August 2, 2012	1.3.2	420	18	272
February 14, 2012	1.3.1	395	18	249
December 14, 2011	1.3.1	386	18	241
October 20, 2011	1.3.0	378	18	241
September 05, 2011	1.2.3	379	18	241
July 21, 2011	1.2.2	377	18	241
July 12, 2011	1.2.2	362	15	202
June 27, 2011	1.2.1	362	15	202
June 16, 2011	1.2.1	362	15	202
May 31, 2011	1.1.1	362	15	202
May 17, 2011	1.1.1	363	15	202
February 17, 2011	1.1.0	367	15	202
February 8, 2011	1.1.0	352	15	185
January 18, 2011	1.0.5	352	15	185
December 17, 2010	1.0.4	352	15	185
October 11, 2010	1.0.3	343	15	175
August 29, 2010	1.0.2	343	15	175
June 09, 2010	1.0.1	343	15	175
April 29, 2010	1.0.0	343	15	175

People

Developers - maintainers

• Yan Wu (2006-2009)
• Claire Poiron (2009-2012)
• Denis Moreno (2012-2014)
• Souphatta Sasorith (2012-2015)
• Mélissa Cambon (2016-2018)
• Karima Cherouali (2018-2021)
• Taciana Manso (2020-ongoing)

Scientific supervisor

• Marie-Paule Lefranc