Introduction
Due to their ability to promote robust inflammation, the use of adjuvants in research may be beneficial for studies of the immune system, autoimmune disease, vaccine development, and for antibody production. Regardless of the scientific rationale, investigators using adjuvants should carefully consider their selection of adjuvants and aim to utilize an adjuvant that meets scientific needs while minimizing pain and distress in animals.
Policy
All research use of adjuvants in vertebrate animals must be reviewed and approved by the Chancellor’s Animal Research Committee (ARC) prior to initiation of studies; this includes off-site use of adjuvants for custom antibody production in animals. Investigators must consider using commercial vendors as a source of both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies.
Investigators proposing to use the ascites method for producing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) at UCLA must:
(i) provide scientific justification for the use of the ascites method over other approaches,
(ii) document their consideration of methods that avoid or minimize discomfort, distress, and pain (including in vitro methods), and
(iii) confirm that such alternatives are unsuitable for research purposes.
Freund’s Complete Adjuvant (CFA) can cause severe inflammation and ulceration at the site of injection if used improperly. CFA should be used only for an initial immunization, with Freund’s Incomplete Adjuvant (IFA) used for subsequent booster injections. Other adjuvants should be considered before CFA and IFA. CFA should only be used if no appropriate alternatives are available. Detailed information regarding different adjuvants is available from DLAM or the ARC.
Antibodies purchased "off the shelf" do not require ARC approval; however, ARC approval is required for production of custom antibodies by a vendor for UCLA-sponsored research activities. In such cases, the vendor must be AAALAC-accredited, maintain USDA registration (if applicable), and have an Animal Welfare Assurance.
Approved 2/9/26
Replaces ARC Policies on Monoclonal Antibody Production, Approved 2/14/00; Revised 11/13/00, 3/22/04, 4/26/10 and Polyclonal Antibody Production, Approved 4/23/03; Revised 7/09/09