IMGT CloneSearch

IMGT CloneSearch searches and retrieves clone-level immunogenetic data to support analysis of immunoglobulins (IG), T cell receptors (TR), major histocompatibility complex (MHC), and related immune system proteins.

Key Features:

• Standardized data access: Provides standardized nucleotide and protein sequences, gene maps, genetic polymorphisms, and 3D structures for immunogenetic analysis.
• Integration with IMGT/LocusView: Enables searches for clones within the IMGT/LocusView database covering genomic loci related to immune system proteins across species.
• IMGT-ONTOLOGY framework: Applies the IMGT-ONTOLOGY semantic specification to ensure consistent representation of immunogenetics and immunoinformatics terms.
• IMGT-ML (XML Schema) formalization: Formalizes data representation using IMGT-ML XML Schema for interoperability.
• Web services and IMGT-Choreography: Supports automated queries via Web services and dynamic interactions through IMGT-Choreography.
• Repertoire analysis support: Facilitates analysis of IG and TR repertoires, including IG antibody sites and TR recognition sites.
• Antibody engineering resources: Supports antibody engineering contexts including single chain Fragment variable (scFv), phage displays, and combinatorial libraries, and information relevant to chimeric, humanized, and human antibodies.

Scientific Applications:

• Medical research: Enables repertoire analysis and investigation of IG and TR in autoimmune diseases, AIDS, leukemias, lymphomas, and myelomas.
• Veterinary research: Supports study of IG and TR repertoires in farm and wildlife species.
• Genome diversity and evolution studies: Facilitates exploration of genome diversity and the evolution of adaptive immune responses.
• Biotechnology and therapeutics: Informs antibody engineering, diagnostics for residual disease, and therapeutic approaches including grafts and immunotherapy.
• Clinical applications: Supports mutation analysis in leukemia and lymphoma relevant to personalized medicine strategies.

Methodology:

Searches are performed against IMGT/LocusView with data represented according to IMGT-ONTOLOGY and IMGT-ML (XML Schema), and the system operates via Web services and IMGT-Choreography to automate queries and enable dynamic interactions.