Abstract: Methods and compositions for the detection, identification, and quantification of compounds of interest in a sample are provided. The compositions and methods include arrays and kits comprising a population of surrogate antibodies that bind compounds of interest. The surrogate antibodies can be immobilized on to a solid support by means of an interaction between a recognition nucleotide sequence comprised in the surrogate antibody and a capture nucleotide sequence comprised in a capture probe attached to the solid support. Also provided are methods of using the arrays for research and clinical diagnostics, drug discovery, environmental testing, food testing, and testing for the use of agents of biological and chemical warfare.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the modulation of an immune response are provided. Compositions comprise a bi-functional surrogate antibody molecule that interacts with a ligand of interest, wherein the bi-functional surrogate antibody further has attached thereto an immunomodulatory agent and/or a transporting agent. The compositions of the invention find use in a method for delivering an immunomodulatory agent to a ligand of interest. Further provided are methods for modulating an immune response in a subject against a ligand of interest. The method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of a bi-functional surrogate antibody of the invention. The methods of the invention also find use in improving the clinical outcome of a subject in need of a modulation in the immune response.

Abstract: A process is described for producing surrogate antibody molecules that mimic the structure, stability, and binding characteristics of a natural antibody. Surrogate antibody structure, composition of surrogate antibody libraries, methods of surrogate antibody preparation, and surrogate antibody applications are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of surrogate antibody structural stabilization and resistance to nucleases. The surrogate antibodies comprise a specificity strand and a stabilization strand. The specificity strand comprises a nucleic acid sequence having a specificity region flanked by a first constant region and a second constant region. The stabilization strand comprises a first stabilization region that interacts with the first constant region and a second stabilization region that interacts with the second constant region. In further embodiments, the stabilization strand and the specificity strand comprise distinct molecules.