Use of the B-IIb tetanus toxin derived fragment as a specific neuropharmacological transport agent

A model of axonal transport drug delivery: effects of diffusivity

This paper investigates the effects of diffusivity on retrograde dynein-driven transport of pharmaceutical agent complexes (PACs) in axons. The model is designed with two goals in mind: (1) to capture results on axonal transport drug delivery reported in recent experimental research by Filler et al. (Filler AG, Whiteside GT, Bacon M, Frederickson M, Howe FA, Rabinowitz MD, Sokoloff AJ, Deacon TW, Abell C, Munglani R, Griffiths JR, Bell BA, Lever AML. Tri-partite complex for axonal transport drug delivery achieves pharmacological effect. BMC Neuroscience 2010; 11: 8) and (2) to produce analytically tractable equations. It is shown that the inclusion of a diffusion process in the model produces equations that can still be solved by Laplace transform, although the last step of the solution, finding the inverse Laplace transform, has to be accomplished numerically, thus leading to a hybrid analytical and numerical solution technique. The effects of diffusivity and the kinetic rates describing PAC transition between the dynein-driven and accumulated states on transport of PACs toward the neuron soma are investigated.

A THREE-KINETIC-STATE MODEL OF AXONAL TRANSPORT DRUG DELIVERY

This paper develops a model of axonal transport drug delivery that includes three populations (kinetic states) of pharmaceutical agent complexes (PACs), namely PACs transported by dynein motors, PACs freely suspended in the cytosol, and PACs accumulated at the Nodes of Ranvier. The number of model parameters is minimized by recasting governing equations into the dimensionless form. The obtained equations are solved numerically. The dependencies of the three PAC concentrations as well as the diffusion-driven, motor-driven, and total PAC fluxes on the PAC diffusivity and the length of the axon are investigated. Two situations are analyzed: when all kinetic constantans are the same (in this case the dynein-driven PAC flux exceeds the diffusion flux by a large amount) and when kinetic constants describing PAC transition from the freely suspended state are small (in the this case the diffusion-driven flux is the major component of the total flux, but since the diffusion transport mechanism is highly inefficient compared to the motor-driven one for large particles, the total PAC flux is much smaller in this case).

Impairment of retrograde neuronal transport in oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy demonstrated by molecular imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The purpose of our study was to utilize a molecular imaging technology based on the retrograde axonal transport mechanism (neurography), to determine if oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity affects retrograde axonal transport in an animal model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice (n = 8/group) were injected with a cumulative dose of 30 mg/kg oxaliplatin (sufficient to induce neurotoxicity) or dextrose control injections. Intramuscular injections of Tetanus Toxin C-fragment (TTc) labeled with Alexa 790 fluorescent dye were done (15 ug/20 uL) in the left calf muscles, and in vivo fluorescent imaging performed (0-60 min) at baseline, and then weekly for 5 weeks, followed by 2-weekly imaging out to 9 weeks. Tissues were harvested for immunohistochemical analysis.

RESULTS

With sham treatment, TTc transport causes fluorescent signal intensity over the thoracic spine to increase from 0 to 60 minutes after injection. On average, fluorescence signal increased 722%+/-117% (Mean+/-SD) from 0 to 60 minutes. Oxaliplatin treated animals had comparable transport at baseline (787%+/-140%), but transport rapidly decreased through the course of the study, falling to 363%+/-88%, 269%+/-96%, 191%+/-58%, 121%+/-39%, 75%+/-21% with each successive week and stabilizing around 57% (+/-15%) at 7 weeks. Statistically significant divergence occurred at approximately 3 weeks (p≤0.05, linear mixed-effects regression model). Quantitative immuno-fluorescence histology with a constant cutoff threshold showed reduced TTc in the spinal cord at 7 weeks for treated animals versus controls (5.2 Arbitrary Units +/-0.52 vs 7.1 AU +/-1.38, p<0.0004, T-test). There was no significant difference in neural cell mass between the two groups as shown with NeuN staining (10.2+/-1.21 vs 10.5 AU +/-1.53, p>0.56, T-test).

CONCLUSION

We show-for the first time to our knowledge-that neurographic in vivo molecular imaging can demonstrate imaging changes in a model of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy. Impaired retrograde neural transport is suggested to be an important part of the pathophysiology of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy.

Botulinum neurotoxin A impairs neurotransmission following retrograde transynaptic transport

The widely used botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) blocks neurotransmission via cleavage of the synaptic protein SNAP-25 (synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa). Recent evidence demonstrating long-distance propagation of SNAP-25 proteolysis has challenged the idea that BoNT/A remains localized to the injection site. However, the extent to which distant neuronal networks are impacted by BoNT/A retrograde trafficking remains unknown. Importantly, no studies have addressed whether SNAP-25 cleavage translates into structural and functional changes in distant intoxicated synapses. Here we show that the BoNT/A injections into the adult rat optic tectum result in SNAP-25 cleavage in retinal neurons two synapses away from the injection site, such as rod bipolar cells and photoreceptors. Retinal endings displaying cleaved SNAP-25 were enlarged and contained an abnormally high number of synaptic vesicles, indicating impaired exocytosis. Tectal injection of BoNT/A in rat pups resulted in appearance of truncated-SNAP-25 in cholinergic amacrine cells. Functional imaging with calcium indicators showed a clear reduction in cholinergic-driven wave activity, demonstrating impairments in neurotransmission. These data provide the first evidence for functional effects of the retrograde trafficking of BoNT/A, and open the possibility of using BoNT/A fragments as drug delivery vehicles targeting the central nervous system.

Tri-partite complex for axonal transport drug delivery achieves pharmacological effect

BACKGROUND

Targeted delivery of pharmaceutical agents into selected populations of CNS (Central Nervous System) neurons is an extremely compelling goal. Currently, systemic methods are generally used for delivery of pain medications, anti-virals for treatment of dermatomal infections, anti-spasmodics, and neuroprotectants. Systemic side effects or undesirable effects on parts of the CNS that are not involved in the pathology limit efficacy and limit clinical utility for many classes of pharmaceuticals. Axonal transport from the periphery offers a possible selective route, but there has been little progress towards design of agents that can accomplish targeted delivery via this intraneural route. To achieve this goal, we developed a tripartite molecular construction concept involving an axonal transport facilitator molecule, a polymer linker, and a large number of drug molecules conjugated to the linker, then sought to evaluate its neurobiology and pharmacological behavior.

RESULTS

We developed chemical synthesis methodologies for assembling these tripartite complexes using a variety of axonal transport facilitators including nerve growth factor, wheat germ agglutinin, and synthetic facilitators derived from phage display work. Loading of up to 100 drug molecules per complex was achieved. Conjugation methods were used that allowed the drugs to be released in active form inside the cell body after transport. Intramuscular and intradermal injection proved effective for introducing pharmacologically effective doses into selected populations of CNS neurons. Pharmacological efficacy with gabapentin in a paw withdrawal latency model revealed a ten fold increase in half life and a 300 fold decrease in necessary dose relative to systemic administration for gabapentin when the drug was delivered by axonal transport using the tripartite vehicle.

CONCLUSION

Specific targeting of selected subpopulations of CNS neurons for drug delivery by axonal transport holds great promise. The data shown here provide a basic framework for the intraneural pharmacology of this tripartite complex. The pharmacologically efficacious drug delivery demonstrated here verify the fundamental feasibility of using axonal transport for targeted drug delivery.

Motor neurone targeting of IGF-1 prevents specific force decline in ageing mouse muscle

IGF-1 is a potent growth factor for both motor neurones and skeletal muscle. Muscle IGF-1 is known to provide target-derived trophic effects on motor neurones. Therefore, IGF-1 overexpression in muscle is effective in delaying or preventing deleterious effects of ageing in both tissues. Since age-related decline in muscle function stems partly from motor neurone loss, a tetanus toxin fragment-C (TTC) fusion protein was created to target IGF-1 to motor neurones. IGF-1-TTC retains IGF-1 activity as indicated by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation into L6 myoblasts. Spinal cord motor neurones effectively bound and internalized the IGF-1-TTC in vitro. Similarly, IGF-1-TTC injected into skeletal muscles was taken up and retrogradely transported to the spinal cord in vivo, a process prevented by denervation of injected muscles. Three monthly IGF-1-TTC injections into muscles of ageing mice did not increase muscle weight or muscle fibre size, but significantly increased single fibre specific force over aged controls injected with saline, IGF-1, or TTC. None of the injections changed muscle fibre type composition, but neuromuscular junction post-terminals were larger and more complex in muscle fibres injected with IGF-1-TTC, compared to the other groups, suggesting preservation of muscle fibre innervation. This work demonstrates that induced overexpression of IGF-1 in spinal cord motor neurones of ageing mice prevents muscle fibre specific force decline, a hallmark of ageing skeletal muscle.

A survival motor neuron:tetanus toxin fragment C fusion protein for the targeted delivery of SMN protein to neurons

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a degenerative disorder of spinal motor neurons caused by homozygous mutations in the survival motor neuron (SMN1) gene. Because increased tissue levels of human SMN protein (hSMN) in transgenic mice reduce the motor neuron loss caused by murine SMN knockout, we engineered a recombinant SMN fusion protein to deliver exogenous hSMN to the cytosolic compartment of motor neurons. The fusion protein, SDT, is comprised of hSMN linked to the catalytic and transmembrane domains of diphtheria toxin (DTx) followed by fragment C of tetanus toxin (TTC). Following overexpression in Escherichia coli, SDT possessed a subunit molecular weight of approximately 130 kDa as revealed by both SDS-PAGE and immunoblot analyses with anti-SMN, anti-DTx, and anti-TTC antibodies. Like wild-type SMN, purified SDT showed specific binding in vitro to an RG peptide derived from Ewing's sarcoma protein. The fusion protein also bound to cultured primary neurons in amounts similar to those achieved by TTC. Unlike the case with TTC, however, immunolabeling of SDT-treated neurons with anti-TTC and anti-SMN antibodies showed staining restricted to the cell surface. Results from cytotoxicity studies in which the DTx catalytic domain of SDT was used as a reporter protein for internalization and membrane translocation activity suggest that the SMN moiety of the fusion protein is interfering with one or both of these processes. While these studies indicate that SDT may not be useful for SMA therapy, the use of the TTC:DTx fusion construct to deliver other passenger proteins to the neuronal cytosol should not be ruled out.

Neuronal Targeting of Cardiotrophin-1 by Coupling with Tetanus Toxin C Fragment

Cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) is a potent neurotrophic factor for motoneurons but its clinical use in motor neuron diseases is precluded by side effects on the heart and liver. We explored the possibility of targeting CT-1 to neurons by coupling with the tetanus toxin fragment TTC. Genetic fusion proteins between CT-1 or GFP and TTC were produced in Escherichia coli and assayed in vitro. In contrast to uncoupled CT-1 or GFP, TTC-coupled proteins bound with high affinity to cerebral neurons and spinal cord motoneurons and were rapidly internalized. Glia, hepatocytes, or cardiomyocytes did not show detectable binding or uptake of TTC-coupled proteins. Similar to CT-1, TTC-coupled CT-1 induced IL-6 secretion by KB cells, activated Reg-2 gene expression, and promoted motoneuron survival in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo studies will test whether TTC-coupled CT-1 might be targeted to degenerating spinal cord or brain-stem motoneurons and migrate trans-synaptically to cortical motoneurons, which are also affected in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Enhancement of diphtheria toxin potency by replacement of the receptor binding domain with tetanus toxin C-fragment: a potential vector for delivering heterologous proteins to neurons

This study describes the expression, purification, and characterization of a recombinant fusion toxin, DAB(389)TTC, composed of the catalytic and membrane translocation domains of diphtheria toxin (DAB(389)) linked to the receptor binding fragment of tetanus toxin (C-fragment). As determined by its ability to inhibit cellular protein synthesis in primary neuron cultures, DAB(389)TTC was approximately 1,000-fold more cytotoxic than native diphtheria toxin or the previously described fusion toxin, DAB(389)MSH. The cytotoxic effect of DAB(389)TTC on cultured cells was specific toward neuronal-type cells and was blocked by coincubation of the chimeric toxin with tetanus antitoxin. The toxicity of DAB(389)TTC, like that of diphtheria toxin, was dependent on passage through an acidic compartment and ADP-ribosyltransferase activity of the DAB(389) catalytic fragment. These results suggest that a catalytically inactive form of DAB(389)TTC may be useful as a nonviral vehicle to deliver exogenous proteins to the cytosolic compartment of neurons.

Clostridial toxins as therapeutic agents: benefits of nature's most toxic proteins

Toxins are increasingly being used as valuable tools for analysis of cellular physiology, and some are used medicinally for treatment of human diseases. In particular, botulinum toxin, the most poisonous biological substance known, is used for treatment of a myriad of human neuromuscular disorders characterized by involuntary muscle contractions. Since approval of type-A botulinum toxin by the US Food and Drug Administration in December 1989 for three disorders (strabismus, blepharospasm, and hemifacial spasm), the number of indications being treated has increased greatly to include numerous focal dystonias, spasticity, tremors, cosmetic applications, migraine and tension headaches, and other maladies. Many of these diseases were previously refractory to pharmacological and surgical treatments. The remarkable therapeutic utility of botulinum toxin lies in its ability to specifically and potently inhibit involuntary muscle activity for an extended duration. The clostridia produce more protein toxins than any other bacterial genus and are a rich reservoir of toxins for research and medicinal uses. Research is underway to use clostridial toxins or toxin domains for drug delivery, prevention of food poisoning, and the treatment of cancer and other diseases. The remarkable success of botulinum toxin as a therapeutic agent has created a new field of investigation in microbiology.

Construction of hybrid proteins that migrate retrogradely and transynaptically into the central nervous system

The nontoxic proteolytic C fragment of tetanus toxin (TTC peptide) has the same ability to bind nerve cells and be retrogradely transported through a synapse as the native toxin. We have investigated its potential use as an in vivo neurotropic carrier. In this work we show that a hybrid protein encoded by the lacZ-TTC gene fusion retains the biological functions of both proteins in vivo-i.e. , retrograde transynaptic transport of the TTC fragment and beta-galactosidase enzymatic activity. After intramuscular injection, enzymatic activity could be detected in motoneurons and connected neurons of the brainstem areas. This strategy could be used to deliver a biological activity to neurons from the periphery to the central nervous system. Such a hybrid protein could also be used to map synaptic connections between neural cells.

Delivery of recombinant tetanus-superoxide dismutase proteins to central nervous system neurons by retrograde axonal transport

The nontoxic C fragment of tetanus toxin (TC) can transport other proteins from the circulation to central nervous system (CNS) motor neurons. Increased levels of CuZn superoxide dismutase (SOD) are protective in experimental models of stroke and Parkinson's disease, whereas mutations in SOD can cause motor neuron disease. We have linked TC to SOD and purified the active recombinant proteins in both the TC-SOD and SOD-TC orientations. Light microscopic immunohistochemistry and quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays (ELISA) of mouse brainstem, after intramuscular injection, demonstrate that the fusion proteins undergo retrograde axonal transport and transsynaptic transfer as efficiently as TC alone.

CuZn superoxide dismutase (SOD-1):tetanus toxin fragment C hybrid protein for targeted delivery of SOD-1 to neuronal cells

Increased levels of CuZn superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) are cytoprotective in experimental models of neurological disorders associated with free radical toxicity (e.g. stroke, trauma). Targeted delivery of SOD-1 to central nervous system neurons may therefore be therapeutic in such diseases. The nontoxic C-fragment of tetanus toxin (TTC) possesses the nerve cell binding/transport properties of tetanus holotoxin and has been used as a vector to enhance the neuronal uptake of proteins including enzymes. We have now produced a recombinant, hybrid protein in Escherichia coli tandemly joining human SOD-1 to TTC. The expressed hybrid protein (SOD:Tet450) has a subunit molecular mass of 68 kDa and is recognized by both anti-SOD-1 and anti-TTC antibodies. Calculated per mol, SOD:Tet450 has approximately 60% of the expected SOD-1 enzymatic activity. Analysis of the hybrid protein's interaction with the neuron-like cell line, N18-RE-105, and cultured hippocampal neurons by enzyme immunoassay for human SOD-1 revealed that SOD:Tet451 association with cells was neuron-specific and dose-dependent. The hybrid protein was also internalized, but there was substantial loss of internalized hybrid protein over the first 24 h. Hybrid protein associated with cells remained enzymatically active. These results suggest that human SOD-1 and TTC retain their respective functional properties when expressed together as a single peptide. SOD:Tet451 may prove to be a useful agent for the targeted delivery of SOD-1 to neurons.

Neuronal lysosomal enzyme replacement using fragment C of tetanus toxin

Development of a strategy for efficient delivery of exogenous enzyme to neuronal lysosomes is essential to achieve enzyme replacement in neurodegenerative lysosomal storage diseases. We tested whether effective lysosomal targeting of the human enzyme beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase A (Hex A; beta-N-acetyl-D-hexosaminide N-acetylhexosaminohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.52) can be obtained by coupling it via disulfide linkage to the atoxic fragment C of tetanus toxin (TTC) that is bound avidly by neuronal membrane. TTC-Hex A conjugation resulted in neuronal surface binding and enhanced endocytosis of enzyme as observed in immunofluorescence studies with rat brain cultures. In immunoelectrophoretic quantitative uptake studies, rat neuronal cell cultures contained 16- and 40-fold greater amounts of enzyme after incubation with TTC-Hex A than with nonderivatized Hex A. In cerebral cortex cell cultures from a feline model of human GM2 gangliosidosis (Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff diseases), binding and uptake patterns of the enzymes were similar to those in the rat brain cell cultures. After exposure to extracellular concentrations of enzyme attainable in vivo, lysosomal storage of immunodetectable GM2 ganglioside was virtually eliminated in neurons exposed to TTC-Hex A, whereas a minimal effect was observed with Hex A. These findings demonstrate the usefulness of TTC adducts for effective neuronal lysosomal enzyme replacement.

Properties and use of botulinum toxin and other microbial neurotoxins in medicine

Crystalline botulinum toxin type A was licensed in December 1989 by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of certain spasmodic muscle disorders following 10 or more years of experimental treatment on human volunteers. Botulinum toxin exerts its action on a muscle indirectly by blocking the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the nerve ending, resulting in reduced muscle activity or paralysis. The injection of only nanogram quantities (1 ng = 30 mouse 50% lethal doses [U]) of the toxin into a spastic muscle is required to bring about the desired muscle control. The type A toxin produced in anaerobic culture and purified in crystalline form has a specific toxicity in mice of 3 x 10(7) U/mg. The crystalline toxin is a high-molecular-weight protein of 900,000 Mr and is composed of two molecules of neurotoxin (ca. 150,000 Mr) noncovalently bound to nontoxic proteins that play an important role in the stability of the toxic unit and its effective toxicity. Because the toxin is administered by injection directly into neuromuscular tissue, the methods of culturing and purification are vital. Its chemical, physical, and biological properties as applied to its use in medicine are described. Dilution and drying of the toxin for dispensing causes some detoxification, and the mouse assay is the only means of evaluation for human treatment. Other microbial neurotoxins may have uses in medicine; these include serotypes of botulinum toxins and tetanus toxin. Certain neurotoxins produced by dinoflagellates, including saxitoxin and tetrodotoxin, cause muscle paralysis through their effect on the action potential at the voltage-gated sodium channel. Saxitoxin used with anaesthetics lengthens the effect of the anaesthetic and may enhance the effectiveness of other medical drugs. Combining toxins with drugs could increase their effectiveness in treatment of human disease.

Retrograde axonal transport of an exogenous enzyme covalently linked to B-IIb fragment of tetanus toxin

Attempt to replace enzymes in a number of fatal lysosomal storage disease involving the central nervous system have as yet been unsuccessful owing to the impermeability of the blood/brain barrier to macromolecules. In order to treat storage disease due to enzyme deficiencies, we investigated the feasibility of transporting an enzyme into the central nervous system without crossing the blood/brain barrier. Using the B-IIb fragment of tetanus toxin (because it is involved in recognition by the nerve-cell endings), retrograde axonal transport toward the spinal cord and trans-synaptic movement, and glucose oxidase as a marker, we demonstrated that a non-toxic enzyme-vector conjugate was taken up by axon terminals. After injection into the gastrocnemius muscle, the B-IIb-glucose oxidase conjugate was detected, both histologically and electrochemically, distally to a ligature on the sciatic nerve. Thus the B-IIb fragment could serve as a vector for glucose oxidase transport into the central nervous system. It was also verified that the transported enzyme retained its activity. Transport of this 150 kDa molecule by fragment B-IIb of tetanus toxin suggests that other enzymes of a lesser molecular mass may also be transported.

Enhanced CNS uptake of systemically administered proteins through conjugation with tetanus C-fragment

No other exogenous protein enters the central nervous system from the circulation as readily as tetanus toxin. We examined the capability of the non-toxic binding fragment of tetanus toxin (C-Fragment) so serve as a vehicle for transport of other proteins into the mouse CNS. Using periodate oxidation of the enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP), we synthesized two separate macromolecular complexes, one containing C-fragment and HRP, and the other C-fragment, HRP and a third "test" protein-human IgG. The distribution of C-fragment-HRP was typical of blood borne proteins including native C-fragment, with labeling of all neurons with known projections outside the blood-brain barrier, particularly large spinal motoneurons. C-fragment-HRP conjugates showed superior neuronal labeling to over 100-fold greater quantities of free HRP. Complexes containing C-fragment, HRP and human IgG were internalized by neurons from both intramuscular and intraperitoneal injections. The efficiency of neuronal uptake of IgG in the C-fragment conjugated form was enhanced over 40-fold compared to free IgG. Linkage of a large protein to C-fragment probably leads to enhanced endocytosis of that protein by neuronal terminals projecting outside the blood-brain barrier. C-fragment can serve as a vehicle to allow selected proteins to bypass the barrier and enter the CNS.

Isolation, purification, and characterization of fragment B, the NH2-terminal half of the heavy chain of tetanus toxin

Fragment B, the N-terminal half of the heavy chain, an important domain of the tetanus neurotoxin molecule, was isolated for the first time. Tetanus toxin (composed of three domains, A, B, and C) was prepared from culture filtrates. Fragment A-B, derived from the toxin treated mildly with papain, was used for the isolation of fragment B. Fragment A-B obtained was dissociated into fragments A and B by reduction with 100 mM dithiothreitol and treatment with 2 M urea. Fragment B was separated from fragment A by ion-exchange column chromatography on a Mono Q column equilibrated with 20 mM Tris hydrochloride buffer (pH 7.6), containing 1 mM dithiothreitol and 2 M urea, in a fast-protein liquid chromatography system by elution with a linear gradient of 0 to 0.5 M NaCl. Fragment B was obtained in two forms having molecular weights of 48,000 +/- 2,000, which were indistinguishable by sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis or antigenic specificity, but distinguishable on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis without sodium dodecyl sulfate and on isoelectric focusing (pI 6.7 and 7.3). The recovery of fragment B was 50 to 72% of that of fragment A-B on a molar basis. Purified fragment B was not toxic to mice on intravenous or intramuscular injection at doses of up to 100 micrograms, but was found to form channels (ca. 2.3 pS) in a lipid bilayer membrane by a patch clamp technique. The role of domain B of the tetanus toxin molecule in the mechanism of action of the toxin is discussed.

Quantitative comparison between tetanus toxin, some fragments and toxoid for binding and axonal transport in the rat

The fragments BIIb and C of tetanus toxin, which contain its binding domain, were quantitatively compared with native toxin and a toxoid with respect to axonal transport from the gastrocnemius muscle to the spinal cord in rats. Against 125I-toxin, the dose-ascent curve of labelled toxoid was shifted by a factor of 3-5 to higher concentrations, whereas the ascent of the labelled binding fragments was at least 50-100 times less. The binding fragments also differed from tetanus toxin by their very low affinity to rat brain membranes buffered to pH 7.5 in saline, but were equivalent with the toxin in buffer of low molarity and low pH. We conclude that additional parts of the toxin molecule have to complement the binding domain for expression of the full binding and transport characteristics of the toxin.

Neutralization of tetanus toxin by distinct monoclonal antibodies binding to multiple epitopes on the toxin molecule

Fifty-seven hybridomas producing antibodies to tetanus toxoid or to the Ibc or B-IIb fragment of the toxin were isolated independently. Competitive inhibition studies demonstrated that monoclonal antibodies from mice immunized with the toxoid bound to at least 20 different epitopes on the toxoid molecule. Similar competitive binding studies revealed eight distinct epitopes on the B-IIb fragment and three to five epitopes on the Ibc fragment of the toxin. Neutralization of toxicity was effected by nine distinct monoclonal antibodies from hybridomas of toxoid-immunized mice and by one monoclonal antibody from B-IIb-immunized mice. Mixtures of two, three, and four different monoclonal antibodies in a variety of combinations exerted a synergistic effect of ca. 200-fold over that observed with individual monoclonal antibodies, indicating that efficient neutralization may involve the simultaneous binding of at least two antibody molecules to different specific regions of the toxin molecule. Only one toxoid-induced monoclonal antibody failed to bind to tetanus toxin. All neutralizing antibodies bound to epitopes on the heavy chain of tetanus toxin. Six of these were directed toward epitopes on the NH2-terminal half, whereas four bound to epitopes on the carboxy-terminal half of the heavy chain. Only one monoclonal antibody bound preferentially to the light chain, but two other monoclonal antibodies appeared to bind to both chains, indicating some homology between these two chains.

Papain-derived fragment IIc of tetanus toxin: its binding to isolated synaptic membranes and retrograde axonal transport

The papain-derived fragment IIc of tetanus toxin, which is immunologically identical to the B-IIb fragment, has previously been shown to bind gangliosides. As could be expected from its analogy with the B-IIb fragment, the IIc fragment was also found to bind to isolated synaptic membranes and to be transported retrogradely from the axonal endings within muscle to the motoneuronal perikarya. It is concluded that the IIc fragment--like the B-IIb fragment--might also serve as a specific carrier for chemical and chemotherapeutical agents into the central nervous system.