A method for preparing IgG F(ab')2 fragments using small amounts of serum

Kinetics of whole serum and prepurified IgG digestion by pepsin for F(ab')2 manufacture

An alternative route for the production of polyclonal F(ab')(2) fragments that might be adopted for the facile preparation of antivenoms is assessed in this work. The method involves the digestion of whole serum by free pepsin, which results in reduction of the number of processing steps commonly in use, because it avoids the initial purification of IgG's prior to their proteolytic cleavage by the enzyme. Digestion kinetics of whole serum and caprylic acid prepurified IgG using free pepsin were monitored with SDS-PAGE followed by densitometric analysis and antigen binding activity assay of the digested samples. It was observed that with equal units of pepsin activity, caprylic acid prepurified IgG was digested more rapidly than whole serum but that the overall retention of antigen binding activity was significantly greater in the latter case. The estimated first-order digestion rate parameters were 11.8 and 4.42 microM min(-)(1) for pure IgG and whole serum, respectively. The K(m) value obtained for whole serum digestion was 33 microM and that for pure IgG digestion was 43.5 microM. Calibration with undigested whole serum and pure IgG samples of known concentrations was performed using SDS-PAGE followed by image analysis. A linear relationship was observed between the protein concentration and the respective band intensity within the range of concentrations investigated (0.63-31.2 microM IgG concentration). This technique proved to be relatively rapid, reproducible, and more precise than size-exclusion chromatography as a result of its F(ab')(2)/IgG resolving power. Staining and destaining protocols were reproduced in terms of staining and destaining times, volumes added, and compositions. Furthermore, all digestion experiments were performed in duplicate sets to monitor the extent of variation of the digestion kinetic parameters measured by this method. The results obtained from this technique confirm and quantify previous observations that pepsin digestion of whole serum is slower and easier to control than digestion of pure IgG and results in higher recovery of antigenic binding activity.

Interaction of IgG immunoglobulins with the guinea pig peritoneal macrophage Fc gamma receptors. Effect on the association of the receptors with the membrane skeleton and the cytoskeleton

Binding of ligands to cell surface receptors may induce an interaction of the receptors with the cytoskeleton and/or membrane skeleton and decrease the solubility of the receptors in nonionic detergents. Cytochalasins, reagents affecting the structure of microfilaments, inhibit some cell functions induced by cross-linking of the receptors with ligands. Information concerning the function of the cytoskeleton in insolubilization of Fc gamma receptors (Fc gamma R) and in Fc gamma R-mediated signal transmission is rather limited. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of binding of homologous (guinea pig IgG1 and IgG2) and heterologous (rabbit IgG) immunoglobulins to guinea pig peritoneal macrophages on association of the macrophage Fc gamma receptors with the membrane skeleton and cytoskeleton. Cross-linking the macrophage Fc gamma receptors with immunoglobulin ligands induced insolubilization of the receptors in nonionic detergents suggesting association of the receptors with the membrane skeleton and the cytoskeleton. The ligands showed differential effects depending on a subclass and origin of the IgG used. The process of association of the Fc gamma receptors with the skeletons was fast and did not depend on temperature. Treatment of insoluble complexes with cytochalasin D, DNAse I or colchicine showed that actin microfilaments and microtubules play a role, at least partially, in insolubilization of the cross-linked macrophage Fc gamma receptors. Inhibition of insolubilization of the macrophage Fc gamma receptors by genistein indicated that tyrosine kinases are involved in the process of insolubilization. The association with the skeletons might be a part of the process of transduction of a signal which depended on the subclass and origin of IgG used and on the type of the Fc gamma receptor.

Studies on the platelet surface-associated von Willebrand factor

The contribution of platelets to the prevention and control of bleeding depends not only on the plasma and vessel wall von Willebrand (vW) factor, but also on the vW factor originating from platelets. Although platelet vW factor is mainly stored in the alpha-granules, small amounts of vW factor have been detected on the platelet surface under conditions without direct stimulation. This communication focuses on the small amount of vW factor associated with the surface of platelets. EDTA-washed platelets in a calcium-free medium containing prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) were exposed to anti-vW factor F(ab')2 fragments. The platelet-associated anti-vW factor antibodies were separated from the free fragments by gel chromatography. Normal platelets were compared to platelets from patients with Bernard Soulier syndrome, Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, and Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome. These experiments showed that, in the absence of extracellular calcium, vW factor can be detected on the surface of washed platelets independent of glycoproteins Ib and IIb-IIIa, and despite markedly reduced intracellular calcium content. This particular platelet surface expression of vW factor is probably the result of disturbing the platelet during the in vitro manipulation. von Willebrand factor is an extremely important element in the multiple molecular interactions required to stop and anchor the platelet in areas of high flow rates. Mechanical perturbation of platelets leading to surface expression of the vW factor helps increase its availability for such critical interactions.

Antibody synthesis induced by endogenous internal images

In this study, immunization with a vaccine consisting of multiple F(ab')2 fragments of affinity-purified antitetanus toxoid antibodies covalently bound to a carrier protein successfully induced antitetanus toxoid antibodies. Further studies showed that this vaccine preparation contained no biologically detectable tetanus antigen. The induced antitetanus antibody (Ab1') titer was higher than the titer of antibodies binding control antigens. The immunizing F(ab')2 preparation did not elicit a secondary antitetanus response from mice primed with tetanus toxoid and, hence, appeared free of tetanus epitopes. The specificity of Ab1' was established by absorption and inhibition with antigen. Immunization with antitetanus F(ab')2 (Ab1') fragments appears to have elicited naturally occurring autologous antitetanus toxoid antibody (Ab1') through an idiotypic pathway. As predicted by network theory, anti-idiotype (Ab2) and antitetanus (Ab1') cycled reciprocally. Clonotypic characterization of Ab1' using isoelectric focusing and affinity immunoblotting showed increases in Ab1' titer to be the result of increased synthesis by limited subsets of antitetanus toxoid B-cell clones and not increased synthesis by multiple clones, as is characteristic of antigen-driven Ab1 responses. Many Ab1 and Ab1' clonotypes had identical pIs, suggesting that they either share V region genes or are the product of the same B-cell clones. These findings indicate that immunization with polyclonal multivalent Ab1 preparations can trigger active synthesis of antibodies with the same specificity. The results provide further evidence for naturally occurring idiotypic cascades that could be exploited for studies of catalytic antibodies.

Mechanism of inhibition of immunoglobulin G-mediated phagocytosis by monoclonal antibodies that recognize the Mac-1 antigen

We have investigated the effects of the monoclonal antibodies against the cell surface molecule Mac-1 on C3bi-mediated rosetting and IgG-mediated rosetting and phagocytosis by human peripheral blood monocytes. Highly purified M1/70 F(ab')2, used in the fluid phase, inhibited both monocyte functions. Half-maximal C3bi rosette inhibition occurred at a concentration of 2 nM F(ab')2 M1/70. An equivalent decrease in IgG-mediated rosetting required 10 nM M1/70 F(ab')2, and 50% inhibition of IgG-mediated phagocytosis required 7 nM antibody. Mo-1 F(ab')2 inhibited EC3bi binding with an ID50 of 0.3 nM, whereas 50% decrease in IgG-mediated rosetting required 70 nM of this antibody. OKM1 did not inhibit rosettes of sheep erythrocytes opsonized with IgG antibody (EA) at all. F(ab')2 M1/70 did not affect the binding of monomeric human IgG to monocytes, but did substantially decrease the binding of IgG aggregates. Half-maximal inhibition of aggregated IgG binding at 0 degrees C occurred at 8 nM F(ab')2 M1/70, very close to the concentration that caused equivalent inhibition of IgG-mediated phagocytosis. Aggregated IgG inhibited the binding of radiolabeled M1/70 to monocytes by approximately 40%, suggesting that some, but not all Mac-1 molecules were associated with IgG receptors under these conditions. When cells were allowed to adhere to surfaces coated with M1/70 or Mo-1 F(ab')2, C3bi-mediated rosetting was inhibited, but IgG mediated-phagocytosis was unaffected. Moreover, the dose response of inhibition of phagocytosis by fluid-phase F(ab')2, of anti-Mac-1 monoclonals was similar on monocytes adherent to albumin-coated and antibody-coated surfaces. Kinetic experiments showed that even prolonged incubation of monocytes on M1/70 coated surfaces did not lead to inhibition of EA binding nor did these incubations alter the dose response for inhibition of EA binding by fluid-phase M1/70 F(ab')2. This suggested that not all molecules recognized by M1/70 are freely mobile in the plasma membrane. Indeed, only approximately 60% of 125I-M1/70-biding sites were lost even after 4 h when monocytes were adherent to M1/70-coated surfaces. We conclude that some anti-Mac-1 antibodies can inhibit EA binding because of their epitope specificity, independent of any direct interaction with monocyte Fc receptors. This interference with IgG-Fc receptor-mediated binding and ingestion apparently occurs because of antibody binding to a subpopulation of Mac-1 molecules which are associated with IgG Fc receptors and remain on the apical membrane of monocytes adherent to anti-Mac-1-coated surfaces. We suggest that there may be two functionally distinct molecules on human monocytes recognized by M1/70 and Mo-1 that can be distinguished by their mobility in the plane of the monocyte membrane. The more mobile form of Mac-1 is involved in C3bi rosettes, and does not affect IgG-mediated phagocytosis. The other antigen recognized by M1/70 does not diffuse within the plane of the membrane; ligation of the latter molecule by antibody is associated with inhibition of IgG-mediated phagocytosis.

Interactions between hepatitis B virus and polymeric human albumin. I. Production of monoclonal anti-idiotypes (anti-anti-polymeric human albumin) which recognize hepatitis B virus surface antigen

In an attempt to characterize the polymeric human albumin (polyHSA) receptor expressed on hepatitis B virus and hepatocytes, we have used a human anti-polyHSA IgG to generate monoclonal anti-idiotypes (anti-Id) which bear the internal image of polyHSA and mimic its binding activity. Two monoclonal anti-Id antibodies, 63.14 and 70.F9, were strongly reactive in both radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with the F(ab')2 of the immunogen as well as with purified hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) expressing various subtypes. The specificity of the binding of anti-Id to HBsAg was confirmed in direct ELISA and by Western blot analysis. These experiments also showed that the anti-Id bind to a site expressed on the major 24-kDa protein of HBsAg particles, and that this recognition is specifically inhibited by polyHSA. Experiments on cellular staining and radioimmunoprecipitation on HBsAg-positive and -negative cell lines showed that the anti-Id recognize intracellular HBsAg but not other liver cell proteins, including the putative polyHSA receptor. These data indicate, therefore, that the monoclonal anti-Id mimic the binding activity of polyHSA and recognize its binding site on the virus. The inability of both anti-Id to react with the hepatocyte surface suggests either the absence of a specific hepatic polyHSA receptor or the expression of one with a different configuration.

Studies on the detrimental effects of bivalent binding in a microtitration plate ELISA and possible remedies

During the development of a microtitration plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol, using an immobilised hapten:protein conjugate, problems were encountered in obtaining an inhibition curve with hapten. Investigations into this phenomenon were conducted. Univalent Fab fragments were prepared and their binding compared with untreated antiserum on plates coated with different immobilised coating concentrations and with conjugate of a lower hapten:protein ratio. The studies showed that standard curves obtained with Fab fragments using the coating conjugate of high hapten ratio were more sensitive and showed a greater degree of inhibition. However with the conjugate of lower hapten ratio the untreated antiserum gave the more sensitive curve although inhibition was incomplete. From these results it is concluded that the antiserum probably contains two populations of antibodies, one of which binds bivalently to the plates at all concentrations of immobilised hapten.

A quantitative fluorescent method for measurement of bacterial adherence and phagocytosis

We have developed a new two-color fluorescent method for the quantitative measurement of adherence and ingestion of Streptococcus pneumoniae by human monocytes. The method employs a fluorescent naphthalimide, Lucifer Yellow VS, that has been covalently linked to the bacterial cell wall. Bacteria were opsonized and allowed to adhere to monocytes. Lucifer Yellow did not alter the bacterial interaction with complement in serum or with the phagocytic cell. The ability of monocytes to ingest the adherent bacteria was tested under a variety of conditions. Rabbit antibody to Lucifer Yellow derivatized with Texas Red was used to detect monocyte-bound, but uningested bacteria. Dual laser flow cytometry simultaneously quantitated the total number of monocyte-associated S. pneumoniae and the number that remained surface adherent. This method allows separate analysis of the opsonins and receptors involved in bacterial adherence to phagocytes and in the ingestion process.

A mild method for the purification of guinea pig peritoneal macrophage Fc gamma receptors. Affinity chromatography and elution of the receptor with reducing agents

A method for the purification of Fc gamma receptors from guinea pig peritoneal macrophages using mild conditions is described. The method is based on the observation that reduction and alkylation of IgG disulfide bonds partially or completely abrogate their binding to Fc gamma receptors. Cell lysates were directly applied to Sepharose-IgG or Sepharose-TNP-Ab(IgG) and the specifically bound Fc gamma receptor was eluted from adsorbents by incubation with reducing agents (2-mercaptoethanol or dithiothreitol). Alternatively, cell lysates were first treated with IgG and then applied to Protein A-Sepharose and the receptor was eluted with reducing agents. Yields of the purified Fc gamma receptor preparations and their activities were considerably higher than when the receptor was eluted from affinity chromatography gels with acetic acid or other acidic buffers or chaotropic agents. The best results were obtained when Fc gamma receptor-IgG complexes were applied to Protein A-Sepharose. No significant difference in the subunit structure was observed using SDS-PAGE when receptor preparations obtained by elution with reducing agents were compared with preparations obtained by elution with acidic buffers.

Target platelet antigen in homosexual men with immune thrombocytopenia

A syndrome of isolated immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) has recently been described in homosexual men. We have identified an antiplatelet antibody in the serum of 29 of 30 homosexual men with isolated ITP. The antibody binds to a platelet membrane antigen of 25,000 daltons, and binding is effected by the F(ab)2 portion of the immunoglobulin. Similar antibody activity was not detected in serum from 30 nonhomosexual patients with either ITP or nonimmune thrombocytopenia. The 25,000-dalton antigen was not found on other hematopoietic cells, and it was distinct from the core protein of the AIDS-associated retrovirus. In contrast, serum antibody reacted with a 25,000-dalton antigen associated with cultured herpes simplex virus Types I and II. In these experiments the antigen appeared to be derived from green-monkey kidney cells in which the herpes simplex viruses were grown. Identical antigenic activity was also demonstrated in uninfected human skin fibroblasts. We conclude that ITP in homosexual men is accompanied by a serum antibody directed against a platelet antigen of 25,000 daltons. The nature of the antigen and the relation of the serum antibody to ITP require further study.

Acquired Bernard-Soulier syndrome. Evidence for the role of a 210,000-molecular weight protein in the interaction of platelets with von Willebrand factor

A patient with a lymphoproliferative disorder developed bleeding associated with a prolonged bleeding time and a selective defect of platelet aggregation in response to ristocetin. The patient's purified IgG was shown to inhibit aggregation of washed normal platelets by ristocetin and von Willebrand factor (F VIII:vWF). By Western blotting, it was shown that antibody bound specifically to an antigen of Mr 210,000 present on normal platelets but missing on platelets from patients with congenital Bernard-Soulier syndrome (BSS). Binding was effected by the F(ab)2 portion of the IgG, indicating the presence of an autoantibody rather than an immune complex. These results suggest that the 210,000-Mr protein is involved in the interaction of F VIII:vWF with platelets. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the apparent absence of an additional protein on congenital BSS platelets. Heat-aggregated IgG was also shown to bind to the 210,000-Mr protein, suggesting that this protein may function as an Fc receptor on platelets. The relationship of the 210,000-Mr protein to glycoprotein Ib and the precise role of this protein in the interaction of platelets with F VIII:vWF need to be characterized.

Connective tissue proteins and phagocytic cell function. Laminin enhances complement and Fc-mediated phagocytosis by cultured human macrophages

Brief exposure of culture-derived human macrophages to laminin, a glycoprotein component of all mammalian basement membranes that has a molecular weight of 1,000,000, led to enhancement of subsequent macrophage phagocytosis of EAC4b, EAC3bi, and EAIgG (sheep erythrocytes sensitized with IgG anti-Forssman antibody). This effect on macrophage phagocytosis occurred with both substrate-adherent and fluid phase laminin. Preincubation of macrophages, but not of EAC4b, with laminin led to augmentation of phagocytosis, suggesting that interaction with the phagocytic cell, but not with the opsonized particle, was required for laminin's effect. Laminin-stimulated phagocytosis of EAC4b was blocked entirely by a monoclonal antibody to CR1. Direct comparison of the phagocytic ability of macrophages adherent to laminin- and fibronectin-coated glass slides showed that fibronectin had a somewhat greater enhancing effect on phagocytosis. Nonetheless, the phagocytosis-enhancing effect of laminin was not due to contamination of the purified laminin preparation by fibronectin, since the laminin preparation was free of fibronectin, as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; in addition, laminin-enhanced phagocytosis was decreased in the presence of laminin-specific antibodies. Laminin inhibited macrophage adherence and spreading, but selection of a laminin-binding macrophage subpopulation could not account for the laminin-induced increases in phagocytosis. We hypothesize that interaction with extracellular matrix proteins may represent an important activation stimulus both to the macrophages normally present in the extravascular compartment and to the phagocytic cells that have emigrated from the blood-stream into areas of inflammation.

Anaphylatoxin C3a enhances mucous glycoprotein release from human airways in vitro

Because C3a may be generated during the course of pulmonary inflammatory reactions, we investigated the ability of C3a to affect mucous glycoprotein (MGP) secretion from cultured human airways. C3a, but not C3a des Arg, caused a dose-related increase in MGP release (maximal after 4-6 h), with as little as 15 micrograms of C3a per milliliter stimulating a 40% increase. The experimental evidence suggested that immunologically specific C3a was required for the secretagogue actions, as monospecific anti-C3a inhibited the reaction, as well as specifically absorbing the secretagogue from solution. Moreover, it appeared that C3a does not require mast cell activation, eicosanoid generation, or macrophage-derived mucus secretagogue synthesis for its effect, since (a) no evidence of histamine release accompanied C3a-induced MGP release, and dibutyryl cAMP failed to affect C3a-induced MGP release, while reducing the actions of reversed anaphylaxis; (b) MGP release caused by C3a was not influenced by eicosatetraynoic acid or specific cyclooxygenase inhibitors, and no leukotrienes were detectable on the supernatants of C3a-stimulated airways; and (c) cycloheximide failed to affect C3a secretion-stimulating actions. Thus, C3a is a potent mucus secretagogue, and, possibly, acts directly as a glandular stimulant. It seems likely that C3a generated in the course of pulmonary inflammation might contribute to the mucus secretion associated with pulmonary infections.

The mechanism of antibody inhibition of proton pumping by cytochrome oxidase vesicles

Antibodies previously shown to inhibit vectorial proton translocation through cytochrome oxidase vesicles were converted to F(ab')2 and Fab'. Neither fragment inhibited proton pumping, although binding capacity was present. However, when a surrogate Fc was added to F(ab')2, inhibition of proton translocation was restored; indicating that the inhibition is due to steric hindrance. These results provide insight into mechanisms of energy transduction by oxidase.

The stability of solubilized mammalian muscle acetylcholine receptors during purification by monoclonal immunoadsorption

The stability of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChR) solubilized from mammalian skeletal muscle in nonionic detergent was investigated under various conditions of pH, chaotropic ions, and unfolding reagents in order to allow its purification in high yield by immunoadsorption to monoclonal antibodies. Preservation of the antigenicity and/or binding sites for alpha-bungarotoxin was used as an indicator of the receptor protein's integrity. Both were preserved in the pH range 6.5-8.0, but when exposed for 1 h at 4 degrees C to a pH outside this range, greater than 50% activity was lost. Of the chaotropic ions studied (NaSCN, NaI, NaNO3, NaCl), only NaCl was tolerated. Most of the AChR's toxin-binding activity was preserved after exposure to 2 M NaCl, which was suitable for dissociating AChR when a monoclonal antibody with relatively low binding affinity was selected as the immunoadsorbent. Yields of purified AChR were optimal (30%) when a low amount of monoclonal antibody was coupled to cyanogen bromide-activated agarose (1 mg protein/ml gel).

Incomplete growth of varicella-zoster virus in human monocytes

Infection of human peripheral blood monocytes by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) was investigated. When freshly isolated monocytes of young adult volunteers were infected with cell-free VZV and examined by indirect immunofluorescence, specific antigens appeared at 8 hr and the number of antigen-positive cells reached the maximum between 24 and 48 hr postinfection. The proportion of antigen-positive cells to total cells was similar to that of the permissive control (HeLa cells), while very few infectious centers (IC) of monocytes were formed in comparison with the infected control cells. Monocytes isolated from infants and old persons formed a larger number of IC than those of young adults. Electron microscopic study of VZV-infected monocytes from three young adult volunteers demonstrated that the proportion of VZV particle-positive cells to total cells was similar to that of antigen-positive cells, and most of the particles seen in the nuclei were low in density and lacked a central core. These results suggest that the growth of VZV in human adult monocytes is incomplete. This restriction of VZV growth by monocytes may play an important role in defense against VZV infection.

C3d receptors are expressed on human monocytes after in vitro cultivation

Highly purified human third component of complement (C3) was used to coat sheep erythrocytes (E) that were sensitized with IgM antibody (EA), forming EAC3b over a wide range of C3 molecules per cell. EAC3b were converted to EAC3bi by incubation with purified C3b inactivator (factor I) and beta 1H globulin (factor H). EAC3bi were in turn trypsinized to produce the cellular intermediate EAC3d. Each of the cell types was carefully characterized to be certain of the type of C3 determinant expressed. These cellular complement intermediates were used to assess by rosette formation the C3 receptor activity on peripheral blood monocytes under various experimental conditions. Uncultivated monocytes from peripheral blood bound EAC3b and EAC3bi well but did not bind EAC3d significantly. However, upon cultivation on glass surfaces in the presence of fetal calf serum but not bovine serum albumin, monocytes showed a progressive increase in expression of the C3d receptor. The Fab' fragment of anti-C3c blocked binding of EAC3b completely, blocked EAC3bi partially, but failed to block binding of EAC3d to cultivated monocytes. In contrast, the Fab' fragment of anti-C3d blocked EAC3d rosette formation completely. These studies demonstrate that monocytes are capable of expressing receptor activity for a determinant on C3d but that the expression of this receptor depends on the state of activation or differentiation of the cells.

Characterization of a latent cysteine proteinase from ascitic fluid as a high molecular weight form of cathepsin B

The latent cysteine proteinase present in ascitic fluid of patients with neoplasia and released from ascites cells in culture has been partially purified and the enzyme after pepsin activation was shown to be immunologically related to the lysosomal proteinase, cathepsin B. The latent form was characterized as a single chain of Mr 40 000 as determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions followed by Western blotting and immune staining with an antiserum to human cathepsin B. Using the same techniques the enzyme after pepsin activation gave a single band of Mr 33 000. Analysis by isoelectric focusing showed that the latent enzyme before and after pepsin treatment is composed of several acidic isoenzymes. These findings suggest that this latent proteinase represents a precursor form of cathepsin B which is released extracellularly rather than being processed and directed to the lysosome.

Stimulation of the Na/K pump in LK sheep erythrocytes by immunoglobulin fragments

Alloimmune antiserum against the L antigen of red cells from sheep of the LK phenotype is known to stimulate by several fold active Na/K transport in LK cells. We have shown that monomeric fragments, Fab1, of anti-L, as well as dimeric fragments, F(ab1)2, stimulate transport to the same extent as intact anti-L Ig. Special care was taken to obtain pure fragments. Two earlier reports on the effect of immunoglobulin fragments were contradictory.

Monoclonal antibodies specific for the b5 allotype of rabbit kappa light chains

The mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAb), 3B5 and 4B5, which recognize rabbit kappa light chains bearing the b5 allotype, were produced from separate fusions. The specificity of the mAbs was determined by solid-phase inhibition radioimmunoassay. Nonimmune sera of 15 b5b5 rabbits of various heavy chain haplotypes inhibited the binding of both mAbs to b5 IgG, whereas 20 sera from rabbits not expressing the b5 allotype were not inhibitory. In addition, the binding of both mAbs was inhibited by purified b5 light chains, but not by b4 light chains. The b5 epitope recognized by the mAbs was shown by sequential precipitation to be present on all b5-bearing molecules that are defined by an alloantiserum produced in a b4b4 rabbit. Antibody 4B5 forms strong precipitin bands with b5 serum and Ig in gel diffusion assays. An anomalous reaction of nonidentity was observed when mAb was compared to rabbit anti-b5 antiserum and a hypothesis to explain this phenomenon is proposed.

Human placental membrane receptor for IgG. Purification of the receptor and its subunit structure

The method of purification of the human placental Fc receptor to an active form is described. The FcR was purified from the glycoprotein fraction of the placental membranes by immunoprecipitation and chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. The purified FcR corresponded to 1.5-2% of the protein present in the crude glycoprotein fraction (PGP) and showed the tendency to aggregate. In the presence of 1% SDS, 4 M urea or 5 M guanidine- HCl the placental FcR dissociated into subunits of molecular weight of 60,000-65,000. The 60,000-65,000 dalton glycoprotein subunits regarded as monomers of FcR are composed of two chains of molecular weight 25,000-30,000, linked by disulphide bonds. The subunits, after removal of dissociating agents, displayed IgG binding activity.

Immunological model of epilepsy. Epileptiform activity induced by fragments of antibody to GM1 ganglioside

Antibodies to GM1 ganglioside injected into the sensorimotor cortex of the rat induce recurrent epileptiform activity. We now find that the divalent F(ab')2 and monovalent Fab' fragments derived from antiganglioside IgG molecules are able to induce epileptiform seizures. This result supports the view that the binding of antibodies to ganglioside receptors in the synaptic membrane is sufficient in itself to initiate changes in membrane processes which lead to epileptiform spiking. These changes do not appear to be dependent on linking of ganglioside receptors or on the presence of serum factors such as complement.

Precipitation of measles virus proteins by immunoglobulin G fractions containing groups of oligoclonal bands isolated from sera of patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

Groups of oligoclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG) bands were isolated from sera of patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis by employing preparative isoelectric focusing. Six IgG fractions containing two to three oligoclonal bands with different isoelectric points were used to precipitate the proteins from Vero cells infected with measles virus. The results showed that all of the measles virus proteins except the M protein were precipitated by all of the IgG fractions and that the precipitation of viral proteins by the fractions containing groups of oligoclonal IgG showed slightly different patterns in some sera, whereas other sera showed no significant differences. The present study indicates that oligoclonal IgGs in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis sera are not specific to individual measles virus proteins.

Monoclonal autoantibodies to acetylcholine receptors: evidence for a dominant idiotype and requirement of complement for pathogenicity

An antigenic determinant of mammalian muscle acetylcholine receptors (AChR) remote from the ACh-binding site and exposed extracellularly at the neuromuscular junction has been defined by monoclonal autoantibodies (McAb's). The determinant is a dominant antigen in the rat's autoimmune response to AChR. It was defined by four IgG McAb's (from two individual donor rats) which shared a common idiotype (Id) complementary to the AChR determinant. These four McAb's bound to AChR in vivo and induced experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). They also bound to nonjunctional AChR on living myotubes in culture at 37 degrees and caused loss of alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-BT) binding sites. The McAb's did not inhibit binding of alpha-BT to solubilized AChR or to nonjunctional AChR in membranes of muscle cells held at 4 degrees C. Impairment of neuromuscular transmission by the McAb's required activation of complement via the classical pathway. In the absence of C3 leads to C9, or in isolated deficiency of C4, binding of McAb's to at least 62% of AChR for 72 hours in vivo did not alter miniature endplate potentials (MEPPs) or EPPs or reduce the muscle's content of AChR. The common Id was detectable in sera of rats immunized with AChR of either Torpedo, eel or syngeneic muscle. Anti-Id antibodies raised against 3 of the McAb's inhibited in vitro binding of each of the 4 McAb's to AChR; absorption of one anti-Id by a second McAb removed inhibitory activity for all McAb's. However, when rats with high titers of anti-Id were challenged by immunization with torpedo AChR, the severity of EAMG was undiminished despite a continuing excess of anti-Id antibodies. Success of the anti-Id approach to therapy of myasthenia gravis may require definition of several antigenic determinants of human muscle AChR with which patients' auto-antibodies interact in vivo.

A simple method for the production of F(ab')2 preparations by pepsin digestion of total serum protein

An easy and rapid method for producing F(ab')2 fragments by pepsin treatment of total serum protein is described. No further purification of the hydrolysate was used. Most serum proteins were degraded to small peptides which were removed by dialysis, the preparations thus being relatively rich in F(ab')2 fragments. The degree of hydrolysis was determined by means of an antiserum against the part of the gamma-chain which is degraded by pepsin. Under optimal conditions for hydrolysis, unsplit IgG could not be detected by double immunodiffusion. Using sperm-agglutinating and immobilizing sera, the F(ab')2 preparations could be characterized functionally. After hydrolysis the agglutinating activity was relatively unchanged, whereas the immobilizing activity had vanished.

Serological studies of Cw1 and Cw3 expressed on the same haplotype

A serological comparison has been made between individuals who are phenotypically Cw1 and Cw3. The first individual is Oriental and carries Cw1 and Cw3 on the same haplotype, the other individuals are Caucasian and carry either Cw1, Cw3 or Cw1 and Cw3 on different haplotypes. No unique specificities could be found on the Oriental Cw1, Cw3 haplotype by reciprocal absorption experiments, inhibition of complement dependent microcytotoxicity by F(ab') 2 fragments prepared from Cw1 and Cw3 antisera or by lysostrip experiments. The blocking and lysostrip experiments also suggested molecular independence of Cw1 and Cw3 determinants coded for by Oriental Cw1 haplotype. The results suggest a recent gene duplication in Oriental populations or two loci in the C region.

Bw21 partition and crossreactivity of the components

Available lymphocytotoxic antisera permitted the clear partition of the Bw21 antigen into two distinct components, Bw21.1 and Bw21.2. Bw21.1 is associated with W4 and is approximately twofold more frequent than the W6-associated Bw21.2. Cells of either Bw21 subtype were capable of absorbing specific anti-Bw21.1, anti-Bw21.2, and anti Bw21 (21.1 + 21.2) antibodies. Further, an F(ab')2 fragment prepared from an anti-Bw21.1 serum blocked cytotoxicity of anti-Bw21.1, anti-Bw21.2 and anti-Bw21 (21.1 + 21.2) sera. Based on the crossreactivity (by absorption) and blocking data, a model is proposed relating the Bw21 subtypes and the W4 and W6 antigens.

Reactivity of F(ab)2 fragments of sperm antibodies in agglutination, immobilization and immunofluorescence tests

The reactivity of F(ab)2 fragments of sperm antibodies was studied in agglutination, immobilization and immunofluorescence tests. Pepsin digestion of full serum was an easy and effective procedure for preparing F(ab)2 fragments. Compared to the reactions with serum, F(ab)2 preparations revealed only a moderate decrease in agglutination titres but a complete loss of immobilizing activity. In immunofluorescence tests, nonspecific background staining was strongly reduced by using F(ab)2 fragments, thereby offering a more reliable basis for the reading of reactions. Even though the titres obtained with serum and F(ab)2 preparations did not differ essentially, it is suggested that the use of F(ab)2 fragments in IF-tests on spermatozoa may help to provide a higher degree of reproducibility.

Preparation of high titered rabbit anti-mouse IgE sera

A method for the consistent production of rabbit anti-mouse IgE sera is described. Rabbits were immunized intravenously with IgE-anti-normal mouse serum mixtures over 8 to 12 weeks. Ten microliters of the anti-mouse IgE sera completely neutralized all the mouse IgE in the serum (50 microliter) possessing a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis titer of 20,000.