An active antibody fragment (Fv) composed of the variable portions of heavy and light chains

Molecular interactions between monoclonal oligomer-specific antibody 5E3 and its amyloid beta cognates

Oligomeric amyloid β (Aβ) is currently considered the most neurotoxic form of the Aβ peptide implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The molecular structures of the oligomers have remained mostly unknown due to their transient nature. As a result, the molecular mechanisms of interactions between conformation-specific antibodies and their Aβ oligomer (AβO) cognates are not well understood. A monoclonal conformation-specific antibody, m5E3, was raised against a structural epitope of Aβ oligomers. m5E3 binds to AβOs with high affinity, but not to Aβ monomers or fibrils. In this study, a computational model of the variable fragment (Fv) of the m5E3 antibody (Fv5E3) is introduced. We further employ docking and molecular dynamics simulations to determine the molecular details of the antibody-oligomer interactions, and to classify the AβOs as Fv5E3-positives and negatives, and to provide a rationale for the low affinity of Fv5E3 for fibrils. This information will help us to perform site-directed mutagenesis on the m5E3 antibody to improve its specificity and affinity toward oligomeric Aβ species. We also provide evidence for the possible capability of the m5E3 antibody to disaggregate AβOs and to fragment protofilaments.

Recognition of the Self Idiotype by T Cells: Induction of a Rapid Increase in Cytoplasmic Free Calcium in T Cells Recognizing a Variable L Chain Determinant

To investigate the initial stages of recognition of the self idiotype (Id) by T cells, we examined the early increase in cytoplasmic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) occurring in murine CD4+ T cells specific for a model Id, Id315, following their interaction with the Id. The changes in [Ca2+]i were monitored with stopped-flow fluorometry by loading T cells with fura 2, a Ca(2+)-binding fluorescent dye. An increase of [Ca2+]i in the Id-specific T cell line was dependent on the presence of both antigen-presenting cells (APC) and Id315. When T cells were mixed with APC pulsed with M315 for 90 min at 37 C, a significant increase in T cell [Ca2+]i was observed within one second. A pronounced elevation in [Ca2+]i was also observed in T cells after their interaction with APC which had been pulsed for 90 min with VL-315 Id-containing proteins (such as VL-315, L315, Fv-315 or Fab'-315 fragments). In contrast, pulsing APC for 5 min with the VL fragment produced little or no change in the [Ca2+]i. These results suggest that VL must be further processed by APC before it can be recognized by T cells. Indeed, a synthetic VL region peptide (positions 91-108, designated as P18) produced an elevation in T cell [Ca2+]i when mixed with APC without pulsing.

Evolving concepts of specificity in immune reactions

Our goal is to provide a perspective on current understanding of the origins of specificity in immune reactions, a topic that has intrigued scientists for over a century. A fundamental property of adaptive immune responses is the ability to discriminate among an immense variety of substances by means of antibodies (Abs) and Ab-like receptors on T lymphocytes [T-cell receptors (TCRs)], each able to bind a particular chemical structure [the antigen (Ag)] and not, or only weakly, similar alternatives. Evidence has long existed, however, and has grown, especially recently, that while exhibiting remarkable specificity, many individual Abs and TCRs can also bind a variety of very different ligands. How can Ag recognition by these receptors exercise the great specificity for which they are renowned and yet react with a variety of different ligands (degeneracy)? We critically consider the mechanistic bases for this specificity/degeneracy enigma and also compare and contrast Ag recognition by Abs and TCRs.

Indications that the Cgamma2 homology region is not a regular domain

The Cgamma2 homology region of rabbit IgG does not behave like a domain. Thus, there is no trans-interaction between the two Cgamma2 regions; instead there is an unusual cis-interaction between Cgamma2 and Cgamma3 regions. The observations were made on the plasmin digestion products Facb (IgG minus the Cgamma3 region) and pFc' (Cgamma3 region), which did not dissociate under neutral conditions but dissociated in 3M guanidine solution (that is, cis-interaction between Cgamma2 and Cgamma3). The Facb fragment split into subunits with equal molecular weights under neutral conditions on partial reduction and alkylation (that is, lack of trans-interaction between the two Cgamma2 in the molecule).

Spectroscopic properties of light-chain derivatives of murine MOPC-315 immunoglobulin A

Three light-chain derivatives of the homogeneous IgA, secreted by the mouse myeloma MOPC-315, were studied employing circular dichroism and thermal-perturbation spectroscopy: (a) the light-chain dimer with intact native inter-chain disulfide bond, L2,cov; (b) the light-chain dimer with this bond reduced and alkylated, L2,ncov; and (c) the dimer of only the variable regions of the light chains, (VL)2. Comparison of the well resolved circular dichroism spectra of these derivatives allowed the assignments of the bands above 290 nm to the following chromophores: Trp-35L and Trp-91L in the variable domains, and Trp-148L, Trp-185L and the disulfide of Cys-214L in the constant domains. The differences in the spectral characteristics of L2,cov as compared to those of L2,ncov and (VL)2 illustrate the significant influence of the disulfide bridge on the conformation of the L2,cov. Pronounced differences are found between these light-chain derivatives ant the light chain--heavy chain associates, namely the intact protein M-315 and FV fragment. The comparison between the CD spectra of the free and the hapten-bound L2,cov, L2,ncov and (VL)2 directly demonstrates the existence of the conformational transitions in these proteins induced by hapten binding.

Recombinant single-chain antibodies with various oligopeptide tails for targeted gene delivery

The single-chain antibody (scFv) made by recombinant DNA technology is one of the most useful tools for basic research and clinical applications. To develop a novel targeted gene delivery method, we engineered the scFv gene for the antibody against human epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor by connecting with DNA sequences for various oligopeptides with negative or positive charges. The resulting recombinant genes encoding artificial scFv with negative or positive tails were expressed in Escherichia coli and yeast Pichia pastris. In E. coli, all the scFv with negatively charged tails were expressed but mainly as an insoluble form, whereas those with positively charged tails were barely expressed. In yeast P. pastris, all the scFv with negatively charged tails were efficiently expressed and secreted into the culture medium. Addition of high salt into the yeast culture increased their secretion. Purification procedure was established for the scFv with the longest negatively charged tail (D4S x 5), yielding 5 mg/l with a purity of over 95%. The scFv-D4S x 5 was designated as a recombinant immunoporter, which was then mixed with plasmid DNA and polyethylenimine (PEI). The resulting DNA/PEI/immunoporter complex (designated recombinant immunogene) exhibited efficient gene delivery to EGF receptor overexpressing A431 tumor cells.

Engineering antibody molecules

Advances in PCR techniques and the increase of the antibody V region sequences in the database have boosted developments in the field of antibody engineering. The V region genes can be amplified from hybridomas (1), preimmunized donors (2), naive donors (3), or from the cells expressing antibodies.

Immunization with the light chain and the VL domain of the isologous myeloma protein 315 inhibits growth of mouse plasmacytoma MOPC315

Prior immunization of BALB/c mice with free light chains from myeloma protein 315 (L315) and its variable domain (VL315) inhibited the growth of subcutaneously injected MOPC315 tumour cells. The growth suppression observed after immunization with L315 was equivalent to that which resulted from immunization with the complete M315. VL315 and non-polymerized L315 did not elicit specific antibodies. Polymerized L315 induced both suppression of MOPC315 growth and antibodies specific for free L315; however, these antibodies did not react with the complete M315, nor were they absorbed by MOPC315 tumour cells. The data indicate that the suppression of tumour growth was mediated by specifically sensitized cells acting in the absence of antibodies against M315 or L315. Immunization with the variable domain of the heavy chain from M315 (VH315) had no effect on the growth of MOPC315. The M315 fragments and subunits that induced growth suppression were thus identical with those capable of inducing T helper cells in BALB/c mice.

Inhibition of immunoglobulin folding and secretion by dominant negative BiP ATPase mutants

A group of resident ER proteins have been identified that are proposed to function as molecular chaperones. The best characterized of these is BiP/GRP78, an hsp70 homologue that binds peptides containing hydrophobic residues in vitro and unfolded or unassembled proteins in vivo. However, evidence that mammalian BiP plays a direct role in protein folding remains circumstantial. In this study, we examine how BiP interacts with a particular substrate, immunoglobulin light chain (lambda LC), during its folding. Wild-type hamster BiP and several well-characterized BiP ATPase mutants were used in transient expression experiments. We demonstrate that wild-type lambda LCs showed prolonged association with mutant BiP which inhibited their secretion. Both wild-type and mutant BiP bound only to unfolded and partially folded LCs. The wild-type BiP was released from the incompletely folded LCs, allowing them to fold and be secreted, whereas the mutant BiP was not released. As a result, the LCs that were bound to BiP mutants were unable to undergo complete disulfide bond formation and were retained in the ER. Our experiments suggest that LCs undergo both BiP-dependent and BiP-independent folding steps, demonstrating that both ATP binding and hydrolysis activities of BiP are essential for the completion of LC folding in vivo and reveal that BiP must release before disulfide bond formation can occur in that domain.

Effects of recombinant drug-specific single chain antibody Fv fragment on [3H]-desipramine distribution in rats

Tricyclic antidepressant overdose can be reversed in rats by drug-specific antibody Fab fragments, but the required Fab dose may itself by toxic. We studied the potential use of a smaller, recombinant desipramine (DMI)-specific single chain Fv fragment (B9-sFv) for this purpose. Anesthetized rats received a tracer (subtoxic) dose of [3H]-DMI followed in 15 min by B9-IgG, B9-Fab, B9-sFv (0.1 mumol of binding sites) or BSA. Each of the active treatments produced a rapid and substantial increase in the serum radiolabel concentration, whereas BSA did not (P < 0.001). The increase in serum radiolabel concentration 1 min after treatment was 13.3-fold with B9-IgG, 10.0-fold with B9-Fab and 7.3-fold with B9-sFv. Serum antibody concentrations were also highest after B9-IgG and lower with B9-Fab or B9-sFv. The 24-hr urinary excretion of radiolabel did not differ among groups, but was extensive even in the BSA group and probably represented the excretion of DMI metabolites. B9-sFv concentrations in urine or buffer at 37 degrees declined by >90% over 24 hr, but this fragment was much more stable in serum, retaining 70% of its activity after 96 hr. These data demonstrate that B9-sFv can alter markedly the distribution of [3H]-DMI in vivo. The rapidity of this effect, and its magnitude in comparison with Fab fragment or IgG, suggest that further study of B9-sFv as a treatment of DMI overdose is warranted.

Coordination of immunoglobulin chain folding and immunoglobulin chain assembly is essential for the formation of functional IgG

The first constant domain (CH1) of immunoglobulin heavy (H) chains is essential for BiP-mediated retention of unassembled H chains in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Here, we demonstrated that both wild-type and a mutant gamma chain lacking the CH1 domain bind BiP when they are reduced in vivo. However, only oxidized mutant H chain dimers are released from BiP interaction, whereas oxidized wild-type gamma chain dimers still bind BiP. In light (L) chain-producing cells, some of the mutant H chains accumulate with L chains in ER-derived vesicles and some are secreted as IgG. Furthermore, only half of the secreted antibodies bind antigen. We found the same with a mutant gamma chain, in which the CH1 domain was replaced by a CH3 domain. Therefore, we propose that BiP interaction with incompletely folded CH1 domains is required to mediate correct assembly of H and L chains.

Surface-density and orientation effects on immobilized antibodies and antibody fragments

The binding parameters of randomly immobilized protein 315 and Fv fragments, as well as site-specifically immobilized Fab' fragments, have been measured for a small hapten (MW = 341 Daltons) and a large synthetic antigen (MW = 50 kD). Immobilized Fv fragments had the highest binding capacities; hence, removing unnecessary protein domains can be beneficial for improving the total capacity of an immunosorbent. For all immunosorbents, high protein loadings led to relatively low specific activities (n values). This effect was reversible, however, as the loss of immobilized antibody upon prolonged storage partially restored the specific activity. At high loadings the specific activity of immobilized whole antibody was lower for the large antigen than for the small hapten, whereas no effect of hapten size on n was evident for either immobilized Fab' or Fv fragments. Although a fraction of immobilized antibody was inactive at the higher loadings, EPR spectroscopy revealed no significant changes in the conformation of active immobilized antibody.

Expression, purification and characterization of B72.3 Fv fragments

The Fv fragment of the antibody B72.3 has been produced by expression in both a mammalian and microbial system, namely Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and Escherichia coli. In both cases secretion of the Fv into the culture medium was achieved, with equivalent amounts of Vh and Vl produced. The yield of Fv from CHO cells was 4 mg/l in roller-bottle culture. E. coli proved to be a more productive system with yields of 40 mg/l in shake flasks rising to 450 mg/l in fermentations. B72.3 Fv from both sources was capable of binding to antigen with similar binding ability to the Fab' fragment. A detailed sedimentation analysis, both by velocity and equilibrium techniques, revealed that the two domains of Fv are associated at high concentrations at pH values close to neutral, but dissociate at concentrations lower than approx. 0.5 mg/ml. Individual Vh or Vl polypeptides are not able to bind to the antigen and thus these results suggest that the antigen promotes assembly of Fv at the low concentrations used in the antigen-binding assays. At a pH value of 1.9, Vh and Vl are completely dissociated even at very high concentrations and are apparently unfolded at low solute concentrations. Small-angle X-ray scattering was used to measure a radius of gyration of 1.75 +/- 0.2 nm (17.5 +/- 2 A) for Fv.

Metal-binding chimeric antibodies expressed in Escherichia coli

Metallothionein, a well-characterized biological chelator of metals, has been genetically fused to the binding domain of an antibody and expressed in the periplasm of Escherichia coli. Specific delivery of 109Cd to immobilized hapten or to haptenated cells was demonstrated directly in periplasmic extracts. This approach is potentially useful for targeted radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging. We find six to seven atoms of metal per active antigen-combining site. Absence of the Fc portion of the immunoglobulin along with low immunogenicity of metallothionein-metal complexes should reduce immunologic reactions.

Cloning and expression of the variable regions of mouse myeloma protein MOPC315 in E. coli: recovery of active FV fragments

Recombinant DNA techniques were used to clone and express the FV portion of MOPC315, a mouse myeloma protein with a high affinity for 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP). The FV fragment consists of a heterodimer of heavy and light chain variable domains (VH and VL). Two separate bacterial plasmid constructs, containing either a variable region cDNA for the light chain or a variable region synthetic gene for the heavy chain demonstrated high levels of expression (150-200 mg/L) under control of the bacteriophage T7 promoter. Recombinant chains were initially recovered as inclusion bodies and then dissolved separately in 8 M urea, combined together, and refolded by subsequent chaotrope removal. Biologically active FV was affinity purified from the chain mixture by specific binding to DNP-lysine-Sepharose. Yields of active material as high as 20% were obtained with activity confirmed by fluorescence quench analysis. The purified FV displayed a binding affinity of 4.8 +/- 0.3 x 10(-7) M which was identical to the native FV. Chimeric FVs composed of recombinant and native chain mixtures yielded similar results. Recombinant MOPC315 FV activity was also obtained using a single chain construct (sFV), in which recombinant VH and VL were linked via a (Gly4Ser)3 spacer region. Binding affinity of the sFV was shown to be the same as the recombinant and native FVs. The ease of purification and characterization of active MOPC315 as the recombinant and native FVs. The ease of purification and characterization of active MOPC315 FV makes this system useful in the study of the optimization of antibody production in bacteria.

Cloning and expression of an HIV-1 specific single-chain Fv region fused to Escherichia coli alkaline phosphatase

We have constructed a single-chain Fv fragment representing the variable domain of the human monoclonal antibody 3D6, binding specifically to HIV-1 gp41. This gene was fused to the coding region of E. coli alkaline phosphatase (EcPhoA) and expressed in E. coli. The EcPhoA signal peptide was used to direct the recombinant fusion protein to the periplasmic space of the bacteria, from where it was purified by hydrophobic interaction chromatography and gel filtration followed by antigen-affinity chromatography using a synthetic HIV-1 peptide as ligand. The purified fusion protein was bifunctional, showing both phosphatase activity as well as antigen-binding specificity identical to that of the original antibody.

Biosynthetic antibody binding sites: development of a single-chain Fv model based on antidinitrophenol IgA myeloma MOPC 315

The functional antigen binding region of antidinitrophenol mouse IgA myeloma MOPC 315 has been produced as a single-chain Fv (sFv) protein in E. coli. Recombinant 315 proteins included sFv alone, a bifunctional fusion protein with amino-terminal fragment B (FB) of staphylococcal protein A, and a two-chain 315 Fv fragment. Successful refolding of the 315 sFv required formation of disulfide bonds while the polypeptide was in a denatured state, as previously observed for the parent Fv fragment. Affinity-purified recombinant 315 proteins showed full recovery of specific activity, with values for Ka,app of 1.5 to 2.2 x 10(6) M-1, equivalent to the parent 315 Fv fragment. As observed for natural 315 Fv, the sFv region of active FB-sFv315 fusion protein was resistant to pepsin treatment, whereas inactive protein was readily degraded. These experiments will allow the application of protein engineering to the 315 single-chain Fv; such studies can advance structure-function studies of antibody combining sites and lead to an improved understanding of single-chain Fv proteins.

Direct production of Fv-fragments from a family of monoclonal IgGs papain digestion

Fv fragments of four monoclonal antibodies specific for morphine binding have been produced from their divalent IgG forms by papain digestion using the classic procedure for Fab formation. The binding characteristics of one of the Fv fragments have been determined relative to the intact antibody by equilibrium dialysis. Its dissociation constant is a factor of five lower than the IgG. Previous work had resulted in the sequences of each the chains for the four Fv fragments. The light chains are all from the highly homologous lambda subclass while the gamma heavy chains are closely related except for their CDR regions. In this work optical molar extinction coefficients are predicted from amino acid sequences for each of the fragments. It is found that they differ significantly from each other and from the commonly used value for intact IgG. Detailed comparisons between our results and those reported previously on the molecular masses of Fv-derived light and heavy chains and hapten-Fv dissociation constants are given based on analytical gel electrophoresis and electroblotting experiments using dye and immunovisualization techniques. Isoelectric focusing experiments have been performed and the pIs obtained are compared to those predicted theoretically from the chain sequences. Gel filtration column chromatography, acrylamide gel electrophoresis and equilibrium dialysis experiments are consistent with significant aggregation of the Fv fragments in neutral solution with accompanying inactivation of the binding site. Comparison of sequences for the Fv light and heavy chains are made with those which have been proposed to be important for chain dimer association and for canonical hypervariable regions. This methods of Fv production is not regarded as a general one. However, it may be an approach which is general to lambda chain containing antibodies.

Preparation of the Fv fragment from a short-chain mouse IgG2a anti-dansyl monoclonal antibody and use of selectively deuterated Fv analogues for two-dimensional 1H NMR analyses of the antigen-antibody interactions

The Fv fragment, a univalent antigen-binding unit with a molecular weight of 25,000, has successfully been prepared in high yield by limited proteolysis with clostripain of a short-chain mouse IgG2a anti-dansyl monoclonal antibody in which the entire CH1 domain is deleted [Igarashi, T., Sato, M., Takio, K., Tanaka, T., Nakanishi, M., & Arata, Y. (1990) Biochemistry 29, 5727-5733]. The Fv fragment obtained is stable at room temperature and retains its full antigen-binding capability. It has been shown that selective deuterium labeling of the Fv fragment, which is half the size of the Fab fragment, provides 1H NMR spectral data at a sufficient resolution for a detailed structural analysis of the antigen-combining site. NOESY spectra of an Fv analogue, in which all aromatic protons except for His C2'-H and Tyr C3',5'-H had been deuterated, were measured in the presence of varying amounts of dansyl-L-lysine. On the basis of the NOESY data obtained, it was possible to assign all the ring proton resonances for the dansyl group that is bound to the Fv fragment. It was also possible to obtain information about His and Tyr residues of the Fv fragment in the absence and presence of the antigen. On the basis of the NMR data obtained, we have shown that at least two Tyr residues along with one of the amide groups are directly involved in antigen binding. The mode of interaction of the dansyl ring with these residues in the Fv fragment has briefly been discussed.

Idiotypical identity of IgG myeloma protein with monoclonal IgM, Bence Jones protein, and Fv derived from one patient

Serum from a patient (KK) with IgG2-lambda myeloma was shown to contain multiple paraproteins corresponding to an IgM-lambda monoclonal protein (MMP), a lambda-type Bence Jones protein (BJP), and a 30 kDa component in addition to the IgG2 myeloma protein (GMP). These proteins possessed common idiotypic determinants, as judged by their monoclonal reactivity with rabbit anti-GMP idiotype antibody (aId) in the immunofixation electrophoresis. Analysis with aId absorbed with either H or L chain of GMP revealed that the 30 kDa component shared both VH and VL with GMP and MMP, while BJP carried only the VL idiotype. The 30 kDa component, however, failed to react with antibody to either the mu, gamma, alpha, kappa, or lambda isotype, indicating that it had an Fv-like molecular composition. These results suggest that myeloma cells of KK had diverged from the same precursor B cell clone to produce MPs of different isotypes and altered molecular constructions.

Use of deuterium labelling in NMR studies of antibody combining site structure

Antibody molecules secreted by B-lymphocytes play a central role in the immune defense systems of higher organisms. The major function of the antibody molecule is to bind specifically to foreign molecules (antigens) and to effect their inactivation and/or removal. Antibody molecules exist in millions of different forms, each with a unique amino acid sequence and combining site structure. Collectively called immunoglobulins (abbreviated as Ig), they form one of the major classes of proteins present in the blood, constituting 20% of the total plasma protein by weight.

Generation of a catalytic antibody by site-directed mutagenesis

A hybrid Fv fragment of the dinitrophenyl-binding immunoglobulin A (IgA), MPOC315, has been generated by reconstituting a recombinant variable light chain (VL) produced in Escherichia coli with a variable heavy chain (VH) derived from the antibody. The Tyr34 residue of VL was substituted by His in order to introduce a catalytic imidazole into the combining site for the ester hydrolysis. The His mutant Fv accelerated the hydrolysis of the 7-hydroxycoumarin ester of 5-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-aminopentanoic acid 90,000-fold compared to the reaction with 4-methyl imidazole at pH 6.8 and had an initial rate that was 45 times as great as that for the wild-type Fv. The hydrolyses of aminopropanoic and aminohexanoic homologs were not significantly accelerated. Thus a single deliberate amino acid change can introduce significant catalytic activity into an antibody-combining site, and chemical modification data can be used to locate potential sites for the introduction of catalytic residues.

Immunotoxicotherapy: present status and future trends

Immunotoxicotherapy (ITT) is currently used in humans for the treatment of snake venom and cardiac glycoside poisoning. Other toxins have been studied in animals or in vitro to assess their suitability as candidates for detoxification by specific antibodies. Testing conditions are often empirical suggesting that numerous improvements need to be introduced in ITT. Basic mechanisms in ITT include three phases: sequestration, extraction and elimination. The pharmacokinetics of these three phases depend on the type of antidotal binding site (ABS). IgG or its Fab2, Fab or Fv fragment are the possible choices. The Fab fragment is the most frequently used ABS because of its diffusion properties in the peripheral compartments and its renal excretion by glomerular filtration. Toxicokinetic and pharmacokinetic considerations indicate that the dosage cannot be satisfactorily calculated from stoichiometric principles. Study of the toxin dose-lethality curves shows that ABS dosage can be lowered. Moreover, clinical data reveal that some FAb fragments are directly eliminated without acting on toxin molecules. In order to counteract these drawbacks, a compromise between dosage and duration of infusion is suggested. Other improvements will stem from advances in immunologic methodology. Monoclonal and chimeric antibodies are new tools that will help resolve the clinical problems of immunogenicity and adverse reactions associated with polyclonal ABS.

Single-chain antigen-binding proteins

Single-chain antigen-binding proteins are novel recombinant polypeptides, composed of an antibody variable light-chain amino acid sequence (VL) tethered to a variable heavy-chain sequence (VH) by a designed peptide that links the carboxyl terminus of the VL sequence to the amino terminus of the VH sequence. These proteins have the same specificities and affinities for their antigens as the monoclonal antibodies whose VL and VH sequences were used to construct the recombinant genes that were expressed in Escherichia coli. Three of these proteins, one derived from the sequence for a monoclonal antibody to growth hormone and two derived from the sequences of two different monoclonal antibodies to fluorescein, were designed, constructed, synthesized, purified, and assayed. These proteins are expected to have significant advantages over monoclonal antibodies in a number of applications.

Protein engineering of antibody binding sites: recovery of specific activity in an anti-digoxin single-chain Fv analogue produced in Escherichia coli

A biosynthetic antibody binding site, which incorporated the variable domains of anti-digoxin monoclonal antibody 26-10 in a single polypeptide chain (Mr = 26,354), was produced in Escherichia coli by protein engineering. This variable region fragment (Fv) analogue comprised the 26-10 heavy- and light-chain variable regions (VH and VL) connected by a 15-amino acid linker to form a single-chain Fv (sFv). The sFv was designed as a prolyl-VH-(linker)-VL sequence of 248 amino acids. A 744-base-pair DNA sequence corresponding to this sFv protein was derived by using an E. coli codon preference, and the sFv gene was assembled starting from synthetic oligonucleotides. The sFv polypeptide was expressed as a fusion protein in E. coli, using a leader derived from the trp LE sequence. The sFv protein was obtained by acid cleavage of the unique Asp-Pro peptide bond engineered at the junction of leader and sFv in the fusion protein [(leader)-Asp-Pro-VH-(linker)-VL]. After isolation and renaturation, folded sFv displayed specificity for digoxin and related cardiac glycosides similar to that of natural 26-10 Fab fragments. Binding between affinity-purified sFv and digoxin exhibited an association constant [Ka = (3.2 +/- 0.9) x 10(7) M-1] that was about a factor of 6 smaller than that found for 26-10 Fab fragments [Ka = (1.9 +/- 0.2) x 10(8) M-1] under the same buffer conditions, consisting of 0.01 M sodium acetate, pH 5.5/0.25 M urea.

Crystallization of the complexes between M315 idiotope and its monoclonal anti-idiotopic antibody Fab fragment

The Fab fragment of a monoclonal anti-idiotopic antibody against M315 has been isolated and its complexes with Fv and Fab' fragment of M315 have been crystallized by using poly(ethylene glycol) 6000 or ammonium sulfate. X-ray diffraction photographs showed that the crystal of the complex with Fv diffracts better than that with Fab'. The Fv-complexed crystal was shown to be tetragonal I4, with cell dimensions a = 152 A and c = 69 A, and to contain one complex molecule of about 75,000 molecular weight in the crystallographic asymmetric unit.

Two M315 idiotopes defined by isologous monoclonal antibodies: one depends on germline and the other on mutated murine lambda 2 light chain sequences

We have previously reported that T helper cells of BALB/c mice recognize the unique mutated sequence Phe94, Arg95, Asn96 of the lambda 2 L chain of isologous (BALB/c) myeloma protein 315. Here we study two Id (Id-315.1.4 and Id-315.TH) of the DNP-Lys binding M315 defined by two monoclonal isologous anti-Id Ab (Ab 2-1.4 and Ab 2-TH). Both Id were (1) totally expressed by Fv-315, but not by free unpaired V domains, (2) specifically dependent on VH-315, since lambda 2-315 recombined with four other H chains did not express the Id, (3) related to the hapten-binding site because their expression was blocked by the haptens DNP-Lys and DNP-Gly, and (4) topographically related because Ab 2-1.4 and Ab 2-TH competed with each other for binding to M315. The contribution of lambda chain V regions was studied with the aid of reconstituted Ig molecules of H-315 paired with lambda 1, lambda 2, and lambda 3 L chains. Id-315.TH was expressed equally well by reconstituted Ig containing three different lambda 2 chains (lambda 2-5-7, lambda 2-T952, and lambda 2-315), but its expression was profoundly reduced when H-315 was associated with lambda 3-SAPC15 or lambda 1-J558 L chains; it therefore depended upon amino acids encoded by germline lambda 2 genes. By contrast, Id-315.1.4 was only restored by the lambda 2-315 chain paired with H-315. Since lambda 2-5-7 and lambda 2-T952 differ from lambda 2-315 at positions 38, 94, 95, 96, and 98 or 99, respectively, Id-315.1.4 probably requires the unique mutated amino acids Phe94, Arg95, Asn96 of lambda 2-315. This resembles the effects on Id expression of previously reported unique amino acids of the D region. We failed to confirm that hyperimmunization of BALB/c mice with Ab 2-1.4 cross-linked to KLH induced M315-like Ab. The results are discussed in terms of the contribution of the third hypervariable loop of lambda chains to Id and the immunogenicity of isologous Ig.

Tissue-specific expression of functionally rearranged lambda 1 Ig gene through a retrovirus vector

To explore the potential use of retrovirus vectors for the transfer of genomic DNA sequences into mammalian cells, recombinant retroviral genomes were constructed that encode a functionally rearranged murine lambda 1 immunoglobulin gene. Several of these genomes could be transmitted intact to recipient cells by viral infection, although successful transmission depended both on the orientation of the lambda 1 sequences and on their specific placement within vector sequences. The lambda 1 gene transduced by viral infection was expressed in a cell lineage-specific manner, albeit at lower levels than endogenous lambda 1 gene expression in cells from the B-lymphocyte lineage. Vectors yielding integrated proviruses that lacked viral transcriptional enhancer sequences were used to show that neither viral transcription nor the viral transcriptional sequences themselves had any effect on the tissue specificity of lambda 1 gene expression or the absolute amount of lambda 1 transcription. Vector transcription did, however, dramatically decrease the amount of lambda 1 protein that could be detected in tranduced cells. These results suggest that retrovirus vectors may be useful reagents not only for the expression of complementary DNA sequences but also for studies of tissue-specific transcription in mammalian cells.

Proteolytic dissection of a hapten binding site

IgG Gar, a human myeloma protein that binds riboflavin with a high affinity, was used to derive variable region fragments from the heavy chain and the light chain. Riboflavin binding ability of the active site generated by V(H) and light chain and the active site generated by V(H) and V(L) was compared to riboflavin binding by the F(ab) fragment. The riboflavin binding ability of the F(ab) fragment is the same as the intact molecule, while the binding ability of the active site formed by V(H) and light chain is lowered by two to three orders of magnitude, indicating that the removal of C(H1) domain decreases the interaction between riboflavin and the amino acids that is important in tight binding of riboflavin. Removal of the third hypervariable region and the constant region domain from the light chain further lowers the binding constant by one order of magnitude. The results indicate that the V(H) and V(L) segments of IgG Gar can reconstitute a riboflavin binding site. The decrease in affinity probably reflects a decrease in the rigidity with which the hypervariable loops are held together to place the contact amino acid residues in optimal contact with the hapten.

Idiotope-specific T cell clones that recognize syngeneic immunoglobulin fragments in the context of class II molecules

We have established idiotope (Id)-specific T cell lines and clones derived from at least 4 different BALB/c mice immunized with the light chain (lambda 2(315] of the BALB/c myeloma protein M315 (alpha, lambda 2). Independently derived clones were indistinguishable in that they reacted to V lambda 2(315), one or more of the amino acids corresponding to somatically mutated codons 94, 95 and 96 of the third hypervariable region being essential for expression of the Id. While the Id was efficiently expressed on V lambda 2(315), Fv315 and lambda 2(315) fragments, about a 100-1000-fold higher molar concentration of Fab315 and M315 was needed to induce equivalent responses. Thus, Ig quaternary structure heavily influenced the availability of the Id for T cells. The V lambda 2(315)-specific T cells were Thy-1.2+, L3T4+, Ly-2.2- and I-Ed restricted. Some of the T cell clones produced interleukin 2 (IL2), IL3 and B cell growth and differentiation factors upon activation. In addition, T cells were cytotoxic in long-term assays for Ed beta Ek alpha-, but not Ek beta Ek alpha- transfected L cells in the presence of Id. The cytotoxic effect was the basis for an L cell growth inhibition assay for T cell activation that was at least 10-fold more sensitive than ordinary proliferation assays.

The T lymphocyte response to syngeneic lambda 2 light chain idiotopes. Significance of individual amino acids revealed by variant lambda 2 chains and idiotope-mimicking chemically synthesized peptides

In the present study we have investigated the structure of the helper T cell (Th)-defined idiotope (Id) of myeloma protein 315 lambda 2 light chain (lambda 2(315] in BALB/c (H-2d) mice which carry a high-responder immune response gene for this Id. Three peptides were synthesized which spanned the third hypervariable region (HV3) of lambda 2(315): peptides 88-99, 94-108 and 91-108. Only peptide 91-108 was capable of eliciting carrier-specific Th that recognized M315 or free lambda 2(315). These Th did not recognize lambda 2(5-7) chain which differs from lambda 2(315) at 4 positions in this region; these are Tyr94, Ser95, Thr96, Tyr98 for lambda 2(5-7) and Phe94, Arg95, Asn96, Phe98 for lambda 2(315). Immunization with peptide analogues revealed that substitution of Tyr for Phe94 was compatible with Id-lambda 2(315) mimicry, but substitution of Ser for Arg95 or Thr for Asn96 destroyed the Th-recognized Id. Furthermore, Th primed with lambda 2(5-7) chain did not cross-react with lambda 2T952; these lambda 2 chains only differ from each other at positions 98 and 99 at the V lambda 2-J lambda 2 junction. The data indicate that individual amino acids of short peptide segments are critical for Th-recognized Id of the lambda 2 HV3 loop and V lambda 2-J lambda 2 junction. Furthermore, the immunogenicity of a small peptide suggests that the carrier (lambda 2)-specific Th recognize Id that have been processed by antigen-presenting cells (APC). This implies the existence of two categories of "internal images" of foreign or of self antigens: (a) serologically defined and (b) T lymphocyte defined. We propose that as a rule, Id processing by APC, including B cells, destroys the first and reveals the second category. The possible physiological function of these Id-specific T cells in network interactions with B cells is discussed.

Immunotherapy in the poisoned patient. Overview of present applications and future trends

Immunotherapy for reversal of toxicity due to poisons and drugs is not new. However, refinements in antibody isolation and purification as well as the advancement of hybridoma technology and recombinant DNA biotechnology has led to a new generation of immunotherapeutic and diagnostic agents. The advent of monoclonal antibody technology in 1975 heralded the new age of immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology. Monoclonal antibodies designed for a specific antigen resolved the problem of polyclonality and cross-reactivity of traditional antibodies. Along with the production and isolation of active antibody fragments from both polyclonal and human monoclonal sources, as well as the ability to tailor-make chimeric antibodies by recombinant biotechnology, the development of novel immunotherapeutic agents has taken place. Two immunotherapeutic modalities, digoxin-specific antibody fragments (Fab) and snake antivenin, have been available for the clinician's armamentarium for years. Along the same lines of anti-digoxin Fab development, application of newer antibody isolation technology has led to a purified IgG(T) antibody for snake venom poisoning which is still in the developmental stages. Potential future developments in immunotherapeutics must overcome the clinical problems of immunogenicity and adverse reactions to the antibodies. Human monoclonal sources, active antibody fragments, and chimeric antibodies from transfectomas are all potential resolutions to these problems.