Effect of immunoglobulin class and affinity on the initiation of complement-dependent damage to liposomal model membranes sensitized with dinitrophenylated phospholipids

Recruiting the host's immune system to target Helicobacter pylori's surface glycans

Due to the increased prevalence of bacterial strains that are resistant to existing antibiotics, there is an urgent need for new antibacterial strategies. Bacterial glycans are an attractive target for new treatments, as they are frequently linked to pathogenesis and contain distinctive structures that are absent in humans. We set out to develop a novel targeting strategy based on surface glycans present on the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori (Hp). In this study, metabolic labeling of bacterial glycans with an azide-containing sugar allowed selective delivery of immune stimulants to azide-covered Hp. We established that Hp's surface glycans are labeled by treatment with the metabolic substrate peracetylated N-azidoacetylglucosamine (Ac4 GlcNAz). By contrast, mammalian cells treated with Ac4 GlcNAz exhibited no incorporation of the chemical label within extracellular glycans. We further demonstrated that the Staudinger ligation between azides and phosphines proceeds under acidic conditions with only a small loss of efficiency. We then targeted azide-covered Hp with phosphines conjugated to the immune stimulant 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP), a compound capable of directing a host immune response against these cells. Finally, we report that immune effector cells catalyze selective damage in vitro to DNP-covered Hp in the presence of anti-DNP antibodies. The technology reported herein represents a novel strategy to target Hp based on its glycans.

Antibody-recruiting molecules: an emerging paradigm for engaging immune function in treating human disease

Synthetic immunology, the development of synthetic systems capable of modulating and/or manipulating immunological functions, represents an emerging field of research with manifold possibilities. One focus of this area has been to create low molecular weight synthetic species, called antibody-recruiting molecules (ARMs), which are capable of enhancing antibody binding to disease-relevant cells or viruses, thus leading to their immune-mediated clearance. This article provides a thorough discussion of contributions in this area, beginning with the history of small-molecule-based technologies for modulating antibody recognition, followed by a systematic review of the various applications of ARM-based strategies. Thus, we describe ARMs capable of targeting cancer, bacteria, and viral pathogens, along with some of the scientific discoveries that have resulted from their development. Research in this area underscores the many exciting possibilities at the interface of organic chemistry and immunobiology and is positioned to advance both basic and clinical science in the years to come.

Evaluation of antibodies reactive with Campylobacter jejuni in Egyptian diarrhea patients

Serum and stool samples were collected from 128 individuals: 96 diarrhea patients and 32 apparently healthy controls. Stool specimens were cultured for enteric bacterial pathogens, while sera were screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Campylobacter jejuni-reactive antibodies. Of 28 diarrhea patients who demonstrated C. jejuni-reactive antibodies (titers, > 100), 14 were culture positive for this organism. The 32 healthy controls showed significantly lower antibody titers (P < 0.05) with the exception of 10 subjects who were culture positive for C. jejuni and had reactive immunoglobulin M (IgM) (6 subjects) and IgG (7 subjects). IgA was not detected in those 10 individuals (asymptomatic). Avidity was expressed as the thiocyanate ion concentration required to inhibit 50% of the bound antibodies. The avidity was higher in symptomatic patients than asymptomatic healthy controls. IgG was less avid (0.92 M) compared to IgM (0.1 M) and IgA (1.1 M), with no correlation between antibody titer and avidity. However, the thiocyanate ion concentration required for the complete inhibition of IgG (5 M)-bound antibodies was higher than that of IgA (2 M) and IgM (3 M). This study also shows that C. jejuni antibodies were variably cross-reactive with Escherichia coli, Shigella flexneri, Shigella sonnei, and Neisseria meningitidis in addition to Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter rectus.

Relationship between serum antibody levels and subgingival colonization of Porphyromonas gingivalis in patients with various types of periodontitis

Porphyromonas gingivalis is considered to be an important pathogen in periodontitis. The present study investigates the relationship between serum anti-P. gingivalis IgG antibody levels and the subgingival distribution of P. gingivalis in patients with periodontitis. We examined subgingival plaque samples from 15 patients with adult periodontitis (AP), 8 patients with early-onset periodontitis (EOP), and 6 clinically healthy individuals. The samples were collected from periodontal pockets or gingival crevices of all remaining teeth in each subject. The total number of samples was 3,024, ranging from 76 to 120 per subject. Probing depth and bleeding at each sample site were recorded. P. gingivalis was detected using a non-radioactive whole genomic DNA probe. Serum samples were taken from the subjects, and the serum anti-P. gingivalis IgG antibody titer was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). P. gingivalis was recovered from all AP and EOP patients, and from 3 of the 6 healthy subjects. Two significant positive correlations were observed among the subjects. The serum anti-P. gingivalis IgG antibody titer correlated with detection frequency of P. gingivalis, and the antibody titer correlated with the amount of P. gingivalis detected. Higher levels of P. gingivalis were detected in the EOP group than in the AP group. However, no significant difference was found in the serum IgG titer levels between EOP and AP patients. These findings suggest a direct relationship between the serum anti-P. gingivalis IgG levels and subgingival P. gingivalis colonization; however, the functional capabilities of IgG antibodies may vary among the various types of periodontitis patients.

Liposomes and immunoassays

Various aspects of the application of liposomes as a label in immunoassays are reviewed. Methods for the preparation of liposomes, from the basic film method to the more advanced dehydration-rehydration method, are discussed. Furthermore, the markers used in liposome labels, as well as the methods to conjugate liposomes to antigens or antibodies, are summarized. Liposome immunoassays are applied as homogeneous or heterogeneous assays. Homogeneous assays often rely on the lytic activity of complement on antibody-associated liposomes. Another group of homogeneous assays utilizes the inhibitory action of antibodies on the activity of conjugates of mellitin (a bee venom protein) with a hapten. Free mellitin conjugates are able to lyse liposomes effectively. Heterogeneous liposome immunoassays, performed either competitively or non-competitively, resemble more closely standard enzyme linked immunosorbent assays, with the enzyme being replaced by a liposome label. Washing steps are used to separate antigen-specifically bound liposomes from unbound liposomes. All bound liposomes are lysed with a detergent, giving an instantaneous amplification. Flow-injection liposome immunoassays and liposome immunosensors are also described as examples of other possible immunoassay formats.

Effects of secondary forces on the ligand binding properties and variable domain conformations of a monoclonal anti-fluorescyl antibody

Biochemical interactions occurring external to the antibody active site or pocket (i.e. secondary forces) that directly effect ligand binding efficiency, and the microenvironment-sensitive spectral properties of bound homologous ligand, residing within the active site of high affinity monoclonal antifluorescyl antibody (mAb) 4-4-20, have been previously reported. This study describes the synthesis and characterization of a series of specially designed and chemically distinct mono-fluoresceinated peptides of equal size (13-mer) as well as the changes in the spectral properties and free energy in the binding of each fluorescein derivatized peptide, upon interaction with mAb 4-4-20. Significant differences in binding efficiency and fluorescence quenching of the ligand, as well as the intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence, were observed for each monofluoresceinated peptide relative to one another and fluorescein ligand. In addition to the effects on the fluorescence quenching of fluorescein and intrinsic tryptophan residues, and the free energy of binding, the conformation of the variable domains of mAb 4-4-20 upon interaction with the fluoresceinated peptides was probed with polyclonal antimetatype (conformational dependent anti-liganded state) antibodies. Studies comparing the results of a solid-phase inhibition assay, with the binding of antimetatype antibodies in solution, suggested that variant metatypic states of mAb 4-4-20 resulted from binding of the various fluorescein derivatized peptides. Depiction of the mAb 4-4-20 active site as a series of thermally averaged substates is proposed as a model and framework to interpret further the results. It was concluded that secondary forces can dictate conformer selection from the various substates. thereby modulating the primary antibody ligand interaction.

Avidity and titer of immunoglobulin G subclasses to Porphyromonas gingivalis in adult periodontitis patients

The relative avidity and titer of antibodies representing the 4 immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclasses (IgG1-4) reactive with Porphyromonas gingivalis, P. gingivalis-lipopolysaccharide (-LPS), streptokinase (SK) and tetanus toxoid (TT) in the sera of patients having adult periodontitis and of healthy controls were measured. Patient antibody titers to P. gingivalis and P. gingivalis-LPS were found to be significantly elevated for IgG, IgG1 (no P. gingivalis-LPS antibodies) and IgG2. The predominant antibody response to P. gingivalis and P. gingivalis-LPS occurred in the IgG2 subclass. When the relative avidity of the antibodies to P. gingivalis and P. gingivalis-LPS were examined, no significant differences between control and patient sera could be identified. However, anti-P. gingivalis and P. gingivalis-LPS antibodies were found to possess significantly lower relative avidity than either SK or TT antibodies. The IgG1 subclass antibodies to P. gingivalis, SK and TT all appeared to be of high relative avidity. In contrast, anti-P. gingivalis and P. gingivalis-LPS of the IgG2 subclass were of significantly lower relative avidity. Since the predominant humoral response to P. gingivalis occurs in the IgG2 subclass, the low relative avidity of these antibodies predominates in measurements of whole serum activity.

Liposome immune lysis assay (LILA) for gelonin

A complement-mediated liposome immune lysis assay using entrapped calcein was developed for a plant toxin gelonin. Gelonin was covalently coupled to DPPE, and then adsorbed on to the surface of liposomes. Such antigen-bearing liposomes when incubated with anti-gelonin antibody in the presence of guinea pig complement undergo lysis. The detection range is from 3 ng to 60 ng. The method was used to monitor isolation of gelonin by affinity chromatography. It was observed that a minor peak in addition to the major one comes with gelonin, shared common epitopes/epitope with gelonin in immunological reaction. This was further confirmed by SDS-gel electrophoresis indicating the former being an isoform of gelonin. A comparative study of the immunocross-reactivity of ricin and ricin A chain with anti-gelonin antibody was carried out. It was found that while ricin A chain cross-reacted extensively with gelonin antibody and intact ricin elicited little or no cross-reactivity. It is suggested that the present LILA may be employed for the detection and quantitation of ricin A chain by this LILA method.

Measurement of relative avidity of antibodies reactive with Porphyromonas (Bacteroides) gingivalis in the sera of subjects having adult periodontitis

Relative avidities of antibodies to Porphyromonas (Bacteroides) gingivalis in the sera of 15 patients having adult periodontitis and 15 healthy subjects were evaluated using an ammonium thiocyanate-dissociated ELISA. Graded concentrations of ammonium thiocyanate were added to a single dilution of serum in order to dissociate low avidity antibody binding to P. gingivalis. The concentration of thiocyanate resulting in 50% reduction in binding (absorbance) was termed the ID50 for that serum. When IgG-class antibodies were examined, the ID50 of anti-P. gingivalis antibodies in the sera of patients was significantly elevated (0.96M vs 0.71M; p less than 0.01, Student's t-test). In contrast, when IgM-class antibodies were examined no significant differences in ID50 between patients and controls were found for P. gingivalis (0.54M vs 0.53M). While the ID50 values of patient antibodies were found to be elevated relative to those of healthy controls, comparison with antibodies from rabbits immunized with P. gingivalis and with ID50 values from other human studies suggests that adult humans, in general, produce very low-avidity antibodies to P. gingivalis. It is suggested that the presence of low-avidity antibodies contributes to the pathology associated with periodontal disease.

Analysis of vesicle immunolysis assays. The direct binding model

Assays based on lysis of lipid vesicles have shown high sensitivity. However, little as yet is known about the quantitative relationships among the various assay parameters, due in part to the lack of a predictive theoretical model. This paper presents the derivation of the equations that describe a simple model assay system in terms of the total fraction of vesicles with bound antibodies and the distribution of vesicles with one, two, or more antibodies bound. The equations show how the binding of antibodies to vesicles is affected by such variables as: vesicle concentration, antigen density on vesicle surfaces, antibody concentration, and antibody affinity. With the distribution functions, experiments can be designed to determine the minimum number of antibodies needed to lyse a vesicle. In addition, it is shown how estimations of the ultimate sensitivity of lipid vesicle lytic assays can be made. The model can be used to optimize vesicle lysis assay systems.

A homogeneous immunoassay for the mycotoxin T-2 utilizing liposomes, monoclonal antibodies, and complement

The trichothecene mycotoxin T-2 is a fungal metabolite known to contaminate agricultural products and cause intoxication of humans and animals. We have developed a homogeneous competition inhibition assay for T-2 mycotoxin based on complement-mediated lysis of liposomes. The T-2 mycotoxin was converted to an acid chloride derivative, subsequently coupled to the amino group of phosphatidylethanolamine, and incorporated with the phospholipid into unilamellar liposomes. Carboxyfluorescein, which is self-quenched at high concentrations, was entrapped in the liposomes as a release marker. We used a monoclonal IgG1 antibody specific for T-2 mycotoxin and a polyclonal anti-mouse Ig as a secondary antibody since the anti-T-2 IgG1 does not activate complement. In the absence of free T-2, the liposomes were lysed within 30 min after the addition of complement, releasing carboxyfluorescein into the surrounding buffer. In the presence of free T-2 toxin, the binding of antibodies to the liposomes was reduced, causing a corresponding decrease in lysis. This assay proved to be sensitive to T-2 toxin levels as low as 2 ng, which is 10-fold more sensitive than the present enzyme immunoassay using the same antibodies.

Liposome immune lysis assay (LILA). Application of sandwich method to determine a serum protein component with antibody-bearing liposomes

A complement-dependent liposome immune lysis assay (LILA) using carboxyfluorescein (CF)-entrapped liposomes bearing antibody was developed to measure C-reactive protein (CRP) antigen as a model of protein antigens in human sera. Goat anti-CRP antibody was covalently coupled to liposomes, and a specific lysis of the liposomes could be observed when the liposomes were incubated with both rabbit anti-CRP antibody (secondary antibody) and CRP antigen in sera in the presence of guinea pig complement. In this assay system, so-called sandwich assay, CRP (a multivalent antigen) bound to the liposomes bearing anti-CRP antibody and subsequently secondary antibody, which activated complement efficiently. The amount of CF released by a complement-dependent liposome immune lysis was proportional to CRP concentrations. This sandwich assay was simple, fast, highly sensitive, and covered the ranges 10-300 ng of CRP/ml in a homogeneous mode, that is, one where no separation step was employed. The results correlated well with those obtained by single radial immunodiffusion and enzyme immunoassay. This assay system would be applicable to the measurement of other protein antigens.

Acute joint inflammation in mice after systemic injection of the cell wall, its peptidoglycan, and chemically defined peptidoglycan subunits from various bacteria

The systemic injection of an aqueous suspension of cell wall or its peptidoglycan (PG)-rich sonicate derived from group A streptococcus and Lactobacillus casei induced acute joint lesions in BALB/c, DBA/1J, (BALB/c X DBA/1J)F1, and C3H/He mouse strains, but not in C57BL/6, DBA/2, and AKR strains. Cell walls and their enzymatically degraded PG fragments from other bacteria as well as the synthetic disaccharide dipeptide and Lactobacillus plantarum cell wall-derived disaccharide tripeptide produced similar acute inflammation in susceptible BALB/c mice. Acute swelling and erythema of the ankles and wrists were observed as early as 3 h, reached maximum severity by day 2, and generally subsided by days 4 to 6 after injection. Histological studies showed synovial proliferation, marked infiltration of many mononuclear cells and a few polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the soft tissues, and extensive deposition of fibrinous exudate in the joint space. Antibody response was detectable against the PG fraction. However, anti-PG antibody does not seem to be responsible for the pathogenesis of this disease. On the other hand, experiments on decomplementation by cobra venom factor suggest that complement components are involved in the early phase of this arthritic model.

Evolution of antibody structure and effector functions: comparative hemolytic activities of monomeric and tetrameric IgM from rainbow trout, Salmo gairdnerii

Monomeric and tetrameric IgM anti-haptin antibodies isolated from the sera of rainbow trout (S. gairdnerii) by immunoaffinity chromatography were compared both immunochemically and with regard to their functional abilities to lyse haptenated trout erythrocytes in the presence of trout complement. The two populations had similar binding affinities for hapten and apparently identical L chains, but differed in H chain peptide maps and immunoreactivity with rabbit anti-trout H chain serum. These differences could not be attributed to J-chain. The abilities of the two antibody subpopulations to activate C to lyse haptenated trout erythrocytes also differed dramatically. Such functional differences are not simply explained by the greater avidity of the tetrameric form since preliminary studies show that the monomeric form of trout IgM activates C via an alternative pathway mechanism while the tetrameric form activates both classical and alternative pathway mechanisms. Results suggest divergent evolution of antibody structures involved in the familiar effector functions (C activation, transport, etc.).

Liposome immune lysis assay (LILA): a simple method to measure anti-protein antibody using protein antigen-bearing liposomes

A new simple immunoassay technique using immune lysis of liposomes was developed to measure antibody against protein antigens. Multilamellar liposomes were composed of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, cholesterol and phosphatidylethanolamine substituted with the hetero-bifunctional cross-linking reagent N-hydroxysuccinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionate (SPDP). The protein antigen (human IgG) was coupled to these liposomes after treatment with SPDP and mild reduction. As a release marker, carboxyfluorescein (CF) was entrapped in the liposomes. The CF release was specific to anti-human IgG antibody and depended on the presence of complement. This technique could detect 10(-15) mol of anti-human IgG antibody or human IgG. The liposomes were stable over 8 months at 4 degrees C under nitrogen gas.

Liposome-mediated immunoassays for small haptens (digoxin) independent of complement

A lipid vesicle-mediated immunoassay for small haptens (digoxin) is described. Using a detergent removal procedure for vesicle formation, a water-soluble marker system like alkaline phosphatase is stably entrapped within 150-200 nm unilamellar lipid vesicles composed of egg yolk lecithin and cholesterol. Specific lysis of the lipid vesicles is achieved upon addition of a hapten-melittin conjugate. Inhibition or modulation of this lysis by the hapten-melittin conjugate can then be achieved by adding stoichiometric amounts of high affinity antibody. Finally, the antibody inhibition of hapten-melittin lysis can be modulated by the addition of competing amounts of free hapten. This assay approach is simple, fast, highly sensitive, and versatile such that it can be carried out in either a homogeneous or heterogeneous mode. Furthermore, unlike all other liposome-mediated immunoassays, complement is not required for lysis.

A new method of evaluating complement mediated lysis of liposomes

Immune lysis of liposomes has been utilized in immunoassays for detection of specific antibodies. Membrane immunoassays which have sensitivities comparable with those of radioimmunoassays are easy and rapid to perform. Information obtained so far has been limited by the fact that the method is based on empirical relationships. The present paper describes a simple theoretical model for analysing membrane immunoassay data. According to the model, relative dissociation constants for the antibody-antigen reaction and relative concentrations of high affinity antibodies for different antisera may be determined. Furthermore, the analysis yields the percentage of antibody bound to antigen under certain conditions. The method is also useful in the search for optimum experimental conditions in membrane immunoassay measurements.

An alternative procedure for the preparation of immunogenic liposomal model membranes

This investigation describes a new procedure for the preparation of immunogenic liposomes which circumvents the need to synthesize the N-(hapten)-substituted derivatives of phosphatidylethanolamine that were previously employed for this purpose. The method is based on the generation of liposomes containing the N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters of either palmitic acid, cholesteryl-hemisuccinate, or N-succinyl-phosphatidylethanolamine. Reaction of these preformed liposomes with a hapten that possesses a substitutable amino group (e.g., DNP-lysine) results in covalent attachment of the hapten to the lipid bilayers. As a consequence of this binding, the liposomes can elicit formation of hapten-specific plaque-forming cells in mice. The reliability of this procedure is indicated by the fact that these liposomes share the essential immunological properties of liposomes sensitized by incorporation of N-substituted phosphatidylethanolamine derivatives (e.g., DNP-Cap-PE). Thus, the magnitude of the response was found to be dependent on: (a) the presence of lipid A in the liposomes; (b) the phospholipid composition of the liposomes; (c) the distance separating the DNP determinant from the liposomal surface. Additional applications of liposomes, which contain the NHS esters, are indicated.

Differing reactivities of human and guinea-pig complement on haptenized liposomes via the alternative pathway

Several haptens coupled to dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DPPE) were inserted into the liposome membrane with a base composition of an equimolecular mixture of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and cholesterol (Chol). Haptens used were trinitrophenyl (TNP)-DPPE, TNP-aminocaproyl (TNP-Cap)-DPPE, dinitrophenyl (DNP)-DPPE, DNP-aminocaproyl (DNP-Cap)-DPPE, fluoresceinthiocarbamyl (Fl)-DPPE, azobenzenarsonate-tyrosyl (ABA-Tyr)-DPPE, dansyl (DNS)-DPPE, dabsyl (DABS)-DPPE, dithiopyridyl (DTP)-DPPE and maleimidobenzoyl (MB)-DPPE. Reactivity of those haptenized liposomes with complement via the alternative pathway was assessed by release of trapped fluorescent marker from the liposomes following incubation with dilutions of guinea-pig and human sera in a diluent containing MgCl2 and ethyleneglycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)N,N'-tetraacetate (EGTA). In the diluent (Mg-EGTA-GVB), complement activation via the alternative pathway proceeds while that via the classical pathway is inhibited. Fl-liposomes were found to be extremely sensitive to guinea-pig complement, being lysed by guinea pig serum dilutions of up to 1:76 in Mg-EGTA-GVB. Guinea-pig serum could lyse TNP-Cap-liposomes, DNP-Cap-liposomes, TNP-liposomes, DTP-liposomes, MB-liposomes, DNP-liposomes and ABA-Tyr-liposomes, with the reactivity of the liposomes decreasing in this order. However, the only haptenized liposomes sensitive to human serum in Mg-EGTA-GVB were DTP- and MB-liposomes; the other liposomes including Fl-liposomes being unreactive via the alternative pathway in reaction with human complement.

Effect of polyethyleneglycol (PEG) on spontaneous and polymyxin B-induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells

Mast cells were isolated from the peritoneal cavity of rat and purified by centrifugation in a gradient of Percoll. The spontaneous and polymyxin B-induced release of histamine was studied after preincubation of the cells with polyethyleneglycols (PEGs) of different molecular weight (200-20,000 dalton) and with fatty acid derivatives of PEG 6000. It was found that very low concentrations (less than 0.1%) of PEG 6000 reduced the spontaneous and polymyxin B-induced release of histamine to a greater extent than the same concentration of bovine serum albumin. The inhibition increased with the size of the PEGs, but was little affected by the presence of fatty acid ligand bound to PEG.

Adsorption of non-membrane proteins on the surface of model phospholipid membranes

1. Two new methods are proposed for enhancement of the binding of hydrophilic proteins by liposomes. 2. An alkylating derivative of phosphatidic acid has been obtained by its reaction with N,N,N'-tris(2-chloroethyl)-N'-(p-formylphenyl)propylene-1,3-diamine. The alkylating activity of this derivative is very low due to the electron-acceptor effect of the formyl residue. Phosphatidylcholine liposomes which contain this alkylating derivative in the lipid bilayer may be obtained. The compound residing in the outer monolayer may be reduced by NaBH4. Upon reduction, the formyl residue is transformed into a hydroxymethyl residue. Therefore, the alkylating group of the compound is activated, and proteins may be attached covalently to the outer monolayer by alkylation with such chemically reactive liposomes. 3. Reaction of alkylating liposomes with myoglobin results in covalent binding of this hydrophilic protein. Complement-mediated leakage of such myoglobin-carrying liposomes may be induced by antibodies against myoglobin. 4. Modification of hydrophilic proteins with dansyl chloride results, even at small extents of modification, in a dramatic increase of the affinity of such proteins to phosphatidylcholine liposomes.

Dynamics of antibody- and lectin-mediated endocytosis of hapten-containing liposomes by murine macrophages

The uptake by murine macrophages of liposomes, exhibiting one of a variety of haptenic groups on their surfaces, was greatly enhanced by the addition of an intact antibody or a lectin specific for the incorporated hapten. The uptake of untreated liposomes was slow and linear over long periods, whereas upon addition of the antibody or lectin, over 30-fold increase in the maximal rate of uptake was observed. The process reached a plateau after 90-120 min. The interaction of the antibody- or lectin-treated liposome with the macrophages apparently resulted in an active endocytosis of soluble fluorescent, intraliposomal marker had a granular intracellular pattern in treated cells. The uptake was sensitive to azide and the liposome constituents could not be detected at the cell surface. The size of the liposomes as well as the state of stimulation of the macrophages (thioglycollate stimulated vs. normal) did not seem to have a major effect on the phagocytic process. The time required to reach the plateau in uptake was independent of liposome composition or antibody concentration and is, apparently, an intrinsic property of the cells. The implication of this phenomenon on the dynamics of the relevant macrophage receptors is discussed.

Monoclonal antibody covalently coupled to liposomes: specific targeting to cells

We have evaluated optimal conditions for coupling monoclonal antibody to small unilamellar liposomes. Coupling of an IgG2 alpha monoclonal anti-beta 2-microglobulin antibody, which reacts with human cells, was examined in detail. Liposomes were composed of dipalmitoyl lecithin and cholesterol, and variable quantities of phosphatidylethanolamine substituted with the heterobifunctional cross-linking reagent N-hydroxysuccinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate (SPDP). They were reacted with antibody derivatized with the same reagent at a 5- to 20-fold molar excess, and activated by mild reduction. This degree of SPDP modification had no effect on the capacity of the antibody to bind to its target antigen. More than 40% of antibody could be reproducibly bound to liposomes, resulting in the coupling of from 1 to 10 antibody molecules per liposome (mean diameter:580 A). The coupling reaction did not lead to loss of carboxyfluorescein encapsulated within liposomes. At least 80% of liposomes carried nondenatured antibody, as confirmed by precipitation of liposomes and encapsulated carboxyfluorescein by Staphylococcus aureus, strain Cowan I. The liposome-coupled antibody retained its immunological specificity: only cells expressing human beta 2-microglobulin bound liposomes in vitro, and the binding was inhibited by the free antibody in solution. Results with antibodies of different antigens specificity confirm that the technique can be generally applied.

Agglutination microassay of hapten- or protein-modified liposomes using a multiple cell culture harvester

A simple agglutination microassay is described for studying the presence of antigenic determinants on the surface of liposomal membranes. Antigen-sensitized radioactive liposomes, reacted with specific immune IgG in the wells of a microtest plate, were passed through a glass fiber filter in a multiple cell culture harvester. The amount of agglutinate trapped on the filter as determined by the radioactivity, was proportional to the amount of antigen in the liposomes and to the amount of specific immune IgG in the reaction mixture. The specificity of the agglutination was determined by inhibition with hapten and carrier antigens. Liposomes actively sensitized with hapten-conjugated lipid, and passively sensitized with protein, were used in the assay. A new method of preparing protein-bound liposomes is also described.

Receptor-mediated endocytosis of antibody-opsonized liposomes by tumor cells

Specific receptor-mediated delivery of the contents of small, sonicated liposomes was studied with three murine tumor cell types: an IgG Fc receptor-negative nonphagocytic line (EL4); an Fc receptor-positive phagocytic line (P388D1); and an Fc receptor-positive nonphagocytic line (P388). The liposomes (formed from phosphatidylcholines, cholesterol, and dinitrophenyl-substituted phosphatidylethanolamine) contained carboxyfluorescein as a fluorescent marker and methotrexate as a pharmacologic agent. Binding and internalization of the liposomes were observed by fluorescence microscopy and measured by flow microfluorometry. The hapten-derivatized lipid was used as a binding point on the liposome for the antibody-combining site of the immunoglobulin. In the presence of IgG anti-dinitrophenyl, but not F(ab')2 or IgA anti-dinitrophenyl, liposomes bound to the Fc receptor-bearing cells. The liposomes underwent endocytosis by the P388D1 cells and, to a lesser extent, by the P388 cells. As measured by depression of [3H]deoxyuridine incorporation, methotrexate in IgG-opsonized liposomes had a much greater pharmacologic effect on the P388D1 cells than did the same amount in unopsonized liposomes or in free solution. This observation indicates that an appropriately chosen drug, incorporated in liposomes, can exert its effect on a cytoplasmic target after endocytosis. P388 cells showed a moderate effect of the drug in liposomes. Neither P388 nor P388D1 cells bound or ingested unopsonized liposomes, and the Fc receptor-negative EL4 line neither bound nor ingested opsonized liposomes. The data demonstrate specific interaction of opsonized liposomes with the cells' IgG Fc receptor.

Spin membrane immunoassay: simplicity and specificity

The many disadvantages of radioimmunoassay (RIA) have stimulated attempts to develop non-radioactive assays. These include spin immunoassay (SIA), which is simple, specific, and requires no separation procedures but is much less sensitive than RIA. The membrane immunoassay (MIA) described here is more sensitive than the SIA. Serum is prepared as for RIA. The MIA employs liposomes sensitized with epsilon-dinitrophenylated aminocaproyl phosphatidylethanolamine. It records liposome lysis induced by specific anti-Dnp antibodies, and complement which is monitored by the release of trapped spin labels (N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxyl)-choline chloride). The sensitized liposomes are stable and give reproducible results for up to 4 weeks. The system's sensitivity is limited by the antibody's affinity (Ka approximately 10(8) M-1) rather than the sensitivity of the electron spin resonance spectrometer (approximately 1 X 10(-7) M). The inhibition of liposome lysis is hapten specific: (epsilon-Dnp-aminocaproic acid,epsilon-Dnp-lysine) greater than alpha-Dnp-glycine; o-nitroaniline and epsilon-dansyl-lysine are ineffective. Inhibition is quantitative without augmentation.

Immunochemical determination of ganglioside GM2, by inhibition of complement-dependent liposome lysis

Immunochemical quantitative determination of a lipid antigen, ganglioside GM2, has been developed, based on the inhibition of the immune lysis of liposomes containing the antigen in their lipid bilayer. It has been shown that the full expression of the antigenicity of the competing lipid requires its dispersion in accessory lipids. The assay of inhibition of liposome lysis can be used also for the establishment of the antigenic similarity of structurally related lipid antigens.

Immune lysis of spin label loaded liposomes incorporating cardiolipin; a new sensitive method for detecting anticardiolipin antibodies in syphilis serology

Liposomes prepared from a mixture of the pure lipids cholesterol, lecithin and cardiolipin (molar ratio 50/45/5), are able to bind antibodies directed against Treponema pallidum. When the liposomes are loaded with the water soluble spin label tempocholine chloride, the release of spin label from the liposomes can be monitored directly by observing changes in the paramagnetic resonance (ESR) spectrum from the spin label. The method offers a convenient technique for monitoring the complement-mediated lysis of liposomes, and may be applied in the serological diagnosis of syphilis, and a method for quantitative measurement of complement.

Lateral hapten mobility and immunochemistry of model membranes

A study has been made of the interaction of specific anti-nitroxide (anti-spin label) IgG antibodies, Fab fragments, complement, and liposomes containing dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine plus 0-50 mole % cholesterol, together with various concentrations of a head group spin-labeled phospholipid (0.5-0.01 mole % in the plane of the membrane). The spin-labeled lipid is the amide formed from the reaction of an iodoacetamide spin label, N-(1-oxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)iodoacetamide, with dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine. We have reached two conclusions: (i) complement fixation depends on the lateral mobility of the lipid hapten at low hapten concentrations in the plane of the membrane (less than or equal 0.1 mole %) and does not depend strongly on this mobility at high hapten concentrations; (ii) cholesterol may have two distinct effects on complement fixation, one arising from an enhancement of hapten exposure to antibody binding sites and a second due to a modulation of membrane fluidity.

In vitro target cell lysis mediated by normal human lymphocytes (K cells) or monocytes

Guinea pig IgG1 or IgG2 anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) Antibody preparations were used for induction of target cell lysis by normal human lymphocytes (K cells) or monocytes. Target cells were DNP-coated 51Cr-labeled chicken erythrocytes. Antibody concentrations were assayed by an ammonium sulphate precipitation technique. When antiserum was obtained by immunization with the antigen in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA), IgG2 antibodies predominated and were significantly more efficient inducers of K-cell-mediated lysis than IgG1 antibodies. The lowest activity in K-cell-mediated lysis was seen with IgG1 from antiserum obtained by immunization with antigen in Freund's incomplete adjuvant. When these antibody fractions were tested in monocyte-mediated erythrolysis, the two IgG1 fractions were as active as the IgG2 antibodies raised with antigen incorporated in FCA. The results suggest that the Fc receptors of mature human blood monocytes are different from those on the effector cells in the K-cell preparations.

Liposome spin immunoassay: a new sensitive method for detecting lipid substances in aqueous media

A new sensitive immunoassay procedure is described for quantitative detection of glycolipids and other lipids in aqueous media. As with other immunoassays specific antiserum is first reacted with the free lipid hapten. The amount of antibody activity remaining is measured by assaying the release, in the presence of complement, of spin label marker from liposomes containing the same lipid hapten. Using this method, 2.6 pmol of aqueous Forssman hapten was detected, and the sensitivity could be increased further.

In vitro target cell lysis mediated by normal human lymphocytes. Influence of molecular properties and affinity of inducing antibody

Lysis of DNP-coated chicken erythrocytes by human blood lymphocytes (K cells) was induced by means of rabbit anti-DNP antibodies. Antisera were prepared by injecting the animals with DNP-conjugated proteins emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant. An ammonium sulphate precipitation technique was used for assay of antibody concentration and affinity. Sephadex G-200 chromatography indicated that 90% of the DNP antibodies were 7S in the bleedings on days 10-16, whereas 99.8% were 7S in later bleedings. 7S antibodies induced K-cell lysis at high dilutions, whereas 19S antibodies were essentially negative. Antibody fractions obtained by DEAE- or CM-cellulose chromatography were used to establish possible heterogeneities in the capacity of 7S antibodies to induce either K-cell- or complement-mediated target cell lysis. No such heterogeneities were founnd. Fifteen IgG preparations containing antibodies of different affinities were compared with regard to their capacity to induce K-cell-mediated lysis. A statistically significant correlation was found between antibody affinity and efficiency in K-cell-mediated lysis. In a similar study of complement-mediated lysis the correlation was not significant at the 5% level but was significant at the 10% level.

Antigen mobility in membranes and complement-medical immune attack

The complement fixing activity of liposomes containing cholesterol, dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (or dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine), and 3 mol % of cardiolipin has been studied as a function of cholesterol concentration by use of human syphilitic serum containing cardiolipin-specific (Wasserman) antibodies. It is found that complement fixation increases rapidly for cholesterol concentrations above 35 mol %. Spin label studies have been used to study the incorporation of cardiolipin in the relatively rigid phase of binary mixtures of cholesterol and dimyristolphosphatidycholine (or dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine). It is concluded that cardiolipin is included in such a phase of these lipids for cholesterol concentrations above 35 mol %. These results indicate that a relatively rigid lateral distribution of this monovalent antigen in the plane of the membrane facilitates complement fixation and concomitant complement-mediated membrane damage.

Immunogenicity of liposomal model membranes sensitized with mono(p-azobenzenearsonic acid)tyrosylphosphatidylethanolamine derivatives. Antibody formation and delayed hypersensitivity reaction

We have previously reported that hapten specific antibodies are produced in guinea pigs immunized with certain N-substituted phosphatidylethanolamine derivatives (either free or incorporated into liposomal membranes) in complete Freund's adjuvant. In this paper, we describe the synthesis of mono(p-azobenzenearsonic acid)tyrosylphosphatidylethanolamine (ABA-Tyr-PE). Immunication with this compound (either free or present in liposomes) not only results in the formation of anti-azobenzenearsonyl antibodies, but also confers cellular immunity as manifested by delayed hypersensitivity reactions elicited by challenge with either azobenzenearsonyl-bovine serum albumin or sensitized liposomes. Thus, ABA-Tyr-PE immunized guinea pigs differ from those immunized with azobenzenearsonyl-bovine serum albumin which produce anti-bodies but do not reveal a delayed reaction. Moreover, the ABA-Tyr-PE immunized animals differ from those immunized with mono(p-azobenzenearsonic acid)tyrosine; this substance has been shown by other investigators to confer cellular immunity without antibody formation in guinea pigs. However, the deacylated homolog of ABA-Tyr-PE (i.e., mono(p-azobenzenearsonic acid)tyrosylglycerophosphorylethanolamine) has the same immunological properties as mono(p-azobenzenearsonic acid)tyrosine. These observations justify the further exploitation of liposomal model membranes as novel immunogens that are able to elicit both cell and humoral mediated immune responses.