A fibronectin scaffold approach to bispecific inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor and insulin-like growth factor-I receptor

Engineered domains of human fibronectin (Adnectins™) were used to generate a bispecific Adnectin targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR), two transmembrane receptors that mediate proliferative and survival cell signaling in cancer. Single-domain Adnectins that specifically bind EGFR or IGF-IR were generated using mRNA display with a library containing as many as 10 ( 13) Adnectin variants. mRNA display was also used to optimize lead Adnectin affinities, resulting in clones that inhibited EGFR phosphorylation at 7 to 38 nM compared to 2.6 μM for the parental clone. Individual, optimized, Adnectins specific for blocking either EGFR or IGF-IR signaling were engineered into a single protein (EI-Tandem Adnectin). The EI-Tandems inhibited phosphorylation of EGFR and IGF-IR, induced receptor degradation, and inhibited down-stream cell signaling and proliferation of human cancer cell lines (A431, H292, BxPC3 and RH41) with IC 50 values ranging from 0.1 to 113 nM. Although Adnectins bound to EGFR at a site distinct from those of anti-EGFR antibodies cetuximab, panitumumab and nimotuzumab, like the antibodies, the anti-EGFR Adnectins blocked the binding of EGF to EGFR. PEGylated EI-Tandem inhibited the growth of both EGFR and IGF-IR driven human tumor xenografts, induced degradation of EGFR, and reduced EGFR phosphorylation in tumors. These results demonstrate efficient engineering of bispecific Adnectins with high potency and desired specificity. The bispecificity may improve biological activity compared to monospecific biologics as tumor growth is driven by multiple growth factors. Our results illustrate a technological advancement for constructing multi-specific biologics in cancer therapy.

2-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-3-hydroxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[H]quinoline-4-carboxylic Acid (PSI-697): Identification of a Clinical Candidate from the Quinoline Salicylic Acid Series of P-Selectin Antagonists

P-selectin-PSGL-1 interaction causes rolling of leukocytes on the endothelial cell surface, which subsequently leads to firm adherence and leukocyte transmigration through the vessel wall into the surrounding tissues. P-selectin is upregulated on the surface of both platelets and endothelium in a variety of atherosclerosis-associated conditions. Consequently, inhibition of this interaction by means of a small molecule P-selectin antagonist is an attractive strategy for the treatment of atherosclerosis. High-throughput screening and subsequent analoging had led to the identification of compound 1 as the lead candidate. Herein, we report the continuation of this work and the discovery of a second-generation series, the tetrahydrobenzoquinoline salicylic acids. These compounds have improved pharmacokinetic properties, and a number of them have shown oral efficacy in mouse and rat models of atherogenesis and vascular injury. The lead 31 (PSI-697), is currently in clinical development for the treatment of atherothrombotic vascular events.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Quinoline Salicylic Acids As P-Selectin Antagonists

Leukocyte recruitment of sites of inflammation and tissue injury involves leukocyte rolling along the endothelial wall, followed by firm adherence of the leukocyte, and finally transmigration of the leukocyte across cell junctions into the underlying tissue. The initial rolling step is mediated by the interaction of leukocyte glycoproteins containing active moieties such as sialyl Lewisx (sLex) with P-selectin expressed on endothelial cells. Consequently, inhibition of this interaction by means of a small molecule P-selectin antagonist is an attractive strategy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. High-throughput screening of the Wyeth chemical library identified the quinoline salicylic acid class of compounds (1) as antagonists of P-selectin, with potency in in vitro and cell-based assays far superior to that of sLex. Through iterative medicinal chemistry, we identified analogues with improved P-selectin activity, decreased inhibition of dihydrooratate dehydrogenase, and acceptable CYP profiles. Lead compound 36 was efficacious in the rat AIA model of rheumatoid arthritis.

Quinic Acid Derivatives as Sialyl Lewisx-Mimicking Selectin Inhibitors: Design, Synthesis, and Crystal Structure in Complex with E-Selectin

A search for noncarbohydrate sLe(x) mimics led to the development of quinic acid derivatives as selectin inhibitors. At Wyeth we solved the first cocrystal structure of a small molecule, quinic acid, with E-selectin. In the cocomplex two hydroxyls of quinic acid mimic the calcium-bound fucose of the tetrasaccharide sLe(x). The X-ray structure, together with structure based computational methods, was used to design quinic acid based libraries that were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to block the interaction of sLex with P-selectin. A large number of analogues were prepared using solution-phase parallel synthesis. Selected compounds showed decrease in leukocyte rolling in the IVM mouse model. Compound 2 inhibited neutrophil influx in the murine TIP model and demonstrated good plasma exposure.

Shear-dependent capping of L-selectin and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 by E-selectin signals activation of high-avidity beta2-integrin on neutrophils

Two adhesive events critical to efficient recruitment of neutrophils at vascular sites of inflammation are up-regulation of endothelial selectins that bind sialyl Lewis(x) ligands and activation of beta(2)-integrins that support neutrophil arrest by binding ICAM-1. We have previously reported that neutrophils rolling on E-selectin are sufficient for signaling cell arrest through beta(2)-integrin binding of ICAM-1 in a process dependent upon ligation of L-selectin and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1). Unresolved are the spatial and temporal events that occur as E-selectin binds to human neutrophils and dynamically signals the transition from neutrophil rolling to arrest. Here we show that binding of E-selectin to sialyl Lewis(x) on L-selectin and PSGL-1 drives their colocalization into membrane caps at the trailing edge of neutrophils rolling on HUVECs and on an L-cell monolayer coexpressing E-selectin and ICAM-1. Likewise, binding of recombinant E-selectin to PMNs in suspension also elicited coclustering of L-selectin and PSGL-1 that was signaled via mitogen-activated protein kinase. Binding of recombinant E-selectin signaled activation of beta(2)-integrin to high-avidity clusters and elicited efficient neutrophil capture of beta(2)-integrin ligands in shear flow. Inhibition of p38 and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase blocked the cocapping of L-selectin and PSGL-1 and the subsequent clustering of high-affinity beta(2)-integrin. Taken together, the data suggest that E-selectin is unique among selectins in its capacity for clustering sialylated ligands and transducing signals leading to neutrophil arrest in shear flow.

Interaction of P-selectin and PSGL-1 generates microparticles that correct hemostasis in a mouse model of hemophilia A

High plasma levels of soluble P-selectin are associated with thrombotic disorders and may predict future cardiovascular events. Mice with high levels of soluble P-selectin have more microparticles in their plasma than do normal mice. Here we show that chimeras of P-selectin and immunoglobulin (P-sel-Ig) induced formation of procoagulant microparticles in human blood through P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1; encoded by the Psgl1 gene, officially known as Selpl). In addition, Psgl1-/- mice produced fewer microparticles after P-sel-Ig infusion and did not spontaneously increase their microparticle count in old age as do wild-type mice. Injected microparticles specifically bound to thrombi and thus could be involved in thrombin generation at sites of injury. Infusion of P-sel-Ig into hemophilia A mice produced a 20-fold increase over control immunoglobulin in microparticles containing tissue factor. This significantly improved the kinetics of fibrin formation in the hemophilia A mice and normalized their tail-bleeding time. P-sel-Ig treatment could become a new approach to sustained control of bleeding in hemophilia.

Rolling adhesion kinematics of yeast engineered to express selectins

Selectins are cell adhesion molecules that mediate capture of leukocytes on vascular endothelium as an essential component of the inflammatory response. Here we describe a method for yeast surface display of selectins, together with a functional assay that measures rolling adhesion of selectin-expressing yeast on a ligand-coated surface. E-selectin-expressing yeast roll specifically on surfaces bearing sialyl-Lewis-x ligands. Observation of yeast rolling dynamics at various stages of their life cycle indicates that the kinematics of yeast motion depends on the ratio of the bud radius to the parent radius (B/P). Large-budded yeast "walk" across the surface, alternately pivoting about bud and parent. Small-budded yeast "wobble" across the surface, with bud pivoting about parent. Tracking the bud location of budding yeast allows measurement of the angular velocity of the yeast particle. Comparison of translational and angular velocities of budding yeast demonstrates that selectin-expressing cells are rolling rather than slipping across ligand-coated surfaces.

The N-terminal peptide of PSGL-1 can mediate adhesion to trauma-activated endothelium via P-selectin in vivo

P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) is present on leukocytes and is the major ligand for endothelial expressed P-selectin. A variety of studies strongly suggests that the N-terminal region of PSGL-1 contains the binding site for P-selectin. We hypothesized that this relatively small N-terminal peptide of PSGL-1 is sufficient to support adhesion to P-selectin in vivo. To test this hypothesis, we coated 2 microm-diameter microspheres with a recombinant PSGL-1 construct, termed 19.ek.Fc. The 19.ek.Fc construct consists of the first 19 N-terminal amino acids of mature PSGL-1 linked to an enterokinase cleavage site that, in turn, is linked to human immunoglobulin G Fc. The 19.ek.Fc-coated microspheres were injected into the jugular vein of mice. Intravital microscopy of postcapillary venules within the cremaster muscle of mice revealed that a significantly greater number of 19.ek.Fc microspheres rolled compared with control microspheres. The number of rolling 19.ek.Fc microspheres was significantly diminished by pretreatment of the mice with a monoclonal antibody to P-selectin or by pretreatment of the 19.ek.Fc microspheres with a monoclonal antibody to PSGL-1. Combined, the results indicate that the N-terminal peptide of PSGL-1 can mediate adhesion to trauma-activated microvascular endothelium via P-selectin in vivo.

L-selectin dimerization enhances tether formation to properly spaced ligand

Selectin counterreceptors are glycoprotein scaffolds bearing multiple carbohydrate ligands with exceptional ability to tether flowing cells under disruptive shear forces. Bond clusters may facilitate formation and stabilization of selectin tethers. L-selectin ligation has been shown to enhance L-selectin rolling on endothelial surfaces. We now report that monoclonal antibodies-induced L-selectin dimerization enhances L-selectin leukocyte tethering to purified physiological L-selectin ligands and glycopeptides. Microkinetic analysis of individual tethers suggests that leukocyte rolling is enhanced through the dimerization-induced increase in tether formation, rather than by tether stabilization. Notably, L-selectin dimerization failed to augment L-selectin-mediated adhesion below a threshold ligand density, suggesting that L-selectin dimerization enhanced adhesiveness only to properly clustered ligand. In contrast, an epidermal growth factor domain substitution of L-selectin enhanced tether formation to L-selectin ligands irrespective of ligand density, suggesting that this domain controls intrinsic ligand binding properties of L-selectin without inducing L-selectin dimerization. Strikingly, at low ligand densities, where L-selectin tethering was not responsive to dimerization, elevated shear stress restored sensitivity of tethering to selectin dimerization. This is the first indication that shear stress augments effective selectin ligand density at local contact sites by promoting L-selectin encounter of immobilized ligand.

Beta-C-mannosides as selectin inhibitors

Potential E- and P-selectin inhibitors were synthesized to explore a hydrophobic area on the E-selectin surface and the PSGL-1 protein binding site on the P-selectin surface that was recently defined by crystallography. Three series of mannose-based compounds (libraries A, B, and C) were synthesized using solution phase parallel synthesis. Biological evaluation of these compounds was done using two ELISA-based assays and transferred NOE (trNOE) experiments. Some of the compounds showed better activity than sLe(x) in the P-selectin assay.

Tyrosine sulfation enhances but is not required for PSGL-1 rolling adhesion on P-selectin

P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) is a large (240 kDa) glycoprotein found on the surface of nearly all leukocytes. The mature molecule is decorated with multiple N- and O-linked glycans and displays copies of the tetrasaccharide sialyl-Lewis(x) (sLe(X)), as well as a cluster of three tyrosine sulfate (tyr-SO(3)) groups near the N-terminus of the processed protein. Previous studies have suggested that PSGL-1 needs to be tyrosine-sulfated, in addition to glycosylated with sLe(X), to successfully interact with P-selectin. To better understand how biochemical features of the PSGL-1 ligand are related to its adhesion phenotype, we have measured the dynamics of adhesion under flow of a series of well-defined PSGL-1 variants that differ in their biochemical modification, to both P- and E-selectin-coated substrates. These variants are distinct PSGL-1 peptides: one that possesses sLe(X) in conjunction with three N-terminal tyr-SO(3) groups (SGP3), one that possesses sLe(X) without tyrosine sulfation (GP1), and one that lacks sLe(X) but has three N-terminal tyr-SO(3) groups (SP3). Although all peptides expressing sLe(X), tyr-SO(3), or both supported some form of rolling adhesion on P-selectin, only peptides expressing sLe(X) groups showed rolling adhesion on E-selectin. On P-selectin, the PSGL-1 peptides demonstrated a decreasing strength of adhesion in the following order: SGP3 > GP1 > SP3. Robust, rolling adhesion on P-selectin was mediated by the GP1 peptide, despite its lack of tyrosine sulfation. However, the addition of tyrosine sulfation to glycosylated peptides (SGP3) creates a super ligand for P-selectin that supports slower rolling adhesion at all shear rates and supports rolling adhesion at much higher shear rates. Tyrosine sulfation has no similar effect on PSGL-1 rolling on E-selectin. Such functional distinctions in rolling dynamics are uniquely realized with a cell-free system, which permits precise, unambiguous identification of the functional activity of adhesive ligands. These findings are consistent with structural and functional characterizations of the interactions between these peptides and E- and P-selectin published recently.

Neutrophils, monocytes, and dendritic cells express the same specialized form of PSGL-1 as do skin-homing memory T cells: cutaneous lymphocyte antigen

Memory T cells in inflamed skin express the cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA), a glycosylated epitope defined by the mAb HECA-452. We previously reported that on T cells, CLA occurs almost exclusively on the protein backbone of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1). T cells exhibiting the CLA isoform of PSGL-1 can tether and roll on both E- and P-selectin, while T cells expressing PSGL-1 without the CLA epitope do not bind E-selectin, though they may bind P-selectin. We show here that circulating neutrophils and monocytes, and cultured blood dendritic cells, also express CLA almost entirely as an isoform of PSGL-1. These cells all tether and roll on both E- and P-selectin. A chimeric fusion protein incorporating the 19 N-terminal amino acids of mature PSGL-1 exhibited HECA-452 immunoreactivity and supported rolling of CHO cells expressing either E- or P-selectin. These findings indicate a site for the CLA modification within the distal tip of PSGL-1, previously shown to be critical for P-selectin binding and to mediate some, but not all, of the E-selectin binding of PSGL-1. We hypothesize that the types of circulating leukocytes discussed above all use CLA/PSGL-1 to tether and roll on E- and P-selectin along the vascular endothelium.

Identification and structural determination of a potent P-selectin inhibitor

Small quantities of a potent P-selectin inhibitor, 2 (IC50 = 0.2 microM), were isolated and an initial structure proposed based on 1D proton NMR. A reterosynthetic analysis of the proposed structure led us to a total synthesis of 2. NMR studies using the 2-D homo-TOCSY and NOESY and 2-D hetero-HMQC helped to confirm the structure of 2.

Design and synthesis of sialyl Lewis x mimics as E-selectin inhibitors

The design and synthesis of novel beta-C-mannosides that inhibit the binding of sialyl Lewis x to E-selectin are described. Compounds that contained a phenyl substituent at the C-6 position were found to have increased potency.

Insights into the molecular basis of leukocyte tethering and rolling revealed by structures of P- and E-selectin bound to SLe(X) and PSGL-1

P-, E- and L-selectin constitute a family of cell adhesion receptors that mediate the initial tethering and rolling of leukocytes on inflamed endothelium as a prelude to their firm attachment and extravasation into tissues. The selectins bind weakly to sialyl Lewisx (SLe(X))-like glycans, but with high-affinity to specific glycoprotein counterreceptors, including PSGL-1. Here, we report crystal structures of human P- and E-selectin constructs containing the lectin and EGF (LE) domains co-complexed with SLe(X). We also present the crystal structure of P-selectin LE co-complexed with the N-terminal domain of human PSGL-1 modified by both tyrosine sulfation and SLe(X). These structures reveal differences in how E- and P-selectin bind SLe(X) and the molecular basis of the high-affinity interaction between P-selectin and PSGL-1.

Sialyl Lewis(x)-mediated, PSGL-1-independent rolling adhesion on P-selectin

Selectin-mediated cell adhesion is an essential component of the inflammatory response. In an attempt to unambiguously identify molecular features of ligands that are necessary to support rolling adhesion on P-selectin, we have used a reconstituted ("cell-free") system in which ligand-coated beads are perfused over soluble P-selectin surfaces. We find that beads coated with the saccharides sialyl Lewis(x) (sLe(x)), sialyl Lewis(a) (sLe(a)), and sulfated Lewis(x) (HSO(3)Le(x) support rolling adhesion on P-selectin surfaces. Although it has been suggested that glycosylation and sulfation of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) is required for high-affinity binding and rolling on P-selectin, our findings indicate that sulfation of N-terminal tyrosine residues is not required for binding or rolling. However, beads coated with a tyrosine-sulfated, sLe(x)-modified, PSGL-1-Fc chimera support slower rolling on P-selectin than beads coated with sLe(x) alone, suggesting that sulfation improves rolling adhesion by modulating binding to P-selectin. In addition, we find it is not necessary that P-selectin carbohydrate ligands be multivalent for robust rolling to occur. Our results demonstrate that beads coated with monovalent sLe(x), exhibiting a more sparse distribution of carbohydrate than a similar amount of the multivalent form, are sufficient to yield rolling adhesion. The relative abilities of various ligands to support rolling on P-selectin are quantitatively examined among themselves and in comparison to human neutrophils. Using stop-time distributions, rolling dynamics at video frame rate resolution, and the average and variance of the rolling velocity, we find that P-selectin ligands display the following quantitative trend, in order of decreasing ability to support rolling adhesion on P-selectin: PSGL-1-Fc > sLe(a) approximately sLe(x) > HSO(3)Le(x).

Isolated P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 dynamic adhesion to P- and E-selectin

Leukocyte adhesion to vascular endothelium under flow involves an adhesion cascade consisting of multiple receptor pairs that may function in an overlapping fashion. P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) and L-selectin have been implicated in neutrophil adhesion to P- and E-selectin under flow conditions. To study, in isolation, the interaction of PSGL-1 with P- and E-selectin under flow, we developed an in vitro model in which various recombinant regions of extracellular PSGL-1 were coupled to 10-microm-diameter microspheres. In a parallel plate chamber with well defined flow conditions, live time video microscopy analyses revealed that microspheres coated with PSGL-1 attached and rolled on 4-h tumor necrosis factor-alpha-activated endothelial cell monolayers, which express high levels of E-selectin, and CHO monolayers stably expressing E- or P-selectin. Further studies using CHO-E and -P monolayers demonstrate that the first 19 amino acids of PSGL-1 are sufficient for attachment and rolling on both E- and P-selectin and suggest that a sialyl Lewis x-containing glycan at Threonine-16 is critical for this sequence of amino acids to mediate attachment to E- and P-selectin. The data also demonstrate that a sulfated, anionic polypeptide segment within the amino terminus of PSGL-1 is necessary for PSGL-1-mediated attachment to P- but not to E-selectin. In addition, the results suggest that PSGL-1 has more than one binding site for E-selectin: one site located within the first 19 amino acids of PSGL-1 and one or more sites located between amino acids 19 through 148.

Core2 beta-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase enzyme activity is critical for P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 binding to P-selectin

P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) is a high-affinity counterreceptor for P-selectin on myeloid cells and activated T-cells. In addition, PSGL-1 can serve, both in vitro and in vivo, as an E-selectin ligand. Appropriate glycosylation of PSGL-1 is crucial for binding to P-selectin. Functional PSGL-1 is known to bear sialyl lewis X (SLex) or a closely related oligosaccharide. In this study, we show that Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing PSGL-1 and fucosyltransferase show a dramatic increase in binding to P-selectin when transfected with "core2" transferase, the enzyme that initiates branching of O-linked glycans. Moreover, only PSGL-1 from core2 transfectant CHO cells can be affinity-captured with P-selectin, suggesting that branched O-linked glycans are required for high-affinity binding to P-selectin. Analysis of PSGL-1-derived O-linked oligosaccharides produced in core2 transfected cells shows the presence of more elaborated glycans. Interestingly, transfection of core2 in these cells does not alter binding to E-selectin.

A human colon carcinoma cell line exhibits adhesive interactions with P-selectin under fluid flow via a PSGL-1-independent mechanism

It has been postulated that endothelial cell adhesion molecules involved in leukocyte recruitment play a role in metastasis. Using an in vitro flow model, we studied the adhesion of the human colon carcinoma cell line KM12-L4 to P-selectin, an inducible endothelial-expressed adhesion molecule involved in leukocyte recruitment. Recombinant forms of P-selectin and Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing P-selectin supported attachment and rolling of KM12-L4 cells at 1 to 2 dynes/cm2. The adhesive interactions to P-selectin were abolished by pretreatment of the KM12-L4 cells with neuraminidase but were unaltered by pretreatment of the KM12-L4 cells with O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase, an enzyme that cleaves mucin type glycoproteins such as P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1). PSGL-1 is the only counter-receptor for P-selectin known to mediate myeloid cell adhesion to P-selectin under flow. Flow cytometric and Northern blot analyses revealed that KM12-L4 cells did not express PSGL-1 and monoclonal antibody PL1, a function-blocking monoclonal antibody to PSGL-1, had no inhibitory effect on KM12-L4 adhesion to P-selectin under flow. Compared with HL-60 cells, which express PSGL-1, the KM12-L4 cells exhibited a slightly lower rate of attachment to P-selectin and rolled at a significantly higher velocity. In summary, KM12-L4 human colon carcinoma cells interact with P-selectin, under flow, through a PSGL-1-independent adhesion pathway.

The alpha(1,3)fucosyltransferase Fuc-TVII controls leukocyte trafficking through an essential role in L-, E-, and P-selectin ligand biosynthesis

alpha(1,3)Fucosylated oligosaccharides represent components of leukocyte counterreceptors for E- and P-selectins and of L-selectin ligands expressed by lymph node high endothelial venules (HEV). The identity of the alpha(1,3)fucosyltransferase(s) required for their expression has been uncertain, as has a requirement for alpha(1,3)fucosylation in HEV L-selectin ligand activity. We demonstrate here that mice deficient in alpha(1,3) fucosyltransferase Fuc-TVII exhibit a leukocyte adhesion deficiency characterized by absent leukocyte E- and P-selectin ligand activity and deficient HEV L-selectin ligand activity. Selectin ligand deficiency is distinguished by blood leukocytosis, impaired leukocyte extravasation in inflammation, and faulty lymphocyte homing. These observations demonstrate an essential role for Fuc-TVII in E-, P-, and L-selectin ligand biosynthesis and imply that this locus can control leukocyte trafficking in health and disease.

A sulfated peptide segment at the amino terminus of PSGL-1 is critical for P-selectin binding

P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1) is a mucin-like glycoprotein expressed on the surface of myeloid cells and serves as the high affinity counterreceptor for P-selectin. The PSGL-1-P-selectin interaction is calcium dependent and requires presentation of sialyl-Lewisx (sLex)-type structures on the O-linked glycans of PSGL-1. We report here the identification of a non-carbohydrate component of the binding determinant that is critical for high affinity binding to P-selectin. Located within the first 19 amino acids, this anionic polypeptide segment contains at least one sulfated tyrosine residue. We propose that this sulfotyrosine-containing segment of PSGL-1, in conjunction with sLex presented on O-linked glycans, constitutes the high affinity P-selectin-binding site.

Implications of antibodies to pyruvylated glucose in healthy populations for mycobacterioses and other infectious diseases

Members of the Mycobacterium avium-Mycobacterium intracellulare (MAI) complex are typeable because each serovar is characterized by its own specific antigenic glycolipid. By means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we studied serum specimens obtained from 148 healthy college students for antibodies to these glycopeptidolipids. Ninety-two (61.5%) of the serum specimens were positive to the specific glycolipid antigen from MAI serovar 8. In a study of a pediatric population, antibodies appeared to develop during adolescence. Individuals with overt mycobacterial disease had a significantly lower incidence (tuberculosis patients, 34.5%; leprosy patients, 25%). We found a lower incidence of positive results in a survey of 96 Japanese serum specimens (29.1%), but the results from a survey of sera obtained from Bombay, India, indicated a large degree of reactivity (55.5%). Antibodies to other MAI serovars (serovars 2, 4, and 11) were not found, except antibodies to MAI serovar 21 were seen in the same individuals with antibodies to serovar 8. The dominant epitope of the MAI serovar 8-specific glycopeptidolipid is a terminal pyruvylated 3-O-methylglucose residue [4,6-(1'-carboxyethylidene)-3-O-methyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl] unit, whereas that of the MAI serovar 21 has the same terminal pyruvylated glucose devoid of the 3-methoxy group. Thus the antibodies appear specific for the pyruvylated glucose. It is unclear whether the high prevalence of antibodies to these epitopes reflects a high incidence of subclinical colonization or infection with certain MAI serovars or whether they are acquired through contact with some other related antigen source.

Antigenic relationship between Mycobacterium paratuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium

Four prototype strains of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis contained the type-specific glycopeptidolipid antigen of serovar 8 of the M avium complex. This glycolipid was distinguished by a 4,6-(1'-carboxyethylidene)-3-O-methyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl terminal unit. Of 59 low-passage, field isolates of M paratuberculosis, 2 contained this antigen, and these 2 isolates were indistinguishable from M avium serovar 8. However, most M paratuberculosis isolates had no characteristic surface glycopeptidolipid. Seemingly, M paratuberculosis, long regarded as a single species and the causative agent of bovine paratuberculosis, is not a homogeneous taxon. Most isolates obtained from infected ruminants may be antigenically defective, variants of M avium and, thereby, more successful pathogens.

Location of acyl groups of trehalose-containing lipooligosaccharides of mycobacteria

A variant of a Mycobacterium sp. originating in a patient with Crohn's disease, but not necessarily implicated in the disease, provided a simple version of a newer class of species-specific surface glycolipids, the trehalose-containing lipooligosaccharides. A combination of high-resolution 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, methylation, ethylation, and absolute configurational analysis established the structure of the oligosaccharide unit as beta-D-Glcp(1----3)-alpha-L-Rhap(1----3)-alpha-D-Glcp(1----1)-alph a-D-Glcp (where Glc is glucose, Rha is rhamnose, and p is pyranosyl), and gas chromatography-electron impact mass spectrometry allowed identification of the fatty acyl esters as primarily 2,4-dimethyltetradecanoate. The relative simplicity of the glycolipid combined with the application of a mild methylation procedure and californium-252 plasma desorption mass spectrometry allowed recognition of three such acyl residues on the 3-, 4-, and 6-hydroxyl positions of the terminal glucosyl residue of the trehalose unit. Thus, the glycolipid is decidedly amphipathic yet is clearly not membranous. This observation leads to speculation about the role of these novel lipooligosaccharides in contributing to the outer segment of the hydrophobic barrier of the cell wall of certain mycobacteria.

Structure and relevance of the oligosaccharide hapten of Mycobacterium avium serotype 2

The type-specific antigen of Mycobacterium avium serotype 2, the most ubiquitous of serotypes within the M. avium complex and a major cause of disseminated and localized infections, was isolated and purified. It is of the glycopeptidolipid (mycoside C) class with a characteristic oligosaccharide hapten. This was released as the oligosaccharide alditol by base-catalyzed reductive beta-elimination, and the structure was established by a combination of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, methylation analysis, fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry, and 13C and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance as 2,3-di-O-methyl-L-fucopyranosyl-(alpha 1----3)-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(alpha 1----2)- 6-deoxytalitol. A feature of the work was the elucidation of the absolute (enantiomeric) configuration of the sugars. This same structure, in much less detail, was previously reported as the species-specific hapten of strains of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis. Thus, the work raises the intriguing possibility that some M. avium serotypes are synonymous, at least in outer cell wall anatomy, with the agent(s) of paratuberculosis (Johne's disease), an insidious disease of vast proportions in ruminants. In addition, recognition of a specific determinant will allow a precise study of the epidemiology of M. avium infections in humans and animals.

A glycolipid antigen specific to Mycobacterium paratuberculosis: structure and antigenicity

Mycobacterium paratuberculosis (National Animal Disease Center strain 18 and American Type Culture Collection strain 19698), the causative agent of Johne Disease (bovine paratuberculosis), contains a major immunoreactive glycopeptidolipid (polar GPL-I) that has been isolated and characterized. (formula; see text) Thus, the glycolipid antigen belongs to the polar mycoside C glycopeptidolipid family present in other mycobacterial species. The distal 2,3-di-O-methyl-alpha-L-fucopyranosyl-(1----3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosi de unit, the obvious antigen determinant, appears to be characteristic of M. paratuberculosis. The glycolipid can be recognized readily in isolates of M. paratuberculosis by TLC and its presence may be used as a characteristic marker of the infectious agent. The polar glycopeptidolipid was highly reactive in ELISA against serum from an animal hyperimmunized with M. paratuberculosis strain 18, indicating its basic immunogenicity.