Dextran sulfate facilitates anti-CD4 mAb-induced long-term rat cardiac allograft survival after prolonged cold ischemia

Ischemia/reperfusion injury leads to activation of graft endothelial cells (EC), boosting antigraft immunity and impeding tolerance induction. We hypothesized that the complement inhibitor and EC-protectant dextran sulfate (DXS, MW 5000) facilitates long-term graft survival induced by non-depleting anti-CD4 mAb (RIB 5/2). Hearts from DA donor rats were heterotopically transplanted into Lewis recipients treated with RIB 5/2 (20 mg/kg, days-1,0,1,2,3; i.p.) with or without DXS (grafts perfused with 25 mg, recipients treated i.v. with 25 mg/kg on days 1,3 and 12.5 mg/kg on days 5,7,9,11,13,15). Cold graft ischemia time was 20 min or 12 h. Median survival time (MST) was comparable between RIB 5/2 and RIB 5/2+DXS-treated recipients in the 20-min group with >175-day graft survival. In the 12-h group RIB 5/2 only led to chronic rejection (MST = 49.5 days) with elevated alloantibody response, whereas RIB 5/2+DXS induced long-term survival (MST >100 days, p < 0.05) with upregulation of genes related to transplantation tolerance. Analysis of the 12-h group treated with RIB 5/2+DXS at 1-day posttransplantation revealed reduced EC activation, complement deposition and inflammatory cell infiltration. In summary, DXS attenuates I/R-induced acute graft injury and facilitates long-term survival in this clinically relevant transplant model.

Design of the blood group AB glycotope

Although the nature of the blood groups A and B has been comprehensively studied for a long time, it is still unclear as to what exactly is the epitope that is recognized by antibodies having AB specificity, i.e. monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies which are capable of interacting equally well with the antigens GalNAcalpha 1-3(Fucalpha 1-2)Gal (A trisaccharide) and Galalpha 1-3(Fucalpha 1-2)Gal (B trisaccharide), but do not react with their common fragment Fucalpha 1-2Gal. We have supposed that besides Fucalpha 1-2Gal, A and B antigens have one more shared epitope. The trisaccharides A and B are practically identical from the conformational point of view, the only difference being situated at position 2 of Galalpha residue, i.e. trisaccharide A has a NHAc group, whereas trisaccharide B has a hydroxyl group (see formulas). We have hypothesized that the AB-epitope should be situated in the part of the molecule that is opposite to the NHAc group of GalNAc residue. In order to test this hypothesis we have synthesized a polymeric conjugate in such a way that de-N-acetylated A-trisaccharide is attached to a polymer via the nitrogen in position C-2 of the galactosamine residue. In this conjugate the supposed AB-epitope should be maximally accessible for antibodies from the solution, whereas the discrimination site of antigens A and B by the antibodies should be maximally hidden due to the close proximity of the polymer. Interaction with several anti-AB monoclonal antibodies revealed that a part of them really interacted with the synthetic AB-glycotope, thus confirming our hypothesis. Moreover, similar antibodies were revealed in the blood of healthy blood group 0 donors. Analysis of spatial models was performed in addition to identify the hydroxyl groups of Fuc, Galalpha, and Galbeta residues, which are particularly involved in the composition of the AB-glycotope.

Xenotransplantation: in vitro analysis of synthetic alpha-galactosyl inhibitors of human anti-Galalpha1-->3Gal IgM and IgG antibodies

Pig-to-human xenotransplantation might be an option to overcome the increasing shortage of human donor organs. However, naturally occurring antibodies in human blood against the Galalpha1-->3Gal antigen on pig endothelial cells lead to hyperacute or, if prevented, acute or delayed vascular rejection of the pig graft. The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate synthetic oligosaccharides with terminal Galalpha1-->3Gal to inhibit antigen-binding and cytotoxicity of anti-alphaGal antibodies against pig cells. Different oligosaccharides were synthesized chemically and by a combined chemico-enzymatic approach. These included monomeric di-, tri-, and pentasaccharides, a polyacrylamide-conjugate (PAA-Bdi), as well as di-, tetra-, and octamers of Galalpha1-->3Gal. All were tested for inhibitory activity by anti-alphaGal ELISA and complement-dependent cytotoxicity tests. PAA-Bdi was the best inhibitor of binding as well as cytotoxicity of anti-alphaGal antibodies. Monomeric oligosaccharides efficiently prevented binding of anti-alphaGal IgG, but less well that of anti-alphaGal IgM, with tri- and pentasaccharides showing a better efficacy than the disaccharide. The two trisaccharides Galalpha1-->3Galbeta1-->4GlcNAc and Galalpha1-->3Galbeta1-->3GlcNAc were equally effective. Oligomers of Galalpha1-->3Gal were more effective than monomers in blocking the binding of anti-alphaGal IgG. However, they could not block IgM binding, nor could they match the efficacy of PAA-Bdi. We conclude that oligosaccharides with terminal Galalpha1-->3Gal, most effectively as PAA-conjugates, can prevent binding and cytotoxicity of human anti-alphaGal in vitro. The PAA-Bdi conjugate might be most suited for use as a Sepharose-bound immunoabsorption material.

Microcalorimetric indications for ligand binding as a function of the protein for galactoside-specific plant and avian lectins

The process cascade leading to the final accommodation of the carbohydrate ligand in the lectin's binding site comprises enthalpic and entropic contributions of the binding partners and solvent molecules. With emphasis on lactose, N-acetyllactosamine, and thiodigalactoside as potent inhibitors of binding of galactoside-specific lectins, the question was addressed to what extent these parameters are affected as a function of the protein. The microcalorimetric study of carbohydrate association to the galectin from chicken liver (CG-16) and the agglutinin from Viscum album (VAA) revealed enthalpy-entropy compensation with evident protein type-dependent changes for N-acetyllactosamine. Reduction of the entropic penalty by differential flexibility of loops or side chains and/or solvation properties of the protein will have to be reckoned with to assign a molecular cause to protein type-dependent changes in thermodynamic parameters for lectins sharing the same monosaccharide specificity.

Conformer selection and differential restriction of ligand mobility by a plant lectin--conformational behaviour of Galbeta1-3GlcNAcbeta1-R, Galbeta1-3GalNAcbeta1-R and Galbeta1-2Galbeta1-R' in the free state and complexed with galactoside-specific mistletoe lectin as revealed by random-walk and conformational-clustering molecular-mechanics

To study conformational parameters of ligands before and after complex formation with the galactoside-binding agglutinin of Viscum album L. (VAA) in solution, combined computer-assisted random walk molecular mechanics (RAMM) calculations extended by conformational clustering analysis (CCA), molecular dynamics (MD) simulations as well as two-dimensional rotating-frame nuclear Overhauser effect (ROE) and two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) spectroscopy NMR experiments were employed. Derivatives of the naturally occurring disaccharides Galbeta1-3GlcNAcbeta1-R and Galbeta1-3GalNAcbeta1-R as well as of a synthetic high-affinity binding partner, i.e. the disaccharide Galbeta1-2Galbeta1-R', were chosen as ligands in this study. The disaccharides displayed inherent flexibility in the valley of the global minimum between phi/psi combinations of (40 degrees/60 degrees) and (40 degrees/-60 degrees). Calculations of the de-N-acetylated sugars revealed that presence of this group did not markedly influence the distribution of low-energy conformers in the phi, psi, epsilon plot. Occupation of side minima at phi/psi (180 degrees/0 degrees) or (0 degrees/180 degrees) is either unlikely or low according to the results of MD simulations and RAMM calculations extended by CCA. Notably, these side minima define conformations which are not stable during a MD simulation. Transitions to other minima occur already a few picoseconds after the start of the simulation. NMR experiments of the free-state ligand confirmed the validity of the data sets obtained by the calculations. Following the description of the conformational space in the free-state NMR experiments were performed for these disaccharides complexed with VAA. They yielded two interresidual contacts for Galbeta1-3GlcNAcbeta1-R and Galbeta1-2Galbeta1-R'. The ligand conformations in the complex did not deviate markedly from those of a minimum conformation in the free state. One- and two-dimensional transferred nuclear Overhauser enhancement (TRNOE) experiments at different mixing times excluded the influence of spin-diffusion effects. When the NOE build-up curves in the three studied cases were compared, the residual mobility of the penultimate carbohydrate unit of Galbeta1-3GalNAcbeta1-R was observed to be higher than that of the respective hexopyranose unit of the other two bound ligands. Due to the availability of the conformational parameters of Galbeta1-2Galbeta1-R' in association with a galectin, namely the beta-galactoside-binding protein from chicken liver, it is remarkable to note that this ligand displays different conformations in the binding sites of either the plant or the animal lectin. They correspond to local energy-minimum conformations in the phi,psi, epsilon plot and substantiate differential conformer selection by these two lectins with identical nominal monosaccharide specificity.

Saccharide-assisted delivery of cytotoxic liposomes to human malignant cells

The overexpression of lectins by malignant cells was applied for in vitro targeting of liposomes equipped with a saccharide vector and loaded in the lipid phase with a lipid derivative of anticancer agent sarcolysine. The lectin specificity of human leukemia HL-60 and human lung adenocarcinoma ACL cells was revealed by tests with fluorescein-labeled sugar probes. With the help of fluorescent lipid dye it was shown that active saccharide ligands increased the level of the vectored liposome binding to malignant cells by 50-80% as compared to liposomes without vector or with inactive one. The degree of liposome/cell membrane fusion was monitored fluorometrically and was shown to be complete and independent of the vectors. The targeted drug-loaded liposomes had the cytotoxic activity 2-4 times higher as compared to the vector-free ones.

Tyramine-containing poly(4-nitrophenylacrylate) as iodinatable ligand carrier in biodistribution analysis

PURPOSE

Targeted label or drug delivery requires access to convenient carrier systems and methods for efficient ligand conjugation. The main purpose of this study is to design an iodinatable synthetic polymer, whose application in vivo in tumor-bearing mice is tested with several related carbohydrate ligands, namely ABH and Lewis blood group epitopes.

METHODS

Tyramine and aminopropyl derivatives of the synthetic oligosaccharides were attached to poly(4-nitrophenylacrylate). Following iodination, the biodistribution of the sugar-free and the substituted polymers was determined in tumor-bearing mice. Flow cytofluorimetric analysis assessed tumor cell binding of further ligand types to human tumor cells in vitro.

RESULTS

Quantitative ligand incorporation was achieved under mild conditions. Whereas the ligand-free poly[N-(2-hydroxyethyl)acrylamide] (MW 30 kDa) showed preferential accumulation in kidney, neoglycopolymers were found in substantial amounts in liver, kidney or spleen. The nature of the carbohydrate structure quantitatively influenced the distribution pattern. Tumor cell binding of blood group determinants and three further ligand types revealed non-uniform intensity in labeling and percentage of positive cells even in comparison between lines with identical histogenetic origin.

CONCLUSIONS

Carbohydrate-exposing poly[N-(2-hydroxyethyl)acrylamide] polymers with tyramine as an iodine acceptor distribute in mice with a profile which is quantitatively influenced by small structural variations of the ligand part. Further refinement of the ligand structure may increase the level of selectivity for organ and tumor accumulation.

Specificity of monoclonal antibodies against ABH and related structures tested by ELISA with synthetic glycoconjugates

We have tested 88 monoclonal antibodies with proposed specificities against ABH- and related antigens in an ELISA with synthetic oligosaccharide conjugates as coating substances. All mabs were tested for binding towards A-, B-, and H type I trisaccharides, the B disaccharide, and the proposed anti-A and -AB were also tested on A tetrasaccharide type I. Of the 50 mabs with proposed A- and/or B-specificity, 28 showed a specific reaction in our ELISA. Cross-reactivity with other ABH-antigens was observed for 7 of these 50 anti-A/B mabs and 15 of them did not react in the ELISA. Only 2 of the 17 mabs submitted as anti-H bound to H trisaccharide type I, one of them showed a polyspecific reactivity pattern, and the remaining 14 did not react with our type I antigen. Of the mabs with other than ABH-specificities only one, supposedly anti-P1, showed cross-reactivity with one of our coating antigens, in this case the B trisaccharide.

In vivo immunoadsorption of antipig antibodies in baboons using a specific Gal(alpha)1-3Gal column

The major role of anti-alphaGal antibodies in the hyperacute rejection of pig organs by humans and baboons has been clearly demonstrated. Spacered alpha-galactose disaccharide (Gal(alpha1)-3Gal) hapten was produced by chemical synthesis and covalently attached to a flexible, hydrophilic polymer (PAA), which in turn was covalently coupled to macroporous glass beads, forming an immunoadsorbent that is mechanically and chemically stable and can be sterilized. The extracorporeal immunoadsorption (EIA) of anti-alphaGal antibodies using this column has been investigated in vivo in 3 baboons. In Baboon 1 (which had hyperacutely rejected a pig heart transplant 4 months previously, was not splenectomized, and did not receive any pharmacologic immunosuppression) the levels of anti-alphaGal antibody and antipig IgM and IgG, as well as serum cytotoxicity, fell significantly after each of 3 EIAs but were not eliminated. Serum cytotoxicity, antipig immunoglobulin and anti-alphaGal antibody rose steeply within 24 hr of the final EIA, suggesting that the return of cytotoxicity was associated with anti-alphaGa1 antibody. In Baboons 2 and 3 (which were immunologically naive and splenectomized, and received triple drug immunosuppressive therapy) serum cytotoxicity was totally eliminated and anti-alphaGal antibody and antipig IgM and IgG levels were greatly reduced by courses of EIA. In Baboon 2, cytotoxicity and all antibody levels remained negligible for approximately one week after the final (fourth) daily EIA. In Baboon 3, cytotoxicity and antibody levels were maintained low by intermittent EIA (over a period of 13 days) for almost 3 weeks, although antipig IgM began to rebound 4 days after the final EIA. We conclude that, in an immunosuppressed, splenectomized baboon, repeated EIA using a specific alphaGal disaccharide column will reduce antipig and anti-alphaGal antibody levels and serum cytotoxicity significantly for several days. This reduction in cytotoxicity will almost certainly be sufficient to delay the hyperacute rejection of a transplanted pig organ, but further studies are required to investigate whether it will be sufficient to allow accommodation to develop.

NMR-based, molecular dynamics- and random walk molecular mechanics-supported study of conformational aspects of a carbohydrate ligand (Gal beta 1-2Gal beta 1-R) for an animal galectin in the free and in the bound state

The binding of a carbohydrate to a lectin may affect the conformation of the ligand. To address this question for the galectin from chicken liver, the conformation of Gal beta 1-2Gal beta 1-R was analyzed in the free and in the galectin-bound state with 2D-ROESY- and 1D- as well as 2D-transferred NOE-experiments. A computer-assisted analysis of spatial parameters of the ligand by molecular dynamics (MD) and random walk molecular mechanics (RAMM) calculations, taking different dielectric constraints from epsilon = 1 to epsilon = 80 and various force fields into account, were instrumental to define the energetic minima of the free state. NMR-derived interresidual distance constraints enabled a conformational mapping. The two overlapping interresidual distance constraints obtained from transferred-NOE experiments of the galectin-ligand complex clearly support the notion that the conformation of the disaccharide in the bound state is at least very close to its global energy minimum state in solution.

In vitro evaluation of the efficacy and biocompatibility of new, synthetic ABO immunoabsorbents

Synthetic ABO immunoabsorbents (known as Synsorbs) were in use for several years to specifically eliminate ABO antibodies from the patient's circulation before ABO-incompatible organ or bone marrow transplantation. Because Synsorbs are no longer available, we have developed new ABO immunoabsorbents. These substances, termed BioSorbents A and B, respectively, consist of synthetic A or B trisaccharides covalently coupled to macroporous glass beads via polyacrylamide. Here we report the evaluation of BioSorbents in regard to efficacy, specificity, and biocompatibility. Using a closed-circuit in vitro system, representing a 1:10-1:20 scale as compared with the immunoabsorption procedure with an adult patient, blood group O plasma was run through columns filled with ethylene oxide-sterilized BioSorbent. Hemagglutination was reduced by 4 titer steps after absorption, and anti-A and/or anti-B IgM/G/A, as measured by ABO ELISA, dropped by 85% or more, while no nonspecific absorption of immunoglobulins occurred. No significant changes could be observed for complement (C3, C4, and total hemolytic complement of the classical pathway) or for coagulation parameters (fibrinogen, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time). As monitored by immunoblotting, neither factor XII nor high molecular weight kininogen was cleaved. In addition, a monocyte phagocytosis inhibition test provided evidence that no significant aggregation of IgG had occurred during absorption. We conclude that BioSorbents A and B are efficient, specific, and biocompatible with human plasma.

Correlation of expression of binding sites for synthetic blood group A-, B- and H-trisaccharides and for sarcolectin with survival of patients with bronchial carcinoma

Carrier-immobilised carbohydrates were used to monitor the presence of specific carbohydrate-binding sites in tissue sections. Sarcolectin, an interferon-alpha/beta antagonist and growth regulator, had been shown to bind the lymphokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). The lectin is thus a MIF-specific probe. Biotinylated sarcolectin, neoglycoproteins with lactose or N-acetylglucosamine residues, and polyacrylamide-attached trisaccharides, that represent the ABH histo-blood group antigens, were applied to sections of 187 primary lung carcinomas. The panel of cases consisted of 57 epidermoid carcinomas, 55 adenocarcinomas, 43 large cell anaplastic carcinomas and 32 small cell anaplastic carcinomas. 47 cases with intrapulmonary metastatic tumours were also included. Expression of binding sites of both sarcolectin and trisaccharides of histo-blood group antigens A and H correlated with patient survival in lung cancer. In view of the widely performed analysis of the presence of histo-blood group antigens, concomitant profiling of binding sites for these sugar components is suggested to be of potential benefit.