Bivalent engagement of endothelial surface antigens is critical to prolonged surface targeting and protein delivery in vivo

Targeted drug delivery to the endothelium has the potential to generate localized therapeutic effects at the blood-tissue interface. For some therapeutic cargoes, it is essential to maintain contact with the bloodstream to exert protective effects. The pharmacokinetics (PK) of endothelial surface-targeted affinity ligands and biotherapeutic cargo remain a largely unexplored area, despite obvious translational implications for this strategy. To bridge this gap, we site-specifically radiolabeled mono- (scFv) and bivalent (mAb) affinity ligands specific for the endothelial cell adhesion molecules, PECAM-1 (CD31) and ICAM-1 (CD54). Radiotracing revealed similar lung biodistribution at 30 minutes post-injection (79.3% ± 4.2% vs 80.4% ± 10.6% ID/g for αICAM and 58.9% ± 3.6% ID/g vs. 47.7% ± 5.8% ID/g for αPECAM mAb vs. scFv), but marked differences in organ residence time, with antibodies demonstrating an order of magnitude greater area under the lung concentration vs. time curve (AUC_inf 1698 ± 352 vs. 53.3 ± 7.9 ID/g*hrs for αICAM and 1023 ± 507 vs. 114 ± 37 ID/g*hrs for αPECAM mAb vs scFv). A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model, fit to and validated using these data, indicated contributions from both superior binding characteristics and prolonged circulation time supporting multiple binding-detachment cycles. We tested the ability of each affinity ligand to deliver a prototypical surface cargo, thrombomodulin (TM), using one-to-one protein conjugates. Bivalent mAb-TM was superior to monovalent scFv-TM in both pulmonary targeting and lung residence time (AUC_inf 141 ± 3.2 vs 12.4 ± 4.2 ID/g*hrs for ICAM and 188 ± 90 vs 34.7 ± 19.9 ID/g*hrs for PECAM), despite having similar blood PK, indicating that binding strength is more important parameter than the kinetics of binding. To maximize bivalent target engagement, we synthesized an oriented, end-to-end anti-ICAM mAb-TM conjugate and found that this therapeutic had the best lung residence time (AUC_inf 253 ± 18 ID/g*hrs) of all TM modalities. These observations have implications not only for the delivery of TM, but also potentially all therapeutics targeted to the endothelial surface.

The transcription factor ERG regulates a low shear stress-induced anti-thrombotic pathway in the microvasculature

Endothelial cells actively maintain an anti-thrombotic environment; loss of this protective function may lead to thrombosis and systemic coagulopathy. The transcription factor ERG is essential to maintain endothelial homeostasis. Here, we show that inducible endothelial ERG deletion (ErgiEC-KO) in mice is associated with spontaneous thrombosis, hemorrhages and systemic coagulopathy. We find that ERG drives transcription of the anticoagulant thrombomodulin (TM), as shown by reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation. TM expression is regulated by shear stress (SS) via Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2). In vitro, ERG regulates TM expression under low SS conditions, by facilitating KLF2 binding to the TM promoter. However, ERG is dispensable for TM expression in high SS conditions. In ErgiEC-KO mice, TM expression is decreased in liver and lung microvasculature exposed to low SS but not in blood vessels exposed to high SS. Our study identifies an endogenous, vascular bed-specific anticoagulant pathway in microvasculature exposed to low SS.

Nanogel Carrier Design for Targeted Drug Delivery

Polymer-based nanogel formulations offer features attractive for drug delivery, including ease of synthesis, controllable swelling and viscoelasticity as well as drug loading and release characteristics, passive and active targeting, and the ability to formulate nanogel carriers that can respond to biological stimuli. These unique features and low toxicity make the nanogels a favorable option for vascular drug targeting. In this review, we address key chemical and biological aspects of nanogel drug carrier design. In particular, we highlight published studies of nanogel design, descriptions of nanogel functional characteristics and their behavior in biological models. These studies form a compendium of information that supports the scientific and clinical rationale for development of this carrier for targeted therapeutic interventions.

Targeting of antioxidant and anti-thrombotic drugs to endothelial cell adhesion molecules

The endothelium represents an important therapeutic target for containment of oxidative stress, thrombosis and inflammation involved in a plethora of acute and chronic conditions including cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases and diabetes. However, rapid blood clearance and lack of affinity to the endothelium compromise delivery to target and restrict medical utility of antioxidant enzymes (e.g., catalase) and fibrinolytics. The use of "stealth" PEG-liposomes prolongs circulation, whereas conjugation with antibodies to endothelial determinants permits targeting. Constitutive endothelial cell adhesion molecules (CAM, such as ICAM-1 and PECAM-1, which are stably expressed and functionally involved in oxidative stress and thrombosis) are candidate determinants for targeting of antioxidants and fibrinolytics. CAM antibodies and compounds conjugated with anti-CAM bind to endothelial cells and accumulate in vascularized organs (preferentially, lungs). Pathological stimuli enhance ICAM-1 expression in endothelial cells and facilitate targeting, whereas PECAM-1 expression and targeting are stable. Endothelial cells internalize 100-300 nm diameter conjugates possessing multiple copies of anti-CAM, but not monomolecular antibodies or micron conjugates. This permits size-controlled sub-cellular targeting of antioxidants into the endothelial interior and fibrinolytics to the endothelial surface. Targeting catalase to PECAM-1 or ICAM-1 protects endothelial cells against injury by oxidants in culture and alleviates vascular oxidative stress in lungs in animals. Anti-CAM/catalase conjugates are active for a few hours prior to lysosomal degradation, which can be delayed by auxiliary drugs. Conjugation of fibrinolytics to monovalent anti-ICAM permits targeting and prolonged retention on the endothelial surface. Therefore, CAM targeting of antioxidants and fibrinolytics might help to contain oxidative and thrombotic stresses, with benefits of blocking CAM. Avenues for improvement and translation of this concept into the clinical domain are discussed.

Mouse Model of Microembolic Stroke and Reperfusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To test the role of fibrinolysis in stroke, we used a mouse model in which preformed 2.5- to 3-microm-diameter fibrin microemboli are injected into the cerebral circulation. The microemboli lodge in the downstream precapillary vasculature and are susceptible to fibrinolysis.

METHODS

We injected various doses of microemboli into the internal carotid artery in mice and characterized their distribution, effects on cerebral blood flow, neurological deficit, infarct area, and spontaneous dissolution. By comparing wild-type and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) knockout (tPA-/-) mice, we analyzed the role of endogenous tPA in acute thrombotic stroke.

RESULTS

Microemboli cause dose-dependent brain injury. Although moderate doses of microemboli are followed by spontaneous reperfusion, they result in reproducible injury. Gene knockout of tPA markedly delays dissolution of cerebral emboli and restoration of blood flow and aggravates ischemic thrombotic infarction in the brain.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe a microembolic model of stroke, in which degree of injury can be controlled by the dose of microemboli injected. Unlike vessel occlusion models, this model can be modulated to allow spontaneous fibrinolysis. Application to tPA-/- mice supports a key role of endogenous tPA in restoring cerebral blood flow and limiting infarct size after thrombosis.

Changes in plasma gelsolin concentration during acute oxidant lung injury in mice

Oxidant stress may contribute to acute lung injury under some circumstances. The rapid depletion of plasma gelsolin following major trauma in patients who subsequently develop respiratory distress suggests that this actin-scavenging protein might protect against delayed pulmonary complications. The specific aim of these experiments was to explore the temporal and quantitative relationship between gelsolin levels and lung damage. Gelsolin levels were measured in three murine models of oxidant injury: immunotargeting of pulmonary endothelium with an H2O2-generating enzyme; continuous exposure to >95% O2; and single high-dose thoracic radiation. The degree of lung injury was inversely related to gelsolin levels in mice treated with glucose oxidase-conjugated antibodies against platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (p <0.0001). By 60-72 hours of hyperoxic exposure, gelsolin levels had dropped precipitously in all mice who sustained major lung damage (p <0.0001), establishing a quantitative association between gelsolin concentration and hyperoxic lung injury (r = -0.72; 95% confidence interval: ?0.81 to ?0.59). Gelsolin levels modestly but progressively fell in irradiated mice over the 3 days following treatment (p = 0.012) despite the development of only microscopic lung damage during this timeframe. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that gelsolin depletion is involved in the pathogenesis of acute oxidant lung injury.

Vascular immunotargeting to endothelial surface in a specific macrodomain in alveolar capillaries

A novel 85 kD glycoprotein (gp85) is a marker of the avesicular zone, a thin part of pulmonary endothelial cells separating alveolar and vascular compartments and lacking vesicles. This report presents the first evaluation whether mAb 30B3, a monoclonal antibody to gp85, can be used for targeting of drugs to the surface of lung endothelium. 125I-mAb 30B3 accumulated in isolated perfused lungs (IPL) (22.8 +/- 1.1 versus 0.5 +/- 0.1 %ID/g for 125I-IgG) and accumulated preferentially in the lungs after intravenous or intraarterial injection (10.9 +/- 0.7 and 11.0 +/- 1.5 versus 0.9 +/- 0.2 %ID/g for 125I-IgG). 125I-mAb 30B3 uptake in IPL was rapid (T1/2 15 min), saturable (Bmax appr. 10(5) molecules/cell), specific (inhibited by nonlabeled mAb 30B3) and temperature independent (26.3 +/- 2.1 versus 22.8 +/- 1.1 %ID/g at 6 degrees C versus 37 degrees C). Biotinylated mAb 30B3 permitted subsequent accumulation of perfused avidin derivative in IPL. Because these data indicated that mAb 30B3 binds to an accessible, poorly internalizable antigen in the lung, we conjugated mAb 30B3 with a plasminogen activator, 125I-tPA. After intravenous injection in rats, lung-to-blood ratio was 8.4 +/- 0.9 for mAb 30B3/125I-tPA versus 0.4 +/- 0.1 for IgG/125I-tPA, indicating that mAb 30B3 may deliver drugs, which was supposed to exert therapeutic action in the vascular lumen (e.g., antithrombotic proteins), to the surface of pulmonary endothelium.

Lung uptake of antibodies to endothelial antigens: key determinants of vascular immunotargeting

Vascular immunotargeting is a mean for a site-selective delivery of drugs and genes to endothelium. In this study, we compared recognition of pulmonary and systemic vessels in rats by candidate carrier monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to endothelial antigens platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM)-1 (CD31), intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 (CD54), Thy-1.1 (CD90.1), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE; CD143), and OX-43. Tissue immunostaining showed that endothelial cells were Thy-1.1 positive in capillaries but negative in large vessels. In the lung, anti-ACE MAb provided a positive staining in 100% capillaries vs. 5–20% capillaries in other organs. Other MAbs did not discriminate between pulmonary and systemic vessels. We determined tissue uptake after infusion of 1 μg of 125I-labeled MAbs in isolated perfused lungs (IPL) or intravenously in intact rats. Uptake in IPL attained 46% of the injected dose (ID) of anti-Thy-1.1 and 20–25% ID of anti-ACE, anti-ICAM-1, and anti-OX-43 (vs. 0.5% ID of control IgG). However, after systemic injection at this dose, only anti-ACE MAb 9B9 displayed selective pulmonary uptake (16 vs. 1% ID/g in other organs). Anti-OX-43 displayed low pulmonary (0.5% ID/g) but significant splenic and cardiac uptake (7 and 2% ID/g). Anti-Thy-1.1 and anti-ICAM-1 displayed moderate pulmonary (4 and 6% ID/g, respectively) and high splenic and hepatic uptake (e.g., 18% ID/g of anti-Thy-1.1 in spleen). The lung-to-blood ratio was 5, 10, and 15 for anti-Thy-1.1, anti-ACE, and anti-ICAM-1, respectively. PECAM antibodies displayed low pulmonary uptake in perfusion (2% ID) and in vivo (3–4% ID/g). However, conjugation with streptavidin (SA) markedly augmented pulmonary uptake of anti-PECAM in perfusion (10–54% ID, depending on an antibody clone) and in vivo (up to 15% ID/g). Therefore, ACE-, Thy-1.1-, ICAM-1-, and SA-conjugated PECAM MAbs are candidate carriers for pulmonary targeting. ACE MAb offers a high selectivity of pulmonary targeting in vivo, likely because of a high content of ACE-positive capillaries in the lungs.

Targeting of superoxide dismutase and catalase to vascular endothelium

Reactive oxygen species, such as superoxide anion (O2(-)) and H2O2, cause oxidative stress in endothelial cells, a condition implicated in the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutases (SOD, converting superoxide anion into H2O2) and catalase (converting H2O2 into water), are candidate drugs for augmentation of antioxidant defenses in endothelium. However, SOD and catalase undergo fast elimination from the bloodstream, which compromises delivery and permits rather modest, if any, protection against vascular oxidative stress. Coupling of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to the enzymes and encapsulating them in liposomes increases their bioavailability and enhances their protective effect. Chemical modifications and genetic manipulations of SOD and catalase have been proposed in order to provide more effective delivery to endothelium. For example, chimeric protein constructs consisting of SOD and heparin-binding peptides have an affinity for charged components of the endothelial glycocalix. However, the problem of developing a more effective and precise delivery of the drugs to endothelial cells persists. Endothelial surface antigens may be employed to provide targeting and subcellular addressing of drugs (vascular immunotargeting strategy). Thus, SOD and catalase conjugated to antibodies directed against the constitutively expressed endothelial antigens, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 or PECAM-1), bind to endothelium in intact animals after intravascular administration, accumulate in the pulmonary vasculature, enter endothelial cells and augment their antioxidant defenses. Such immunotargeting strategies may provide secondary therapeutic benefits by inhibiting the function of target antigens. For example, blocking of ICAM-1 and PECAM-1 by carrier antibodies may attenuate inflammation and leukocyte-mediated vascular damage. Additional studies in animal models of vascular oxidative stress are necessary in order to more fully characterize potential therapeutic effects and limitations of targeting of antioxidant enzymes to endothelial cells.

Delivery of antioxidant enzyme proteins to the lung

Protection of alveolar epithelial cells (alveolocytes) and vascular endothelial cells against pulmonary oxidative stress is an important problem. An inadequate delivery to the target cells limits the protective utility of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. SOD and catalase modifications, such as coupling with polyethylene glycol and encapsulation in liposomes, prolong the life span of the active enzymes in vivo. The airway administration of SOD and catalase protects alveolocytes against hyperoxic oxidative stress. Although pulmonary endothelium is poorly accessible from the airways, it is accessible from circulation. However, antioxidant enzymes and their derivatives display poor targeting to pulmonary endothelium. To improve the targeting and provide intracellular delivery to endothelium, the enzymes can be conjugated with antibodies against endothelial antigens, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme and adhesion molecules [intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) or platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1)]. These immunoconjugates accumulate in the pulmonary vasculature in intact animals, enter endothelium, and augment the antioxidant defenses. The immunoconjugates directed against ICAM-1 and PECAM-1 may also provide a secondary therapeutic benefit by blocking of sequestration and infiltration of leukocytes in the lungs. Further investigations are necessary to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of the vascular immunotargeting of antioxidant enzymes and solve technical problems associated with production of safe, clinically useful conjugates.

Cell-selective intracellular delivery of a foreign enzyme to endothelium in vivo using vascular immunotargeting

Vascular immunotargeting, the administration of drugs conjugated with antibodies to endothelial surface antigens, has the potential for drug delivery to the endothelium. Our previous cell culture studies showed that biotinylated antibodies to PECAM-1 (a highly expressed endothelial surface antigen) coupled with streptavidin (SA, a cross-linking protein that facilitates anti-PECAM internalization and targeting) may provide a carrier for the intracellular delivery of therapeutic enzymes. This paper describes the PECAM-directed vascular immunotargeting of a reporter enzyme (beta-galactosidase, beta-Gal) in intact animals. Intravenous injection of [125I]SA-beta-Gal conjugated with either anti-PECAM or IgG led to a high 125I uptake in liver and spleen, yet beta-Gal activity in these organs rapidly declined to the background levels, suggesting rapid degradation of the conjugates. In contrast, anti-PECAM/[125I]SA-beta-Gal, but not IgG/[125I]SA-beta-Gal, accumulated in the lungs (36.0+/-1.3 vs. 3.9+/-0.6% injected dose/g) and induced a marked elevation of beta-Gal activity in the lung tissue persisting for up to 8 h after injection (10-fold elevation 4 h postinjection). Using histochemical detection, the beta-Gal activity in the lungs was detected in the endothelial cells of capillaries and large vessels. The anti-PECAM carrier also provided 125I uptake and beta-Gal activity in the renal glomeruli. Predominant intracellular localization of anti-PECAM/SA-beta-Gal was documented in the PECAM-expressing cells in culture by confocal microscopy and in the pulmonary endothelium by electron microscopy. Therefore, vascular immunotargeting is a feasible strategy for cell-selective, intracellular delivery of an active foreign enzyme to endothelial cells in vivo, and thus may be potentially useful for the treatment of acute pulmonary or vascular diseases.

Urokinase mediates fibrinolysis in the pulmonary microvasculature

The role of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR) in fibrinolysis remains unsettled. The contribution of uPA may depend on the vascular location, the physical properties of the clot, and its impact on tissue function. To study the contribution of urokinase within the pulmonary microvasculature, a model of pulmonary microembolism in the mouse was developed. Iodine 125 ((125)I)-labeled fibrin microparticles injected intravenously through the tail vein lodged preferentially in the lung, distributing homogeneously throughout the lobes. Clearance of (125)I-microemboli in wild type mice was rapid and essentially complete by 5 hours. In contrast, uPA(-/-) and tissue-type plasminogen activator tPA(-/-) mice, but not uPAR(-/-) mice, showed a marked impairment in pulmonary fibrinolysis throughout the experimental period. The phenotype in the uPA(-/-) mouse was rescued completely by infusion of single chain uPA (scuPA). The increment in clot lysis was 4-fold greater in uPA(-/-) mice infused with the same concentration of scuPA complexed with soluble recombinant uPAR. These data indicate that uPA contributes to endogenous fibrinolysis in the pulmonary vasculature to the same extent as tPA in this model system. Binding of scuPA to its receptor promotes fibrinolytic activity in vivo as well as in vitro. The physical properties of fibrin clots, including size, age, and cellular composition, as well as heterogeneity in endothelial cell function, may modify the participation of uPA in endogenous fibrinolysis. (Blood. 2000;96:1820-1826)

Immunotargeting of glucose oxidase to endothelium in vivo causes oxidative vascular injury in the lungs

Vascular immunotargeting is a novel approach for site-selective drug delivery to endothelium. To validate the strategy, we conjugated glucose oxidase (GOX) via streptavidin with antibodies to the endothelial cell surface antigen platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM). Previous work documented that 1) anti-PECAM-streptavidin carrier accumulates in the lungs after intravenous injection in animals and 2) anti-PECAM-GOX binds to, enters, and kills endothelium via intracellular H(2)O(2) generation in cell culture. In the present work, we studied the targeting and effect of anti-PECAM-GOX in animals. Anti-PECAM-GOX, but not IgG-GOX, accumulated in the isolated rat lungs, produced H(2)O(2,) and caused endothelial injury manifested by a fourfold elevation of angiotensin-converting enzyme activity in the perfusate. In intact mice, anti-PECAM-GOX accumulated in the lungs (27 +/- 9 vs. 2.4 +/- 0.3% injected dose/g for IgG-GOX) and caused severe lung injury and 95% lethality within hours after intravenous injection. Endothelial disruption and blebbing, elevated lung wet-to-dry ratio, and interstitial and alveolar edema indicated that anti-PECAM-GOX damaged pulmonary endothelium. The vascular injury in the lungs was associated with positive immunostaining for iPF(2alpha)-III isoprostane, a marker for oxidative stress. In contrast, IgG-GOX caused a minor lung injury and little (5%) lethality. Anti-PECAM conjugated with inert proteins induced no death or lung injury. None of the conjugates caused major injury to other internal organs. These results indicate that an immunotargeting strategy can deliver an active enzyme to selected target cells in intact animals. Anti-PECAM-GOX provides a novel model of oxidative injury to the pulmonary endothelium in vivo.

Immunotargeting of glucose oxidase: intracellular production of H(2)O(2) and endothelial oxidative stress

Extracellular and intracellular reactive oxygen species attack different targets and may, therefore, result in different forms of oxidative stress. To specifically study an oxidative stress induced by a regulated intracellular flux of a defined reactive oxygen species in endothelium, we used immunotargeting of the H(2)O(2)-generating enzyme glucose oxidase (GOX) conjugated with an antibody to platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM)-1, an endothelial surface antigen. Anti-PECAM-(125)I-GOX conjugates specifically bind to both endothelial and PECAM-transfected cells. Approximately 70% of cell-bound anti-PECAM-(125)I-GOX was internalized. The cell-bound conjugate was enzymatically active and generated H(2)O(2) from glucose. Use of the fluorescent dye dihydrorhodamine 123 revealed that 70% of H(2)O(2) was generated intracellularly, whereas 30% of H(2)O(2) was detected in the cell medium. Catalase added to the cells eliminated H(2)O(2) in the medium but had little effect on the intracellular generation of H(2)O(2) by anti-PECAM-GOX. Both H(2)O(2) added exogenously to the cell medium (extracellular H(2)O(2)) and that generated by anti-PECAM-GOX caused oxidative stress manifested by time- and dose-dependent irreversible plasma membrane damage. Inactivation of cellular catalase by aminotriazole treatment augmented damage caused by either extracellular H(2)O(2) or anti-PECAM-GOX. Catalase added to the medium protected either normal or aminotriazole-treated cells against extracellular H(2)O(2), yet failed to protect cells against injury induced by anti-PECAM-GOX. Therefore, treatment of PECAM-positive cells with anti-PECAM-GOX leads to conjugate internalization, predominantly intracellular H(2)O(2) generation and intracellular oxidative stress. These results indicate that anti-PECAM-GOX 1) provides cell-specific intracellular delivery of an active enzyme and 2) causes intracellular oxidative stress in PECAM-positive cells.

Streptavidin facilitates internalization and pulmonary targeting of an anti-endothelial cell antibody (platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1): a strategy for vascular immunotargeting of drugs

Conjugation of drugs with antibodies to surface endothelial antigens is a potential strategy for drug delivery to endothelium. We studied antibodies to platelet-endothelial adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1, a stably expressed endothelial antigen) as carriers for vascular immunotargeting. Although 125I-labeled anti-PECAM bound to endothelial cells in culture, the antibody was poorly internalized by the cells and accumulated poorly after intravenous administration in mice and rats. However, conjugation of biotinylated anti-PECAM (b-anti-PECAM) with streptavidin (SA) markedly stimulated uptake and internalization of anti-PECAM by endothelial cells and by cells expressing PECAM. In addition, conjugation with streptavidin markedly stimulated uptake of 125I-labeled b-anti-PECAM in perfused rat lungs and in the lungs of intact animals after either intravenous or intraarterial injection. The antioxidant enzyme catalase conjugated with b-anti-PECAM/SA bound to endothelial cells in culture, entered the cells, escaped intracellular degradation, and protected the cells against H2O2-induced injury. Anti-PECAM/SA/125I-catalase accumulated in the lungs after intravenous injection or in the perfused rat lungs and protected these lungs against H2O2-induced injury. Thus, modification of a poor carrier antibody with biotin and SA provides an approach for facilitation of antibody-mediated drug targeting. Anti-PECAM/SA is a promising candidate for vascular immunotargeting of bioactive drugs.

Immunotargeting of catalase to ACE or ICAM-1 protects perfused rat lungs against oxidative stress

The pulmonary endothelium is susceptible to oxidative insults. Catalase conjugated with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against endothelial surface antigens, angiotensin-converting enzyme (MAb 9B9) or intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (MAb 1A29), accumulates in the lungs after systemic injection in rats (V. Muzykantov, E. Atochina, H. Ischiropoulos, S. Danilov, and A. Fisher. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93: 5213-5218, 1996). The present study characterizes the augmentation of antioxidant defense by these antibody-catalase conjugates in isolated rat lungs perfused for 1 h with catalase conjugated with either MAb 9B9, MAb 1A29, or control mouse IgG. Approximately 20% of the injected dose of Ab-125I-catalase accumulated in the perfused rat lungs (vs. <5% for IgG-125I-catalase). After elimination of nonbound material, the lungs were perfused further for 1 h with 5 mM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). H2O2 induced an elevation in tracheal and pulmonary arterial pressures (126 +/- 7 and 132 +/- 5%, respectively, of the control level), lung wet-to-dry weight ratio (7.1 +/- 0.4 vs. 6.0 +/- 0.01 in the control lungs), and ACE release into the perfusate (436 +/- 20 vs. 75 +/- 7 mU in the control perfusates). Both MAb 9B9-catalase and MAb 1A29-catalase significantly attenuated the H2O2-induced elevation in 1) angiotensin-converting enzyme release to the perfusate (215 +/- 14 and 217 +/- 38 mU, respectively), 2) lung wet-to-dry ratio (6.25 +/- 0.1 and 6.3 +/- 0.3, respectively), 3) tracheal pressure (94 +/- 4 and 101 +/- 4%, respectively, of the control level), and 4) pulmonary arterial pressure (103 +/- 3 and 104 +/- 7%, respectively, of the control level). Nonconjugated catalase, nonconjugated antibodies, nonspecific IgG, and IgG-catalase conjugate had no protective effect, thus confirming the specificity of the effect of MAb-catalase. These results support a strategy of catalase immunotargeting for protection against pulmonary oxidative injury.

Modulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme in cultured human vascular endothelial cells

Previous work has suggested that not all immunoreactive angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in tissues or cells is in a biologically active state. We have explored this possibility in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), one of the most widely studied in vitro endothelial cell systems. Our approach included characterization of the effect of increasing passage number on ACE activity and expression of immunoreactive ACE at the single cell level, the subcellular compartmentalization of active ACE, and the effect of phorbol ester (PMA) treatment. We found that both ACE activity and expression of ACE antigen were downregulated by cultivation (30% of ACE-positive cells at seventh passage vs. 90% in primary culture). ACE downregulation is specific (number of CD31-positive cells did not change with cultivation) and correlated with downregulation of factor VIII-antigen. The percentage of ACE-positive cells in permeabilized HUVEC at third passage was almost twice that in nonpermeabilized HUVEC (90% vs. 50%), indicating that HUVEC contain intracellular immunoreactive ACE. ACE activity, however, was similar when measured in intact cells and in cell lysates. Moreover, diazonium salt of sulfanilic acid (DASA), a membrane-impermeable ACE inhibitor, inhibited ACE activity in intact cells and in cell lysates at the same extent, thus implying that intracellular ACE is inactive. PMA (100 nM) treatment increased the percentage of ACE-positive cells at third passage from 57 to 96%. ACE activity was increased 3-fold in cell and 1.5-fold in the culture medium of PMA-treated cells. Analysis of ACE activity in intact monolayers and cell lysates of control and PMA-treated cells revealed that all enzymatically active ACE in PMA-treated cells is localized on the plasma membrane and acts as an ectoenzyme. We conclude that expression of ACE by HUVEC is downregulated by repeated passage in culture but can be restored by PMA treatment. In addition, ACE expression is heterogeneous between neighboring cells, and total immunoreactive ACE protein associated with HUVEC includes an inactive pool of the enzyme.

Normoxic lung ischemia/reperfusion accelerates shedding of angiotensin converting enzyme from the pulmonary endothelium

Normoxic lung ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) leads to oxidative injury of the pulmonary tissue. We analyzed angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in perfused rat lungs upon I/R in order to assess the endothelial injury produced. I/R led to a time-dependent increase in ACE activity in the perfusate, from 145+/-14 mU to 252+/-1 mU, and to reduction of ACE activity in the lung tissue homogenate, from 29.7+/-2.3 U to 22.7+/-1.7 U. About 80% of ACE activity in control and I/R rat lungs was associated with an aqueous phase of extracted perfusates, thus indicating that I/R accelerates shedding of the hydrophilic form of ACE from the plasma membrane. To specifically assess ACE localized on the luminal surface of the pulmonary endothelium, we perfused rat lungs with a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody (mAb) to ACE (anti-ACE mAb 9B9). Pulmonary uptake of mAb 9B9 with I/R was reduced from 32.1+/-1.7% to 24.8+/-0.9%. In contrast, I/R led to a marked increase in the pulmonary uptake of nonspecific [125I]IgG, from 0.17+/-0.02% to 0.67+/-0.04%. Lung wet weight was equal to 0.78+/-0.08% of body weight in the I/R group versus 0.57+/-0.02% at the control level. The observed increase in [125I]IgG uptake and wet lung weight indicate that I/R causes an increase in lung vascular permeability. These results indicate that normoxic lung I/R induces injury to the pulmonary vascular endothelium.

Conjugation of catalase to a carrier antibody via a streptavidin-biotin cross-linker

Targeting of catalase could be useful in antioxidative protection of cells challenged with H2O2. In the present study we conjugated catalase to a carrier model antibody using a biotin-streptavidin (SA) cross-linker and characterized the functional activity of the conjugate. Neither biotinylation nor conjugation with SA decreased the enzymic activity of catalase. Further coupling of radiolabelled biotinylated catalase (b-catalase) to biotinylated antibody (b-Ab) via SA using a two-step conjugation procedure did not change enzymic activity of b-catalase. b-Ab-SA-b-catalase specifically bound to antigen-coated plastic wells, but not to albumin-coated plastic wells. Substitution of b-Ab with control biotinylated IgG (b-IgG) abrogated binding of the catalase to the antigen. H2O2 was degraded in antigen-coated wells preincubated with b-Ab-SA-b-catalase, but not with b-IgG-SA-b-catalase. Thus b-Ab-SA-b-catalase specifically binds to immobilized antigen and degrades H2O2 after binding to the target. The methodology described in the present paper may be useful for the development of a novel strategy for antioxidant therapy.

Effects of chronic arterial hypertension on constitutive and induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression in vivo

Recent reports indicate that bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide) and cytokines elicit a more profound increase in the surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in cultured endothelial cells derived from spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) versus normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Our objective in this study was to characterize and compare in vivo ICAM-1 expression in SHR and WKY under basal conditions and after 5 hours of endothelial cell activation with either lipopolysaccharide (5 mg/kg i.p.) or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha; 1, 5, and 10 micrograms/kg i.p.). ICAM-1 expression was quantified in different tissues by the double-radiolabeled monoclonal antibody technique. When constitutive (baseline) ICAM-1 expression was corrected for endothelial cell surface area, significantly higher values were noted in SHR than WKY but only in splanchnic organs. Lipopolysaccharide and TNF-alpha elicited significant increases in ICAM-1 expression in all tissues of both WKY and SHR. However, the magnitude of the lipopolysaccharide-induced ICAM-1 upregulation in heart, stomach, skeletal muscle, and brain was significantly lower in SHR than WKY. A similar blunted ICAM-1 upregulation was noted in the stomach of SHR after administration of 5 micrograms/kg TNF-alpha. The differences in induced ICAM-1 expression between SHR and WKY do not appear to be due to differences in endothelial cell surface area or plasma glucocorticoid levels. These results suggest that chronic arterial hypertension results in altered ICAM-1 expression on the endothelium, which may contribute to the abnormal inflammatory responses associated with this disease.

Targeting of antibody-conjugated plasminogen activators to the pulmonary vasculature

Thrombolytic therapy has not been widely used for pulmonary embolism due to less than optimal results with conventional plasminogen activators. We propose a new approach to deliver plasminogen activators to the luminal surface of the pulmonary vasculature to potentially improve dissolution of pulmonary thromboemboli. Our previous studies have documented that a monoclonal antibody (mAb) to angiotensin-converting enzyme (anti-angiotensin-converting enzyme mAb 9B9) accumulates in the lungs of various animal species after systemic administration. We coupled 125I-labeled biotinylated plasminogen activators (single-chain urokinase plasminogen activator, tissue-type plasminogen activator and streptokinase) to biotinylated mAb 9B9, using streptavidin as a cross-linker. The fibrinolytic activity of plasminogen activators was not changed significantly by either biotinylation or by coupling to streptavidin. Antibody-conjugated plasminogen activators bind to the antigen immobilized in plastic wells and provide lysis of fibrin clots formed in these wells. Therefore, antibody-conjugated plasminogen activators bound to their target antigen retain their capacity to activate plasminogen. One hour after i.v. injection of mAb 9B9-conjugated radiolabeled biotinylated single-chain urokinase plasminogen activator, biotinylated tissue-type plasminogen activator or biotinylated-streptokinase in rats, the level of radiolabel was 7.4 +/- 0.8, 5.9 +/- 0.4 and 3.6 +/- 0.4% of injected dose/g (ID/g) of lung tissue vs. 0.5 +/- 0.01, 0.3 +/- 0.01 and 0.6 +/- 0.3% ID/g after injection of the same activators conjugated with control mouse IgG (P < .01 in all cases). Injection of mAb 9B9-conjugated radiolabeled plasminogen activator led to its rapid pulmonary uptake with a peak value 6.2 +/- 1.2% ID/g attained 3 hr after injection. One day later, 2.2 +/- 0.5% of the injected radioactivity was found per gram of lung tissue, although the blood level was 0.13 +/- 0.03% ID/g (lung/blood ratio 16.7 +/- 0.3). Therefore, conjugation of plasminogen activators with anti-angiotensin-converting enzyme mAb 9B9 provides their specific targeting to and prolonged association with the pulmonary vasculature. These results provide a basis for study of the local pulmonary fibrinolysis by mAb 9B9-conjugated plasminogen activators.

Regulation of the complement-mediated elimination of red blood cells modified with biotin and streptavidin

Red blood cells (RBC) modified with biotin and streptavidin (SA) present an interesting potential drug delivery system. Biotinylation and SA attachment, however, alter the biocompatibility of RBC. We have reported that polyvalent SA attachment induces lysis of biotinylated RBC (b-RBC) by homologous complement via the alternative pathway. Lysis occurs due to inactivation of the membrane regulators of complement, DAF and CD59, cross-linked by SA. However, monovalent SA attachment does not induce lysis. On the basis of these findings we hypothesized that reduction of the biotin surface density on b-RBC would allow for monovalent SA attachment to b-RBC and that such SA/b-RBC should then be stable in the circulation. In the present work we injected into rats several different radiolabeled RBC probes: rat RBC biotinylated to varying degrees (bn-RBC, where bn represents the input micromolar concentration of biotinylating agent), as well as SA/bn-RBC. Extensively biotinylated rat RBC (b700-RBC, stable in serum in vitro) were rapidly cleared from the bloodstream. We further found that extensively biotinylated human b1000-RBC bound C3b from serum in vitro without detectable lysis, and that rat b700-RBC bound to isolated macrophages in a complement-dependent fashion. Therefore, nonlytic C3b flxation and uptake of C3b-carrying b700-RBC by macrophages appears to be the mechanism leading to clearance of b700-RBC in vivo. Moderately biotinylated RBC (b70-RBC and b240-RBC) were stable in serum in vitro. SA attachment to b240-RBC led to their rapid lysis in serum in vitro, lysis in the bloodstream, and clearance by the liver and spleen. SA attachment to b70-RBC led to fast elimination of SA/b70-RBC from the bloodstream, while in vitro SA/ b70-RBC were stable in serum. Modestly biotinylated RBC (b22-RBC) demonstrated only marginally decreased 60-min survival in the bloodstream regardless of SA attachment. Our in vitro studies indicate that b23-RBC bound approximately 10(5) SA molecules per cell, and the resulting SA/b23-RBC bound 5 x 10(4) molecules of biotinylated IgG (b-IgG) per cell. About 60% of the injected dose of b-IgG/SA/b23-RBC labeled with 51Cr was detected in the rat blood cells 1 day after iv injection. To assess whether b-IgG/SA/b23-RBC circulate in the bloodstream as a stable complex, we have injected 125I-labeled b-IgG/ SA/51Cr-labeled b23-RBC in rats. Up to 60 min after injection, both radiolabels display similar level in bloodstream. Up to 3 h after injection, about 70% of 125I was detected in the blood cells. In contrast, 100% of 125I was detected in plasma after injection of nonconjugated 125I-labeled b-IgG. Thus, major portion of SA/b23-RBC-attached b-IgG circulates as a complex with RBC. About 30% of RBC-bound b-IgG undergoes detachment from the carrier b-RBC, probably in the pulmonary capillaries, because lung level of 125I was twice as high as that of 51Cr. Therefore, the surface density of biotin on the b-RBC membrane appears to play a key role in regulating complement-mediated clearance of bn-RBC and SA/bn-RBC from the bloodstream. Modest biotinylation generates b-IgG/SA/b23-RBC circulating for several hours as stable immunoerythrocytes without detectable lysis or marked elimination, and it may be possible to use these RBC in a drug delivery system.

Attachment of antibody to biotinylated red blood cells: immuno-red blood cells display high affinity to immobilized antigen and normal biodistribution in rats

Streptavidin-mediated attachment of biotinylated antibodies (b-Ab) to biotinylated red blood cells (b-RBC) is useful for preparation of immuno-red blood cells, a prospective vehicle for drug targeting. However, streptavidin (SA) induces lysis of extensively biotinylated RBC by complement due to cross-linking and inactivation of RBC complement regulators. To reduce cross-linking of RBC membrane proteins, we utilized mild biotinylation of RBC with 20 microM biotin ester (b20-RBC). SA effectively binds to rat b20-RBC (10(5) SA molecules/cell) and provides for following attachment of 5 x 10(4) molecules of b-IgG/SA per b20-RBC. By in vitro assay, b-Ab/SA/b20-RBC were stable in fresh rat serum. Serum-stable immuno-red blood cells (b-Ab/SA/b20-RBC) specifically bound to antigen-coated surfaces, but not to BSA-coated surfaces. Biodistribution of 51Cr-labelled b-Ab/SA/b20-RBC in rats was similar to that of control RBC, with no indication of lysis in vivo. These results suggest b-Ab/SA/b20-RBC may be explored as a vehicle for drug targeting.

Immunotargeting of antioxidant enzyme to the pulmonary endothelium

Oxidative injury to the pulmonary endothelium has pathological significance for a spectrum of diseases. Administration of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (Cat), has been proposed as a method to protect endothelium. However, neither these enzymes nor their derivatives possess specific affinity to endothelium and do not accumulate in the lung. Previously we have described a monoclonal antibody to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) that accumulates selectively in the lung after systemic injection in rats, hamsters, cats, monkeys, and humans. In the present work we describe a system for selective intrapulmonary delivery of CuZn-SOD and Cat conjugated with biotinylated anti-ACE antibody mAb 9B9 (b-mAb 9B9) by a streptavidin (SA)-biotin bridge. Both enzymes biotinylated with biotin ester at biotin/enzyme ratio 20 retain enzymatic activity and bind SA without loss of activity. We have constructed tri-molecular heteropolymer complexes consisting of b-mAb 9B9, SA, and biotinylated SOD or biotinylated Cat and have studied biodistribution and pulmonary uptake of these complexes in the rat after i.v. injection. Biodistribution of biotinylated enzymes was similar to that of nonmodified enzymes. Binding of SA markedly prolonged lifetime of biotinylated enzymes in the circulation. In contrast to enzymes conjugated with nonspecific IgG, other enzyme derivatives, and nonmodified enzymes, biotinylated enzymes conjugated with b-mAb 9B9 accumulated specifically in the rat lung (9% of injected SOD/g of lung tissue and 7.5% of injected Cat/g of lung tissue). Pulmonary uptake of nonmodified enzymes or derivatives with nonspecific IgG did not exceed 0.5% of injected dose/g. Both SOD and Cat conjugated with b-mAb 9B9 were retained in the rat lung for at least several hours. Trichloracetic acid-precipitable radiolabeled Cat was associated with microsomal and plasma membrane fractions of the lung tissue homogenate. Thus, modification of antioxidant enzymes with biotin and SA-mediated conjugation with b-mAb 9B9 prolongs the circulation of enzymes resulting in selective accumulation in the lung and intracellular delivery of enzymes to the pulmonary endothelium. These results provide the background for an approach to provide protection of pulmonary endothelium against oxidative insults.

Endothelial cells internalize monoclonal antibody to angiotensin-converting enzyme

We investigated the fate of MAb 9B9, a monoclonal antibody to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which binds to endothelium both in vitro and in vivo. Using cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and isolated perfused rat lungs (IPL), we demonstrated specific and saturable binding of 125I-labeled MAb 9B9 at 4 degrees C [affinity constant (Kd) = 20-50 nM, maximal number of binding sites (Bmax) = 1.5-3.0 x 10(5) sites/cell]. When 125I-MAb 9B9 was bound to HUVEC at 37 degrees C, only 40% of cell-associated radioactivity was acid elutable, suggesting antibody internalization. This was confirmed by finding that 1) the amount of MAb 9B9 uptake at 37 degrees C was higher than at 4 degrees C both in HUVEC and IPL; 2) binding of 125I-labeled streptavidin with HUVEC and IPL pretreated with biotinylated MAb 9B9 (b-MAb 9B9) was diminished in a temperature- and time-dependent fashion at 37 degrees C; and 3) b-MAb 9B9 bound to HUVEC at 37 degrees C was found intracellularly by ultrastructural analysis using streptavidin gold. Intracellular 125I-MAb 9B9 was found in microsomal fractions of lung homogenate from IPL and after intravenous (iv) injections in rats. Degradation of internalized MAb 9B9 was minimal, since > 90% of cell-associated 125I label remained precipitable by trichloracetic acid in HUVEC, IPL, and in vivo. Autoradiography of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of lung homogenates made as late as several days after iv injections of 125I-MAb 9B9 in rats demonstrated a predominant band above 140 kDa. These data indicate that endothelial cells either in vitro or in vivo internalize the ACE ligand MAb 9B9 without significant intracellular degradation. Therefore MAb 9B9 may be useful for selective intracellular delivery of drugs to the pulmonary vascular endothelium after systemic administration.

Target-sensitive immunoerythrocytes: interaction of biotinylated red blood cells with immobilized avidin induces their lysis by complement

Red blood cells (RBC) coated with antibody (immunoerythrocytes) may be useful for drug targeting. Previously we have developed a methodology for avidin (streptavidin)-mediated attachment of biotinylated antibodies (b-Ab) to biotinylated RBC (B-RBC). We have observed that binding of avidin to B-RBC in suspension leads to their complement-mediated lysis by autologous serum. In the present work we have studied the interaction of B-RBC, which are not complement susceptible, with immobilized avidin and their consequent susceptibility to lysis by complement. B-RBC adhered tightly to avidin-coated surfaces and were rendered susceptible to lysis by autologous serum. A long biotin ester provided more effective binding of the B-RBC to immobilized avidin and greater lysis by complement, than a short biotin ester. Based on these results, we have hypothesized that targeting of serum-stable drug-loaded B-RBC attained by step-wise administration of b-Ab and streptavidin may provide target-sensitive lysis of B-RBC. To confirm this hypothesis, we have studied b-Ab and streptavidin mediated targeting of B-RBC to immobilized antigen. Step-wise addition of biotinylated antibody, avidin or streptavidin and b-RBC caused specific binding of B-RBC to immobilized antigen and their subsequent lysis by autologous serum. Therefore, our results obtained in an in vitro model demonstrate that B-RBC might be used for targeting and local release of drug.

Portal hypertension enhances endotoxin-induced intercellular adhesion molecule 1 up-regulation in the rat

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Liver disease or portosystemic shunting enhances th e sensitivity to endotoxin. The aim of this study was to investigate whether intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression in response to endotoxin may be dysregulated in an animal model of portal hypertension.

METHODS

Portal hypertension was induced by partial portal vein ligation. Sham-operated animals served as controls. ICAM-1 expression was measured using radiolabeled antibodies under baseline conditions or 5 hours after treatment with either endotoxin or recombinant tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Immunoreactive plasma TNF was also measured.

RESULTS

Under baseline conditions, ICAM-1 expression in all organs studied was similar in portal-hypertensive and sham-operated rats. ICAM-1 up-regulation after a high dose of endotoxin (5 mg/kg) was similar in both groups of animals. However, portal-hypertensive animals showed a significantly higher ICAM-1 expression in response to low doses of endotoxin (0.1-10 microgram/kg). The response to a low (but not a high) dose of recombinant TNF was also significantly enhanced in portal-hypertensive animals. In addition, portal-hypertensive rats had higher plasma TNF levels after treatment with endotoxin or recombinant TNF.

CONCLUSIONS

Portal hypertension induces an exaggerated ICAM-1 up-regulation in response to endotoxin, which is related to an increased production and decreased clearance of the cytokine.

Enhanced complement susceptibility of avidin-biotin-treated human erythrocytes is a consequence of neutralization of the complement regulators CD59 and decay accelerating factor

Biotinylation of erythrocytes (E) followed by avidin cross-linking at specific sites has been suggested as a novel means of drug delivery. Upon avidin cross-linking, biotinylated E become complement-activating and highly susceptible to complement lysis, thus bringing about release of entrapped drug. We set out to examine the mechanisms of this biotin-avidin-induced lytic susceptibility, focusing on the effects of biotinylation and avidin cross-linking on the major E complement regulatory molecules, decay accelerating factor (DAF) and CD59. We demonstrate here that biotinylation of E, which does not render them complement activating, partially inhibits DAF but has little effect on CD59. Subsequent cross-linking with avidin causes complete inhibition of DAF and near complete loss of CD59 activity. Following cross-linking, DAF and CD59 become associated in high molecular mass avidin-containing complexes on the membrane. Incorporation of physiological amounts of CD59 into the membranes of biotinylated and avidin cross-linked E is sufficient to render these cells resistant to complement lysis whereas incorporation of DAF has relatively little effect. An understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying complement susceptibility of biotin-avidin treated E should allow a rational design of strategies for drug delivery using E or other large, potentially complement-activating carriers.

The functional effects of biotinylation of anti-angiotensin-converting enzyme monoclonal antibody in terms of targeting in vivo

The effect of modification with biotin N-hydroxysuccinimide ester of mouse monoclonal antibody to angiotensin-converting enzyme, anti-ACE Mab 9B9, on its targeting to endothelial cells has been studied in vitro and in vivo. By in vitro assay, Mab 9B9 biotinylated at a biotin/IgG molar ratio in reaction mixture (B/IgG ratio) of 0.7-2.2 bound streptavidin monovalently and retained antigen-binding capacity. Mab 9B9 biotinylated at a B/IgG ratio of 20 and higher bound streptavidin polyvalently. Extensive biotinylation (B/IgG ratio of 60 and higher) led to dramatic reduction of Mab 9B9 Ag-binding capacity and to reduction of Mab 9B9 recognition by goat polyclonal antibody to mouse IgG. Radiolabeled Mab 9B9 biotinylated at a B/IgG ratio of 6 (b6-Mab 9B9) bound effectively to cultured vascular endothelium, with affinity characteristics similar to nonbiotinylated Mab 9B9. Endothelial cells internalized both Mab 9B9 and b6-Mab 9B9 to the same extent (60% internalization at 3 h incubation at 37 degrees C). Degradation of cell surface-associated Mab 9B9 or b6-Mab 9B9 was very low (< 1% as measured by TCA solubility of radiolabel). In contrast, degradation of internalized b6-Mab 9B9 was more profound than that of Mab 9B9 (20 +/- 3% vs 6 +/- 1%, P < 0.01). After injection in rats, radiolabeled b6-Mab 9B9 had a biodistribution pattern similar to that of radiolabeled Mab 9B9. Both preparations effectively accumulated in the lung (15-20% of injected dose/g of tissue vs 2% of injected dose/g of blood).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Attachment of biotinylated antibody to red blood cells: antigen-binding capacity of immunoerythrocytes and their susceptibility to lysis by complement

A biotinylated monoclonal antibody (mAb) to human IgM (b-anti-IgM) has been attached to human red blood cells (RBC) by two different approaches. The first method is performed with biotinylated RBC (b-RBC) and involves stepwise binding of streptavidin (SA) to b-RBC followed by addition and binding of specific b-anti-IgM or b-IgG. b-RBC were prepared with differing input levels of biotin N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (BNHS). At moderate BNHS levels (100 microM) the resulting b-RBC (designated b4-RBC) bound 50,000 molecules of b-IgG after treatment with SA. However, at high BNHS levels (> 1000 microM) the resulting b-RBC bound b-IgG poorly, presumably due to multivalent binding of each SA to several biotins in close proximity on the RBC. b-RBC prepared at high BNHS inputs (but not b4-RBC) were lysed by serum plus SA. Stepwise attachment of b-anti-IgM to SA-coated b4-RBC allows binding of up to 6 x 10(4) molecules of b-anti-IgM/RBC. The second method is based on attachment of b-anti-IgM to RBC via CR1, the primate RBC complement receptor. The SA-biotin system is used to prepare bi-specific mAb complexes (heteropolymers) in which a biotinylated mAb to CR1 is cross-linked with b-anti-IgM via SA. Binding of these heteropolymers to RBC via CR1 is specific and saturable and can facilitate binding of up to 2500 molecules of b-anti-IgM/RBC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Immunotargeting of streptavidin to the pulmonary endothelium

We have observed previously that monoclonal antibody to angiotensin-converting enzyme (Mab 9B9) accumulates selectively in the lung after intravenous injection. The objective of the present work is the development of a universal system for targeting of drug or radiolabel to the lung, using biotinylated Mab 9B9 and streptavidin.

METHODS

Mab 9B9 was biotinylated with biotin succinimide ester (b-Mab 9B9), while streptavidin (SA) was radiolabeled with 125I. Interaction between b-Mab 9B9 and SA has been estimated in solid-phase radioassay. Radiolabeled SA was conjugated with b-Mab 9B9 or with b-IgG and injected intravenously in rats or perfused in isolated rat lungs.

RESULTS

Radiolabeled b-Mab 9B9 biotinylated at biotin-to-antibody molar ratio 10 (b-Mab 9B9) retains its ability to accumulate in rat lungs after intravenous injection. Radiolabeled SA conjugated with b-Mab 9B9 accumulates in the lung tissue in perfused isolated rat lungs. About 20% of injected SA accumulates in the rat lung 1 hr after intravenous injection (localization ratio is 20, immunospecificity of the conjugate pulmonary uptake is 70). As compared with conjugate injection, stepwise intravenous injection of b-Mab 9B9 and radiolabeled SA leads to a marked reduction of SA pulmonary uptake. Maximal pulmonary uptake of Mab 9B9 has been observed 2-3 hr after intravenous injection, while 24 hr later, radioactivity in the lung was markedly reduced. In contrast to radiolabeled Mab 9B9 alone, radiolabeled SA conjugated with b-Mab 9B9 was retained in the lung for at least 48 hr. In concert with effective blood clearance of the conjugate, its prolonged lung retention leads to a marked increase in its lung-to-blood ratio: 80 for SA-b-Mab 9B9 versus 15-20 for Mab 9B9.

CONCLUSION

Conjugation of Mab 9B9 with streptavidin enhances selective pulmonary uptake of the preparation, providing a background for intrapulmonary immunotargeting of various biotinylated agents.

Interaction of mAb to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) with antigen in vitro and in vivo: antibody targeting to the lung induces ACE antigenic modulation

We previously described that mAb to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), mAb 9B9, accumulates in the rat lungs after systemic injection. In the present work we have documented that mAb 9B9 cross-reacts with human, monkey, rat, cat and hamster ACE, while other ACE antibodies did not cross-react with the rat, cat and hamster enzyme. Anti-ACE mAb 3A5 and I2H5 inhibit human ACE in vitro, while mAb 9B9 does not inhibit ACE activity. Radiolabeled mAb 9B9, but not other antibodies, accumulates selectively in rat, cat and hamster lungs after systemic administration. No accumulation of mAb 9B9 has been observed in hamster kidney, while hamster kidney ACE activity is higher than that in the lung. mAb 9B9 does not induce complement-mediated injury to cultured endothelial cells. No pathological changes were detected in organs of animals after mAb 9B9 injection (10-100 mg/kg). However, injection of these amounts of mAb 9B9 leads to a decrease in ACE activity in the lung homogenates and an increase in serum. In cultured human endothelial cells treatment with mAb 9B9 increases ACE activity in cell medium and decreases in cell lysates. Therefore, while mAb 9B9 does not kill endothelial cells, at high dose it may induce ACE shedding from the cell. The results obtained support the potential of anti-ACE mAb 9B9 for targeting to the lung and for investigations of the pulmonary endothelium.

Interaction of avidin-carrying red blood cells with nucleated cells

In vivo application of red blood cells (RBC) modified with avidin-biotin complex has been suggested recently for various purposes. However, avidin attachment to RBC alters their biocompatibility. Thus, it has been described that avidin-carrying biotinylated RBC were lysed by the complement. In the present work interaction between avidin-carrying RBC and nucleated cells has been examined. It was found that attachment of avidin, but not streptavidin, to RBC led to binding of avidin-carrying RBC to nucleated cells. Adhesiveness of nucleated cells for avidin-carrying RBC varied for different types of nucleated cells. The strongest adhesion was observed with human fibroblasts and rat Kupffer cells, while rat liver endothelial cells were practically non-adhesive for avidin-carrying RBC of corresponding species. In contrast with avidin (streptavidin)-induced lysis by the complement, avidin-induced adhesion was independent of temperature, the presence of divalent ions and mode of avidin attachment. Polyanions (dextran sulphate and heparin) efficiently inhibited the adhesion presumably due to interaction with the membrane-bound avidin. Polyanions to a much lesser extent inhibited lysis of avidin-carrying RBC, which might be a result of their interaction with the complement components. Polycations also blocked adhesion of avidin-carrying RBC to nucleated cells, presumably due to interaction with negatively charged cell-surface components. Therefore, attachment of avidin to RBC alters their biocompatibility, due to both high positive charge of avidin and the cross-linking of biotinylated membrane proteins.

[Tannin-mediated attachment of avidin to erythrocytes does not cause their lysis by complement]

It was shown previously that avidin attachment to biotinylated erythrocytes induced their lysis by a homologous complement via an alternative pathway. This phenomenon hindered the use of avidin-coated immuno-erythrocytes as carriers for drug targeting. In the present work it has been demonstrated that avidin attachment to erythrocytes via a cross-linking reagent (tannin) does not induce any lysis by the complement. Tannization provides an attachment of up to 5 x 10(5) avidin molecules per erythrocyte which is commensurate with the value obtained after treatment with biotin esters. However, in contrast with biotinylated avidin-coated erythrocytes tannized cells are not lysed by the complement, while tannization itself does not diminish the erythrocyte sensitivity to lysis by the complement in the presence of activators (hemolytic antibody or activators of the alternative pathway). The avidin-induced lysis by the complement depends on the mode of avidin attachment to erythrocytes. Complement-resistant avidin-coated tannized erythrocytes bind biotinylated immunoglobulins and may therefore be used as carriers for drug targeting. The use of hemolytic antibody in biotinylated immunoglobulins attached to avidin-coated erythrocytes provides their controlled lysis by a complement activated via a classical pathway.

Avidin attachment to biotinylated human neutrophils induces generation of superoxide anion

The influence of biotinylation and subsequent attachment of avidin on generation of superoxide anion by human neutrophils was studied. Biotinylation of human neutrophils with succinimide ester of biotin does not reduce superoxide generation in response to activation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and formyl peptide (FMLP). Addition of avidin to biotinylated, but not native, leukocytes induces generation of superoxide anion. The kinetics and level of superoxide generation by biotinylated neutrophils in response to addition of avidin were quite similar to those in response to activation with FMLP. The avidin sugar moiety and charge were not involved in superoxide generation, since streptavidin was also active. Both avidin- and PMA-induced superoxide generation were independent of the extracellular calcium, while FMLP-induced superoxide generation was dependent on the presence of calcium in solution. Therefore, interaction of avidin with biotinylated components of the neutrophil membrane alters functional activity of this cell and might induce 'activation-like' reaction of leukocytes.

Avidin attachment to biotinylated amino groups of the erythrocyte membrane eliminates homologous restriction of both classical and alternative pathways of the complement

Lysis of avidin-coated biotinylated sheep red blood cells (RBC) via the classical pathway of homologous (sheep) and heterologous (guinea pig) complement has been studied. The minimal surface density of avidin inducing antibody-dependent lysis via the classical pathway is smaller than that inducing antibody-independent lysis via the alternative pathway. Heterologous lysis via the classical pathway does not depend on the mode of avidin attachment: both biotinylation of membrane amino groups and insertion of biotinyl-lipid into the membrane provide the same lysis of avidin-coated RBCs by guinea pig serum in the presence of anti-avidin antibody. Avidin-free sheep RBC sensitized with hemolytic anti-RBC antibody were lysed by guinea pig, but not by sheep serum, confirming high efficiency of homologous restriction of the complement. However, avidin-coated RBCs were lysed by homologous serum in the presence of anti-avidin antibody at low surface density of avidin attached. The elimination of the homologous restriction depends on the mode of avidin attachment: biotinylation of membrane amino groups provides antibody-mediated lysis via the classical pathway of homologous complement, while insertion of biotinyl-lipid does not provide lysis.

Sublethal doses of exogenous hydrogen peroxide prime human neutrophils to formyl peptide

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an oxidative agent important in inflammation and ischemia. Neutrophils (PMNs) are a main source of H2O2 in the inflammatory focus. However, after recruitment into the inflammatory or ischemic zone of the heart, the PMN itself might serve as a target for exogenous H2O2. In the present work we found that PMNs are very resistant to the cytotoxic action of H2O2 (LD50 for PMNs is about 30-50 mM, whereas for endothelial cells it is about 200-300 microM). Unexpectedly, treatment of PMNs by H2O2 at a sublethal dose of 10 mM leads to a subsequent increase in the generation of superoxide anion in response to the chemoattractant peptide FMLP (twofold increase in O2- generation 30 min after treatment by H2O2 as compared with nontreated control cells). H2O2 itself does not induce O2- generation by PMNs. Therefore, any H2O2 that accumulated in the inflammatory or ischemic zone might alter the functional activity of PMNs and prime them to subsequent agonist activation.

Avidin attachment to red blood cells via a phospholipid derivative of biotin provides complement-resistant immunoerythrocytes

Preincubation of red blood cells (RBC) in an aqueous dispersion of biotin-phosphatidylethanolamine (biotin-PE) provides binding sites for avidin on the surface of these cells (up to 5 x 10(5) avidin molecules per cell). Previously we have shown that biotin covalently attached to the surface of RBC by a chemical reaction with biotin N-hydroxysuccinimide ester permits attachment of avidin to these cells, resulting in the activation of the alternative pathway of complement with subsequent cell lysis. However, avidin attached to RBC via biotin-PE did not cause complement activation. This is not due to the stabilizing action of biotin-PE. In contrast, various phospholipids, including biotin-PE, enhance the lysis of RBC induced by hemolytic antibodies via the classical complement pathway. The potential of avidin-coated RBC to act as activators of the complement alternative pathway depends on the method of biotin attachment to RBC. Complement-resistant avidin-coated RBC can specifically bind biotinylated antibodies. These immunoerythrocytes effectively and specifically bind to the antigen-coated surface and are not lysed by complement even in the presence of soluble antigen. These data extend the possible applications of immunoerythrocytes in drug targeting.

Tannin-mediated attachment of avidin provides complement-resistant immunoerythrocytes that can be lysed in the presence of activator of complement

It was shown previously that avidin attachment to biotinylated erythrocytes induces their lysis by homologous complement via the alternative pathway. This phenomenon hinders the use of avidin-coated immunoerythrocytes as carriers for drug targeting. In the present work we demonstrated that attachment of avidin to erythrocytes via the cross-linking agent tannin does not induce their lysis by complement. Tannization allows attachment of about 5 x 10(5) molecules of avidin per erythrocyte, which is comparable to the value obtained after treatment with biotin esters. In contrast to biotinylated avidin-coated erythrocytes, tannized avidin-coated erythrocytes were not lysed by complement. Tannization itself does not reduce the erythrocyte sensitivity to lysis by complement in the presence of activators of the complement (hemolytic antibody or activators of the alternative pathway). Therefore, the avidin-induced lysis by complement depends on the mode of avidin attachment to erythrocyte. Complement-resistant tannized erythrocytes coated with avidin bind biotinylated immunoglobulins (to 7 x 10(4) molecules per cell), suggesting that tannization might be used for the preparation of complement-resistant immunoerythrocytes.

Systemic administration of platelet-activating factor in rat reduces specific pulmonary uptake of circulating monoclonal antibody to angiotensin-converting enzyme

The biodistribution of radiolabeled mouse monoclonal antibody (MoAb) to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and control, nonimmune mouse IgG in platelet activating factor (PAF)-treated rats was studied. The blood level of both preparations was slightly decreased (90% of the control) in PAF-treated rats. Specific pulmonary accumulation of anti-ACE MoAb was reduced to 50% of control in contrast to a doubling in nonspecific pulmonary uptake of non-immune IgG. The changes in anti-ACE MoAb biodistribution were lung-specific and were accompanied by decrease in the pulmonary ACE activity (to 60% of control) and increase in serum ACE activity (to 170% of control). Thus anti-ACE MoAb reveals PAF-induced changes in the status of the pulmonary ACE and therefore can be used for the studies of pathology of the pulmonary endothelium.

Fast lysis by complement and uptake by liver of avidin-carrying biotinylated erythrocytes

The fate of 51Cr-labelled avidin-carrying biotinylated erythrocytes after intravenous injection in the rat was examined. Surface amino groups of the erythrocyte membrane were modified by biotin N-hydroxysuccinimide ester. The biodistribution and stability of biotinylated erythrocytes in the blood were similar to those of non-biotinylated cells. Both types of cells circulated in the bloodstream for prolonged periods of time without substantial lysis (about 2-3% of injected radioactivity per g of blood for 24-48 hours, no more than 2% of lysis). Both types of erythrocytes were cleared by the spleen. The clearance of biotinylated cells was faster and more pronounced (peak of spleen uptake at 3 hours after injection, up to 35% of injected radioactivity per g of spleen), than that of nonbiotinylated cells (peak of spleen uptake at 24 hours after injection, up to 25% of injected radioactivity per g of spleen). Attachment of avidin to biotinylated cells results in extremely rapid lysis and clearance from the bloodstream (0.17% of injected radioactivity per g of blood 30 min after injection, 100% lysis). Radioactivity was rapidly cleared by the liver (up to 80% of injected dose per g of tissue, 70% per organ). Uptake by the spleen plays only a minor role in the clearance. Considerable lung uptake of avidin-carrying biotinylated erythrocytes was observed. Avidin-carrying biotinylated erythrocytes were lysed by fresh homologous serum in vitro in contrast to biotinylated and native cells. Lysis was eliminated by pretreatment of serum with EDTA or heating, which indicates a complement-dependent mechanism of lysis.

Avidin-induced lysis of biotinylated erythrocytes by homologous complement via the alternative pathway depends on avidin's ability of multipoint binding with biotinylated membrane

It was reported that avidin and streptavidin induce lysis of prebiotinylated red blood cells via the alternative pathway of both homologous and heterologous complement. Both of these proteins have four biotin-binding sites, providing a polyvalent interaction with biotinylated components of the erythrocyte membrane. We have compared the effects of mono- and multipoint avidin attachment on the sensitivity of biotinylated erythrocytes to lysis by the complement system. In the presence of anti-avidin antibody, avidin-bearing biotinylated erythrocytes were rapidly lysed by heterologous serum. This lysis was independent from the mode of avidin attachment, implying that complement activation by the classical pathway triggered by interaction between C1 and avidin-bound antibody on the erythrocyte surface is independent from the avidin's ability of polyvalent (multipoint) binding with biotinylated membrane components. In the absence of anti-avidin antibody, biotinylated erythrocytes bearing polyvalently attached avidin were lysed by homologous complement better than cells bearing avidin, which possesses reduced ability for multipoint binding with biotinylated erythrocyte. Two independent approaches to reduce avidin's ability of multipoint binding were used: decrease in surface density of biotin on the erythrocyte membrane and blockage of biotin-binding sites of avidin. Both methods result in reduced lysis of avidin-bearing erythrocytes as compared with erythrocytes bearing an equal amount of polyvalent-bound avidin. Thus the activation of homologous complement via the alternative pathway depends on avidin's ability to 'cross-link' to the biotinylated components of the erythrocyte membrane.

[Bimodal effect of exogenous hydrogen peroxide on human neutrophils: cytotoxic effect and modulation of respiratory burst in response to an agonist]

It has been found that high concentrations of exogenous hydrogen peroxide kill human neutrophils, the range of toxic concentrations being 100 times as high as that for human endothelial cells. Whereas the H2O2 doses of 30-100 mM induce a fast massive death of neutrophils, 10 mM hydrogen peroxide induces appreciable death only within several hours after treatment. H2O2 used at 30 mM decreases superoxide anion generation by neutrophils stimulated with PMA or FMLP. This decrease is commensurate in value with cell death, thus indicating a high functional resistance of survived cells. In the dose of 10 mM hydrogen peroxide potentiates FMLP (but not PMA-)-induced generation of superoxide anions. Augmentation of superoxide anion generation by H2O2-primed neutrophils in response to FMLP amounts to 200% of the control value. Hydrogen peroxide alone is incapable of inducing superoxide anion generation. It is concluded that exogenous oxidants can alter the functional activity of leukocytes freshly recruited in inflammatory and ischemic tissues.

Avidin attachment to biotinylated erythrocytes induces homologous lysis via the alternative pathway of complement

Noncovalent attachment of avidin to the membrane of prebiotinylated red blood cells (RBCs) induces lysis via the alternative pathway of complement (APC). Lysis is not species-dependent; RBCs from humans, rabbits, rats, and sheep were lysed with both autologous and all heterologous sera. Both biotinylated and native cells were not lysed. Lysis was observed at an avidin surface density of about 10(5) molecules per cell. Acylation of avidin prevents lysis and decreases the positive charge of the avidin. Lysis depends on the length of the cross-linking agent used for the biotin attachment to the membrane. An increase in the length of the cross-linking agent was accompanied by an enhancement of the lysis and the agglutination titer of biotinylated RBCs in a solution of avidin. It is suggested that avidin attachment induces some transformations of the cell membrane that lead to the conversion from "APC nonactivator" cells to "APC activator" cells. The interaction of avidin with membrane APC-restrictors (decay-accelerating factors, type 1 receptor for complement, homologous restriction factor, and others), the charge of avidin, and its cross-linking ability in lysis are discussed. It is proposed that membrane rearrangement induced by multipoint avidin attachment to biotinylated membrane is the main reason for avidin-induced elimination of APC restriction.

Streptavidin-induced lysis of homologous biotinylated erythrocytes. Evidence against the key role of the avidin charge in complement activation via the alternative pathway

It is shown that non-covalent attachment of streptavidin, as well as of avidin, to biotinylated human erythrocytes induces homologous hemolysis by complement. Rabbit antiserum against human C3 is found to inhibit the lysis specifically as compared with non-immune rabbit serum. Efficiency of lysis inhibition is greater for avidin- and streptavidin-induced lysis of biotinylated human erythrocytes than for antibody-sensitized sheep erythrocytes. In contrast to positively charged avidin (pI 11), streptavidin is a neutral protein. Hence, hemolysis of streptavidin-carrying erythrocytes is inconsistent with the suggestion on the crucial role of avidin charge in lysis. Membrane alterations (cross-linking and clusterization of biotinylated components) induced by avidin (streptavidin) seem to be a more plausible explanation for the lysis.

Endotoxin reduces specific pulmonary uptake of radiolabeled monoclonal antibody to angiotensin-converting enzyme

The biodistribution of radiolabeled monoclonal antibody (Mab) to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) was examined in normal and endotoxin-treated rats. Endotoxin administration at a dose of 4 mg/kg induced mild or middle pulmonary edema. The ACE activity in lung homogenate remained virtually unchanged, while the activity of serum ACE increased 15 hr after endotoxin infusion. In normal rats, anti-ACE Mab accumulates specifically in the lung after i.v. injection. Endotoxin injection induces reduction of specific pulmonary uptake of this antibody. Even in non-edematous endotoxemia, the accumulation of anti-ACE Mab antibody (Mab 9B9) decreased from 19.02 to 11.91% of ID/g of tissue without any change in accumulation of control nonspecific IgG. The antibody distribution in other organs and its blood level were almost the same as in the control. In a case of endotoxemia accompanied by increased microvascular permeability, the lung accumulation of Mab 9B9 was reduced to 9.17% of ID/g of tissue, while the accumulation of nonspecific IgG increased to 1.44% versus 0.89% in the control.

Lung is the target organ for a monoclonal antibody to angiotensin-converting enzyme

125I-labeled mouse monoclonal antibody (MoAb) to human angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), termed 9B9 and cross-reacting with rat and monkey ACE, when injected into the circulation, accumulates in the lung in up to 10 to 20 greater concentrations than in other organs and blood. That 111In-labeled MoAb 9B9 also accumulates in the lungs of both rats and monkeys very selectively, was clearly revealed by gamma-scintigraphy. Unlike polyclonal anti-ACE antibodies that induce an immunodependent lethal reaction when administered intravenously, MoAb 9B9 was well tolerated by rats even at very high doses (up to 300 mg/kg/body weight). At the same time, the administration of this antibody (which does not inhibit the catalytic activity of ACE) resulted in both a 3-fold decrease of the lung ACE activity and an increase in the activity of serum ACE. The highly organ-specific, nondamaging accumulation of the MoAb 9B9 makes it a promising vector for targeted drug delivery to the lung, for modeling of lung pathology, and for gamma-scintigraphic visualization of the lung vascular bed. We also suggest that MoAb 9B9 accumulation in the lung may serve as a highly sensitive marker of lung vessel damage upon various lung pathology.

[Oxidative inactivation of angiotensin-converting enzyme]

Hydrogen peroxide inactivates the purified human angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in vitro; the inactivating effect of H2O2 is eliminated by an addition of catalase. The lung and kidney ACE are equally sensitive to the effect of hydrogen peroxide. After addition of oxidants (H2O2 alone or H2O2 + ascorbate or H2O2 + Fe2+ mixtures) to the membranes or homogenates of the lung, the inactivation of membrane-bound ACE is far less pronounced despite the large-scale accumulation of lipid peroxidation products. The marked inactivation of ACE in the membrane fraction (up to 55% of original activity) was observed during ACE incubation with a glucose:glucose oxidase:Fe2+ mixture. Presumably the oxidative potential of H2O2 in tissues in consumed, predominantly, for the oxidation of other components of the membrane (e.g., lipids) rather than for ACE inactivation.