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Targeted therapy is an effective and appropriate approach with low side effects in cancer therapy compared with other treatment approaches. Epidermal growth factor receptor, EGFR, is a favorable biomarker as targeted therapy because it overexpresses in several cancers. Monoclonal antibodies are common agents for targeted therapy. Nanobody is the smallest format of monoclonal antibodies with unique properties that include hiding epitope targeting, high stability, low production cost, and ease of connection to other components. The main challenge in targeted therapy by monoclonal antibodies is their immunogenicity due to their non-human nature. In this study, we designed, constructed, and evaluated a novel humanized anti- EGFR biparatopic nanobody, hu7CG2. The hu7CG2 was designed by grafting the complementarity-determining regions of two camelid anti- EGFR nanobodies known as 7C12 and EG2 to a universal scaffold and then connected with a glycine-serine linker. The results of antigen-binding activity and cell viability assays showed that the hu7CG2 inhibited the growth of EGFR overexpression tumor cells. The data showed that hu7CG2 might be a useful tool in the targeting and treatment of tumor cells.

Epitope mapping with synthetic peptides bound to derivatized paper discs has been investigated using the discs both as a solid-phase matrix for peptide synthesis as well as the solid phase in immunologic testing procedures without detachment of the peptides from the paper discs. Using the T bag (tea bag) method the simultaneous synthesis and subsequent immunologic testing of large numbers of peptides was demonstrated for the feline major allergen Fel d I. A total of 15,000 paper disc-bound peptides, comprising the 146 nonapeptides overlapping by eight amino acid residues on both chains, were synthesized simultaneously with 100 paper discs per T bag. Using these paper disc-bound peptides as the solid phase in radioimmunoassays the binding sites found coincided with those detected in the PEP-SCAN with the commercially available epitope mapping kit and with the binding sites that had been found with Sepharose-coupled peptides. The signal to background-ratio in the paper disc-RIA was comparable to that in the PEPSCAN and the reproducibility was good. The bound antibodies could be eluted from the paper disc-bound peptides, permitting regeneration and repeated use of the paper discs for immunologic testing. This method was shown to be a useful alternative to the PEPSCAN and to have the major advantage that large numbers of antibodies could be tested with large numbers of peptides simultaneously.

We describe a sensitive immunological procedure for the detection of specific proteins in total cell extracts and for the comparison of antigenically related polypeptides. Proteins are fractionated in polyacrylamide gels and transferred elect rophoretically to diazophenylthioether paper, to which they bind covalently. Specific proteins are identified by incubation with specific antibody and 125I-labeled protein A from Staphylococcus aureus, followed by autoradiography. High-resolution separation of proteins prior to transfer is achieved bypolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate or by nonequilibrium pH gradient electrophoresis, followed by polyacrylatnide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. Further information can be obtained by limited enzymatic proteolysis of the proteins in the gel following polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate and analysis of the cleavage products by gel electrophoresis at right angles to the first gel. We show the application of this technique to the detection and comparison in extracts from infected cells of proteins related immunologically to the simian virus 40 capsid proteins VP1 and VP3.

A novel technique for establishing short term clones of antigen- or mitogen-activated splenic B lymphocytes is described. Spleen cells are plated onto the surface of filter paper discs and subsequently stimulated by antigen or mitogen in situ; activated B cells proliferate and differentiate into pure colonies of cells analogous to bacterial colonies growing on agar. These colonies of lymphocytes may be characterized in a series of replica hemolytic-plaque, autoradiographic, or immunoenzyme assays making possible a full characterization of the frequency of secreted idiotopes and paratopes and of the cells that produce them. Coloby induction by either antigen or mitogen occurs under idnentical conditions, thus a rigorous comparison between the mitoge-selected and antigen-selected antibody repertoires may be made.

In order to map antigenic domains on the P-protein of morbillivirus, a series of overlapping peptides, representing the P-protein sequences of phocid distemper virus strain 2558/Han88 and canine distemper virus strain Onderstepoort, were synthesized on a paper support by the spot-technique. The reactivity of six monoclonal antibodies with the peptides was tested in an enzyme immunoassay and compared to their reactivity in Western blots and in an ELISA using detergent extracts from virus-infected cells. Three linear determinants could be localized on the P-protein. Two antibody-binding sites were delineated within the C-terminal (between amino acids 307-322 and 382-400, respectively), and a third one was located on the N-terminal part (amino acids 13-31) of the protein. Fine mapping of this binding site revealed that this was a part of an antigenic domain. In Western blots, the monoclonal antibodies reacting with this domain also reacted with a second protein which was possibly the V-protein.

Multiple continuous-flow solid-phase peptide synthesis has been adapted for synthesis of peptides on a cellulose carrier (Whatman 3MM paper). Paper-bound synthetic peptides that represent antigenic determinants of particular proteins detected antibodies against the respective proteins in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The method is applied to the synthesis, and use in site-directed serology, of four peptides derived from the gp41 glycoprotein of HIV, the Epstein-Barr virus-determined nuclear antigen-1 and VCA proteins of the Epstein-Barr virus, and the early region of human papillomavirus type 11.

We describe a rapid and very sensitive method for detecting proteins as antigens after their separation in polyacrylamide/agarose composite gels, with or without sodium dodecyl sulfate. The polyacrylamide matrix is crosslinked with a reagent that can be cleaved with periodate or alkali to facilitate transfer of the protein bands to diazobenzyloxymethyl-paper, where they are coupled covalently. Specific proteins are detected by autoradiography after sequential incubation with unfractionated, unlabeled specific antiserum and 125I-labeled protein A from Staphylococcus aureus. Antibody and protein A can be removed with urea and 2-mercaptoethanol, and the same paper can be probed again with a different antiserum. An antiserum specific for the simian virus 40 virion proteins VP3 and VP2 has been prepared; it does not crossreact with VP1, as demonstrated by this method. An antiserum raised in rabbits against simian virus 40-transformed rabbit kidney cells is shown to be directed primarily against a periodate-sensitive moiety present in tumor (T) antigen from infected or transformed cells, whereas an antiserum raised in rabbits against large T antigen purified from lytically infected monkey kidney cells by electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate [Lane, D.P. & Robbins, A.K. (1978) Virology 87, 182-193] is directed primarily against determinants that are not sensitive to periodate.

To further elucidate the mechanism of action and binding properties of eptinezumab to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), X-ray crystallography, computational alanine scanning, and molecular dynamics were used. X-ray diffraction data were collected to determine the three-dimensional structures of the unbound eptinezumab antigen-binding fragment (Fab) and the Fab:CGRP complex. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to analyze the transition between uncomplexed and complex states. The amidated C-terminus of CGRP was shown to bind in a pocket formed by the Fab heavy and light chains. There was extensive contact between all six complementarity-determining regions (CDRs; composed of light-chain [L1, L2, and L3] and heavy-chain [H1, H2, H3]) of eptinezumab and CGRP. The complex demonstrated a high ligand-binding surface area dominated by aromatic residues. CDR L3 contains a disulfide bond that stabilizes the loop, contributes surface area to the binding pocket, and provides van der Waals contacts. Comparison of the uncomplexed and complex structures revealed motion near the binding cleft. The CDR loops H2 and H3 were displaced ~1.4–2.0 Å and residue H-Tyr33 changed conformation, creating a ‘latch-and-lock’ mechanism for binding CGRP and preventing dissociation. Computational alanine scanning of CGRP identified energetic ‘hot spots’ that contribute to binding energy; mutating these positions to residues in homologous neuropeptides resulted in unfavorable binding energies. The attributes of the Fab region and the conformational changes that occur in eptinezumab during binding to CGRP contribute to the specificity, durability, and strength of the interaction, and likely underlie the rapid and sustained migraine preventive effect observed in clinical studies., Graphical abstract

The viral cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitope peptides presented by classical MHC-I molecules require the assembly of a peptide-MHC-I-β2m (aka pMHC-I) trimolecular complex for TCR recognition, which is the critical activation link for triggering antiviral T cell immunity. Ursidae includes 5 genera and 8 species; however, research on T cell immunology in this family, especially structural immunology, is lacking. In this study, the structure of the key trimolecular complex pMHC-1 (aka pAime-128), which binds a peptide from canine distemper virus, was solved for the first time using giant panda as a representative species of Ursidae. The structural characteristics of the giant panda pMHC-I complex, including the unique pockets in the peptide-binding groove (PBG), were analyzed in detail. Comparing the panda pMHC-I to others in the bear family and extending the comparison to other mammals revealed distinct features. The interaction between MHC-I andβ2m, the features of pAime-128 involved in TCR docking and CD8 binding, the anchor sites in the PBG, and the CTL epitopes of potential viruses that infect pandas were concretely clarified. Unique features of pMHC-I viral antigen presentation in the panda were revealed by solving the three-dimensional structure of pAime-128. The distinct characteristics of pAime-128 indicate an unusual event that emerged during the evolution of the MHC system in the bear family. These results provide a new platform for research on panda CTL immunity and the design of vaccines for application in the bear family.IMPORTANCEUrsidae includes 5 genera and 8 species; however, the study of its immunology, especially structural immunology, is extremely rare to date. In this paper, we first crystallized the key complex pMHC-I, taking the giant panda as its representative species. Structural characteristics of the giant panda pMHC-I complexes, contains the unique pockets of PBG were analyzed in detail. Comparison of the panda pMHC-I in the bear family and other mammals, almost definite features was displayed. Meanwhile, the interaction between HC and LV, the unique features of pMHC-I in the CD8 binding and TCR docking, validation of anchor site in the PBG, and epitopes of potential viruses infected with the pandas, were concretely clarified. These unique characteristics of pMHC-I clearly indicate an unusual situation during the evolution of MHC molecules in the endangered pandas. These results also provide a novel platform for further study of panda T cell immunology and vaccines.

Maltose binding protein (MBP) is used in recombinant protein expression as an affinity and solubility tag. The monoclonal antibody B48 binds MBP tightly and has no cross‐reactivity to other proteins in an Escherichia coli lysate. This high level of specificity suggested that MBP contains an epitope that could prove useful as a purification and visualization tag for proteins expressed in E. coli. To discover the MBP epitope, a co‐crystal structure was determined for MBP bound to its antibody and four amino acids of MBP were identified as critical for the binding interaction. Fusions of various fragments of MBP to the glutathione S‐transferase protein were engineered in order to identify the smallest fragment still recognized by the α‐MBP antibody. Stabilization of the epitope via mutational engineering resulted in a minimized 14 amino‐acid tag.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide health problem with high morbidity and mortality rates. The therapeutic vaccine is a promising method of treatment, and HBV polymerase plays a vital role in viral replication. Therefore, a therapeutic vaccine that binds to HBV DNA polymerase may control HBV infection. We predicted and selected epitopes of polymerase using online databases and analysis software. We then performed molecular docking and peptide binding assays to evaluate the binding energies and affinities between polymerase epitopes and the HLA-A0201 molecule. Finally, we induced T cells from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of healthy donors using each epitope and quantified the functions of epitope-specific T cells by IFN-γELISPOT assay, T2 cell cytotoxicity assay, HepG2.2.15 cell cytotoxicity assay and HBV gene expression assays. Four epitopes (RVTGGVFLV, GLLGFAAPF, LLDDEAGPL and YMDDVVLGA) had low binding energy and two epitopes (RVTGGVFLV and GLLGFAAPF) had a high binding affinity. The T cells stimulated by two epitopes (GLLGFAAPF and HLYSHPIIL) had a greater ability to induce immune response and suppress HBV. The HBV DNA polymerase epitopes identified in this study are promising targets for designing an epitope-based therapeutic vaccine against HBV.

Antibody labeling has been conducted extensively for structure determination using both X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy (EM). However, establishing target-specific antibodies is a prerequisite for applying antibody-assisted structural analysis. To expand the applicability of this strategy, an alternative method has been developed to prepare an antibody complex by inserting an exogenous epitope into the target. It has already been demonstrated that the Fab of the NZ-1 monoclonal antibody can form a stable complex with a target containing a PA12 tag as an inserted epitope. Nevertheless, it was also found that complex formation through the inserted PA12 tag inevitably caused structural changes around the insertion site on the target. Here, an attempt was made to improve the tag-insertion method, and it was consequently discovered that an alternate tag (PA14) could replace various loops on the target without inducing large structural changes. Crystallographic analysis demonstrated that the inserted PA14 tag adopts a loop-like conformation with closed ends in the antigen-binding pocket of the NZ-1 Fab. Due to proximity of the termini in the bound conformation, the more optimal PA14 tag had only a minor impact on the target structure. In fact, the PA14 tag could also be inserted into a sterically hindered loop for labeling. Molecular-dynamics simulations also showed a rigid structure for the target regardless of PA14 insertion and complex formation with the NZ-1 Fab. Using this improved labeling technique, negative-stain EM was performed on a bacterial site-2 protease, which enabled an approximation of the domain arrangement based on the docking mode of the NZ-1 Fab., タンパク質の抗体ラベリング技術を改良し、構造解析をアシスト --電子顕微鏡やX線結晶解析による構造決定を加速化--. 京都大学プレスリリース. 2021-04-20.

A technique for the detection of plant virus coat proteins in plant sap is described. The method entails the electroblotting of sodium dodecyi sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis-fractionated plant extracts onto nitrocellulose paper, probing the paper with virus-specific rabbit antisera, and indirect detection of virus proteins with horseradish peroxidase-conjugated goat anti-rabbit globulins. The sensitivity and specificity of the technique were tested using brome mosaic and barley stripe mosaic viruses. As little as 1 ng per track of virus protein was detectable, either as pure virus or when mixed with plant sap. Distant serological relationships were detected amongst tobamoviruses, and amongst the bromoviruses, with single antisera. The uses of the technique in probing capsid configuration in a presumed aphid picornavirus, and in routine diagnostic practice, are described.

HIV-1 is a major global health challenge. The development of an effective vaccine and a therapeutic cure are top priorities. The creation of vaccines that focus an antibody response toward a particular epitope of a protein has shown promise, but the genetic diversity of HIV-1 stymies this progress. Therapeutic strategies that provide effective and broad‐spectrum neutralization against HIV-1 infection are highly desirable. Methods: We investigated the potential of nanoengineered CD4+ T cell membrane-coated nanoparticles (TNP) encapsulating the DIABLO/SMAC mimetics LCL-161 or AT-406 (also known as SM-406 or Debio 1143) to both neutralize HIV-1 and selectively kill HIV-1-infected resting CD4+ T cells and macrophages. Results: DIABLO/SMAC mimetic-loaded TNP displayed outstanding neutralizing breadth and potency, and selectively kill HIV-1-infected cells via autophagy-dependent apoptosis while having no drug-induced off-target or cytotoxic effects on bystander cells. Genetic inhibition of early stages of autophagy abolishes this effect. Conclusion: DIABLO/SMAC mimetic loaded TNP have the potential to be used as therapeutic agents to neutralize cell-free HIV-1 and to kill specifically HIV-1-infected cells as part of an HIV-1 cure strategy.

Objectives A potent HIV vaccine should overcome some limitations such as polymorphism of human HLA, the diversity of HIV-1 virus, and the lack of an effective delivery system. In this study, a DNA construct encoding Nef60–84, Nef126–144, Vpr34–47, Vpr60–75, Gp16030–53, Gp160308–323, and P248–151 epitopes was designed using bioinformatics tools. The pcDNA3.1-nef-vpr-gp160-p24 and pcDNA3.1-nef constructs were prepared in large scale as endotoxin-free form. Moreover, the recombinant Nef-Vpr-Gp160-p24 polypeptide and Nef protein were generated inE. coli. These constructs were delivered using cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) in vivo, and immune responses were assessed for different modalities in BALB/c mice. Results The recombinant DNA constructs were confirmed as the ~ 867 bp and ~ 648 bp bands related tonef-vpr-gp160-p24 andnef genes on agarose gel. Moreover, the purified Nef-Vpr-Gp160-p24 polypeptide and Nef protein showed the ~ 32 kDa and ~ 30 kDa bands on SDS-PAGE, respectively. The results of immune responses indicated that the heterologous prime/boost regimens using both Nef-Vpr-Gp160-P24 and Nef antigens induced significantly the secretion of IgG2a, IgG2b, IFN-γ and Granzyme B compared to other groups. The levels of Granzyme B in mice immunized with Nef antigen were higher than those immunized with Nef-Vpr-Gp160-P24 antigen. The CPPs showed the same potency with Montanide adjuvant for eliciting immune responses. Conclusions The heterologous prime/boost regimens for both antigens could significantly direct immune responses toward Th1 and CTL activity compared to other regimens. Comparing the efficiency of Nef-Vpr-Gp160-P24 and Nef constructs, the Nef-Vpr-Gp160-P24 constructs delivered by CPPs showed promising results as an HIV vaccine candidate.

Summary Freeze-thawed extracts of mature schizonts of Plasmodium knowlesi (strain Wl) were electrophoresed in sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS) polyacryl-amide gels, then transferred electrophoretically to diazophenylthioether paper. The transferred antigen was probed using a purified polyvalent, polyclonal immune serum pool isolated from rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatto). This method for identifying parasite antigens was compared with immunoabsorption, using parasites which had been metabolically labelled in vitro with 35S-methionine. The methods showed general correspondence but some antigens failed to react after transfer because of loss of antigenicity during SDS-polyacramide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Some antigens were observed preferentially after the transfer procedure, possibly because of their failure to elute from the immunoabsorbant or because they may have a low methionine content. The transfer method failed to reveal the antigen reactivity of three out of four monoclonal antibodies tested, apparently because the epitopes involved were inactivated by SDS. During P. knowlesi infection in the resistant kra monkey (Macaca fascicularis) the transfer method showed the presence by day 10 of antibodies against two components having an apparent molecular weight by SDS-PAGE similar to those of putative protective antigens described in other studies using monoclonal antibodies.

Canine and bovine babesiosis are compared with particular reference to the occurrence of relapses and some immunological aspects of the diseases. Intact dogs resemble splenectomized cattle in respect of the relatively frequent occurrence of clinical relapses of babesiosis. The possible reasons for this are discussed. Attention is drawn to the fact that a sterile immunity of variable duration follows on auto sterilization of some Babesia infections and that antigenically difference strains of the parasite occur in the field.

Microvesicles (MVs) are emerging as a novel means to enact cell-to-cell communication in inflammation. Here, we aimed to ascertain the ability of neutrophil-derived MVs to modulate target cell behaviour, the focus being the macrophage. MVs were generated in response to tumour necrosis factor-α, from healthy control neutrophils or those from rheumatoid arthritis patients. MVs were used to stimulate human monocyte-derived macrophages in vitro, or administered intra-articularly in the K/BxN mouse model of arthritis. A macrophage/fibroblast-like synoviocyte co-culture system was used to study the effects of vesicles on the crosstalk between these cells. We demonstrate a direct role for phosphatidylserine and annexin-A1 exposed by the MVs to counteract classical activation of the macrophages, and promote the release of transforming growth factor-β, respectively. Classically-activated macrophages exposed to neutrophil MVs no longer activated fibroblast-like synoviocytes in subsequent co-culture settings. Finally, intra-articular administration of neutrophil MVs from rheumatoid arthritis patients in arthritic mice affected the phenotype of joint macrophages. Altogether these data, with the identification of specific MV determinants, open new opportunities to modulate on-going inflammation in the synovia – mainly by affecting macrophage polarization and potentially also fibroblast-like synoviocytes - through the delivery of autologous or heterologous MVs produced from neutrophils., Highlights • Neutrophil microvesicles restrict the inflammatory activation of macrophages by presenting phosphatidylserine to Mer. • Annexin A1 expressed on neutrophil microvesicles induces macrophage release of TGFβ by activating FPR2. • Neutrophil microvesicles restrict the ability of macrophages to activate fibroblast-like synoviocytes. All cells release small, spherical parcels of information, called vesicles, that they use to send signals between each other. One immune cell type, the neutrophil, has been shown to release vesicles which prevents other immune cells from becoming hyperactive: herein we focus on rheumatoid arthritis. This paper demonstrates that vesicles released from neutrophils are able to prevent another immune cell type, the macrophage, from becoming activated. The importance of this is that this mechanism is occurring naturally, and if we can understand it, we may be able to use our own bodies' mechanisms to control chronic inflammation.

Although intensive vaccination programs have been implemented, Newcastle disease (ND) outbreaks, accompanied by severe economic losses, are still reported in Egypt. The genetic characterization of ND virus (NDV) strains isolated from ND-vaccinated chicken flocks provides essential information for improving ND control strategies. Therefore, here, 38 NDV strains were isolated and identified from outbreaks among vaccinated flocks of broiler chickens located in the provinces of Qena, Luxor, and Aswan of Upper Egypt during 2011-2013. The investigated broiler chicken flocks (aged 28 to 40 days) had high mortality rates of up to 80%. All NDV isolates were genetically analyzed using next-generation DNA sequencing. From these isolates, 10 representative NDV strains were selected for further genetic analyses. Phylogenetic analysis of full-length coding genes revealed that the Egyptian NDV isolates belonged to a single sub-genotype, VII.1.1. These isolates were phylogenetically distant from the vaccine strains, including La Sota or Clone 30 (genotype II), which have been commonly used to vaccinate chicken flocks. Amino acid substitution K78R was observed in the neutralizing epitopes of the F proteins; whereas several mutations were found in the neutralizing epitopes of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase proteins, notably, E347K. Overall, our results suggested that the occurrence of neutralizing epitope variants may be one of potential reasons for ND outbreaks. Further studies are needed to determine the protective effect of current vaccines against circulating virulent NDV strains.

virusMED (Virus Metal binding sites, Epitopes and Drug binding sites) is a rich internet application based on a database of atomic interactions around hotspots in 7041 experimentally determined viral protein structures., Metal binding sites, antigen epitopes and drug binding sites are the hotspots in viral proteins that control how viruses interact with their hosts. virusMED (virus Metal binding sites, Epitopes and Drug binding sites) is a rich internet application based on a database of atomic interactions around hotspots in 7041 experimentally determined viral protein structures. 25306 hotspots from 805 virus strains from 75 virus families were characterized, including influenza, HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Just as Google Maps organizes and annotates points of interest, virusMED presents the positions of individual hotspots on each viral protein and creates an atlas upon which newly characterized functional sites can be placed as they are being discovered. virusMED contains an extensive set of annotation tags about the virus species and strains, viral hosts, viral proteins, metal ions, specific antibodies and FDA-approved drugs, which permits rapid screening of hotspots on viral proteins tailored to a particular research problem. The virusMED portal (https://virusmed.biocloud.top) can serve as a window to a valuable resource for many areas of virus research and play a critical role in the rational design of new preventative and therapeutic agents targeting viral infections.

Identification of glycan functional epitopes is of paramount importance for rational design of glycoconjugate vaccines. We recently mapped the structural epitope of the capsular polysaccharide from type III Group B Streptococcus (GBSIII), a major cause of invasive disease in newborns, by using a dimer fragment (composed of two pentasaccharide repeating units) obtained by depolymerization complexed with a protective mAb. Although reported data had suggested a highly complex epitope contained in a helical structure composed of more than four repeating units, we showed that such dimer conjugated to a carrier protein with a proper glycosylation degree elicited functional antibodies comparably to the full‐length conjugated polysaccharide. Here, starting from the X‐ray crystallographic structure of the polysaccharide fragment–mAb complex, we synthesized a hexasaccharide comprising exclusively the relevant positions involved in binding. Combining competitive surface plasmon resonance and saturation transfer difference NMR spectroscopy as well as in‐silico modeling, we demonstrated that this synthetic glycan was recognized by the mAb similarly to the dimer. The hexasaccharide conjugated to CRM197, a mutant of diphtheria toxin, elicited a robust functional immune response that was not inferior to the polysaccharide conjugate, indicating that it may suffice as a vaccine antigen. This is the first evidence of an X‐ray crystallography‐guided design of a synthetic carbohydrate‐based conjugate vaccine., Deciphering the sugar glycocode: Starting from the X‐ray crystallographic structure of a fragment from Group B Streptococcus type III capsular polysaccharide in complex with a protective mAb complex, a hexasaccharide comprising exclusively the relevant positions involved in interactions was obtained. By structural and immunogenicity studies it was shown that the synthetic hexasaccharide recognized the mAb similarly to the polysaccharide fragment and, conjugated to a carrier protein, suffices as vaccine antigen.

Background: Rotavirus A (RVA) causes acute gastroenteritis in children

One of the proposed strategies for the development of a more efficient HIV-1 vaccine is based on the identification of proteins binding to a paratope of chosen broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb) that will mimic cognate HIV-1 Env (glyco)protein epitope and could be used as potent immunogens for induction of protective virus-neutralizing antibodies in the immunized individuals. To verify this “non-cognate ligand” concept, we developed a highly complex combinatorial library designed on a scaffold of human myomesin-1 protein domain and selected proteins called Myomedins specifically binding to variable regions of HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibody 10E8. Immunization of mice with these Myomedin variants elicited the production of HIV-1 Env-specific antibodies. Hyperimmune sera bound to Env pseudotyped viruses and weakly/moderately neutralized 54% of tested clade A, B, C, and AE pseudotyped viruses variants in vitro. These results demonstrate that Myomedin variants have the potential to mimic Env epitopes and could be used as potential HIV-1 vaccine components.

Background Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are a global health problem. There is a need for therapeutic strategies blocking continuous infection of liver cells. The grass pollen allergy vaccine BM32 containing the preS domain of the large HBV surface protein (LHBs) as immunogenic carrier induced IgG antibodies in human subjects inhibiting HBV infection in vitro. Aim of this study was the quantification, epitope mapping and investigation of HBV genotype cross-reactivity of preS-specific antibodies in subjects treated with different dosage regimens of BM32 Methods Hundred twenty eight grass pollen allergic patients received in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial five monthly injections of placebo (aluminum hydroxide, n= 34) or different courses of BM32 (2 placebo + 3 BM32, n= 33; 1 placebo + 4 BM32, n= 30; 5 BM32, n= 31). Recombinant Escherichia coli-expressed preS was purified. Overlapping peptides spanning preS and the receptor-binding sites from consensus sequences of genotypes A–H were synthesized and purified. Isotype (IgM, IgG, IgA, IgE) and IgG subclass (IgG1-IgG4) responses to preS and peptides were determined by ELISA at baseline, one and four months after the last injection. IgG1 and IgG4 subclass concentrations specific for preS and the receptor-binding site were measured by quantitative ELISA. Findings Five monthly injections induced the highest levels of preS-specific IgG consisting mainly of IgG1 and IgG4, with a sum of median preS-specific IgG1 and IgG4 concentrations of >135 μg/ml reaching up to 1.8 mg/ml. More than 20% of preS-specific IgG was directed against the receptor-binding site. BM32-induced IgG cross-reacted with the receptor-binding domains from all eight HBV genotypes A-H. Interpretation BM32 induces high levels of IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies against the receptor binding sites of all eight HBV genotypes and hence might be suitable for therapeutic HBV vaccination. Funding This study was supported by the PhD program IAI (KPW01212FW), by Viravaxx AG and by the Danube-ARC funded by the Government of Lower Austria. Rudolf Valenta is a recipient of a Megagrant of the Government of the Russian Federation, grant No 14.W03.31.0024.

Multiepitope cancer vaccines have gained lots of attention for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes in cancer patients. In our previous study, multiepitope DNA and peptide cancer vaccines consisted of the most immunodominant epitopes of ACRBP and SYCP1 antigens were designed by bioinformatic tools. In this study, the effect of prophylactic co-immunization with these DNA and peptide cancer vaccines in the 4T1 breast cancer animal model was assessed. Serum levels of the peptide-specific IgG total, IgG2a and IgG1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Also, the efficacy of the immunized mice splenocytes’ for producing interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) was evaluated. The co-immunization caused a significant (P

In Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other tauopathies, the cytosolic protein Tau misfolds and forms intracellular aggregates which accumulate within the brain leading to neurodegeneration. Clinical progression is tightly linked to the progressive spread of Tau pathology throughout the brain, and several lines of evidence suggest that Tau aggregates or “seeds” may propagate pathology by spreading from cell to cell in a “prion like” manner. Accordingly, blocking the spread of extracellular seeds with an antibody could be a viable therapeutic approach. However, as the structure of Tau seeds is unknown, it is only possible to rationally design therapeutic Tau antibodies by making a priori assumptions. To avoid this, we developed a robust and quantitative cell based assay and employed an unbiased screening approach to identify the antibody with the highest activity against human Tau seeds. The selected antibody (D), directed to the mid-region of Tau (amino acids 235–250), potently blocked the seeding of human AD Tau and was also fully efficacious against seeds from progressive supranuclear palsy. When we compared this antibody with previously described reference antibodies, we were surprised to find that none of these antibodies showed comparable efficacy against human pathological seeds. Our data highlight the difficulty of predicting antibody accessible epitopes on pathological Tau seeds and question the potential efficacy of some of the Tau antibodies that are currently in clinical development. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00401-018-1911-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Summary Miscanthus spp. are promising lignocellulosic energy crops, but cell wall recalcitrance to deconstruction still hinders their widespread use as bioenergy and biomaterial feedstocks. Identification of cell wall characteristics desirable for biorefining applications is crucial for lignocellulosic biomass improvement. However, the task of scoring biomass quality is often complicated by the lack of a reference for a given feedstock. A multidimensional cell wall analysis was performed to generate a reference profile for leaf and stem biomass from several miscanthus genotypes harvested at three developmentally distinct time points. A comprehensive suite of 155 monoclonal antibodies was used to monitor changes in distribution, structure and extractability of noncellulosic cell wall matrix glycans. Glycan microarrays complemented with immunohistochemistry elucidated the nature of compositional variation, and in situ distribution of carbohydrate epitopes. Key observations demonstrated that there are crucial differences in miscanthus cell wall glycomes, which may impact biomass amenability to deconstruction. For the first time, variations in miscanthus cell wall glycan components were comprehensively characterized across different harvests, organs and genotypes, to generate a representative reference profile for miscanthus cell wall biomass. Ultimately, this portrait of the miscanthus cell wall will help to steer breeding and genetic engineering strategies for the development of superior energy crops.

The surge of SARS-CoV-2 has created a wave of pandemic around the globe due to its high transmission rate. To contain this virus, researchers are working around the clock for a solution in the form of vaccine. Due to the impact of this pandemic, the economy and healthcare have immensely suffered around the globe. Thus, an efficient vaccine design is the need of the hour. Moreover, to have a generalised vaccine for heterogeneous human population, the virus genomes from different countries should be considered. Thus, in this work, we have performed genome-wide analysis of 10,664 SARS-CoV-2 genomes of 73 countries around the globe in order to identify the potential conserved regions for the development of peptide based synthetic vaccine viz. epitopes with high immunogenic and antigenic scores. In this regard, multiple sequence alignment technique viz. Clustal Omega is used to align the 10,664 SARS-CoV-2 virus genomes. Thereafter, entropy is computed for each genomic coordinate of the aligned genomes. The entropy values are then used to find the conserved regions. These conserved regions are refined based on the criteria that their lengths should be greater than or equal to 60 nt and their corresponding protein sequences are without any stop codons. Furthermore, Nucleotide BLAST is used to verify the specificity of the conserved regions. As a result, we have obtained 17 conserved regions that belong to NSP3, NSP4, NSP6, NSP8, RdRp, Helicase, endoRNAse, 2'-O-RMT, Spike glycoprotein, ORF3a protein, Membrane glycoprotein and Nucleocapsid protein. Finally, these conserved regions are used to identify the T-cell and B-cell epitopes with their corresponding immunogenic and antigenic scores. Based on these scores, the most immunogenic and antigenic epitopes are then selected for each of these 17 conserved regions. Hence, we have obtained 30 MHC-I and 24 MHC-II restricted T-cell epitopes with 14 and 13 unique HLA alleles and 21 B-cell epitopes for the 17 conserved regions. Moreover, for validating the relevance of these epitopes, the binding conformation of the MHC-I and MHC-II restricted T-cell epitopes are shown with respect to HLA alleles. Also, the physico-chemical properties of the epitopes are reported along with Ramchandran plots and Z-Scores and the population coverage is shown as well. Overall, the analysis shows that the identified epitopes can be considered as potential candidates for vaccine design.

Background Nexvax2® is a novel, peptide-based, epitope-specific immunotherapy intended to be administered by regular injections at dose levels that increase the threshold for clinical reactivity to natural exposure to gluten and ultimately restore tolerance to gluten in patients with celiac disease. Celiac disease patients administered fixed intradermal doses of Nexvax2 become unresponsive to the HLA-DQ2·5-restricted gluten epitopes in Nexvax2, but gastrointestinal symptoms and cytokine release mimicking gluten exposure, that accompany the first dose, limit the maximum tolerated dose to 150 μg. Our aim was to test whether stepwise dose escalation attenuated the first dose effect of Nexvax2 in celiac disease patients. Methods We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial at four community sites in Australia (3) and New Zealand (1) in HLA-DQ2·5 genotype positive adults with celiac disease who were on a gluten-free diet. Participants were assigned to cohort 1 if they were HLA-DQ2·5 homozygotes; other participants were assigned to cohort 2, or to cohort 3 subsequent to completion of cohort 2. Manual central randomization without blocking was used to assign treatment for each cohort. Initially, Nexvax2-treated participants in cohorts 1 and 2 received an intradermal dose of 30 μg (consisting of 10 μg of each constituent peptide), followed by 60 μg, 90 μg, 150 μg, and then eight doses of 300 μg over six weeks, but this was amended to include doses of 3 μg and 9 μg and extended over a total of seven weeks. Nexvax2-treated participants in cohort 3 received doses of 3 μg, 9 μg, 30 μg, 60 μg, 90 μg, 150 μg, 300 μg, 450 μg, 600 μg, 750 μg, and then eight of 900 μg over nine weeks. The dose interval was 3 or 4 days. Participants, care providers, data managers, sponsor personnel, and study site personnel were blinded to treatment assignment. The primary outcome was the number of adverse events and percentage of participants with adverse events during the treatment period. This completed trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02528799. Findings From the 73 participants who we screened from 19 August 2015 to 31 October 2016, 24 did not meet eligibility criteria, and 36 were ultimately randomized and received study drug. For cohort 1, seven participants received Nexvax2 (two with the starting dose of 30 μg and then five at 3 μg) and three received placebo. For cohort 2, 10 participants received Nexvax2 (four with starting dose of 30 μg and then six at 3 μg) and four received placebo. For cohort 3, 10 participants received Nexvax2 and two received placebo. All 36 participants were included in safety and immune analyses, and 33 participants completed treatment and follow-up; in cohort 3, 11 participants were assessed and included in pharmacokinetics and duodenal histology analyses. Whereas the maximum dose of Nexvax2 had previously been limited by adverse events and cytokine release, no such effect was observed when dosing escalated from 3 μg up to 300 μg in HLA-DQ2·5 homozygotes or to 900 μg in HLA-DQ2.5 non-homozygotes. Adverse events with Nexvax2 treatment were less common in cohorts 1 and 2 with the starting dose of 3 μg (72 for 11 participants) than with the starting dose of 30 μg (91 for six participants). Adverse events during the treatment period in placebo-treated participants (46 for nine participants) were similar to those in Nexvax2-treated participants when the starting dose was 3 μg in cohort 1 (16 for five participants), cohort 2 (56 for six participants), and cohort 3 (44 for 10 participants). Two participants in cohort 2 and one in cohort 3 who received Nexvax2 starting at 3 μg did not report any adverse event, while the other 33 participants experienced at least one adverse event. One participant, who was in cohort 1, withdrew from the study due to adverse events, which included abdominal pain graded moderate or severe and associated with nausea after receiving the starting dose of 30 μg and one 60 μg dose. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events in the Nexvax2 participants were headache (52%), diarrhoea (48%), nausea (37%), abdominal pain (26%), and abdominal discomfort (19%). Administration of Nexvax2 at dose levels from 150 μg to 900 μg preceded by dose escalation was not associated with elevations in plasma cytokines at 4 h. Nexvax2 treatment was associated with trends towards improved duodenal histology. Plasma concentrations of Nexvax2 peptides were dose-dependent. Interpretation We show that antigenic peptides recognized by CD4-positive T cells in an autoimmune disease can be safely administered to patients at high maintenance dose levels without immune activation if preceded by gradual dose escalation. These findings facilitate efficacy studies that test high-dose epitope-specific immunotherapy in celiac disease., Highlights • Maximum tolerated doses of peptide-based epitope-specific immunotherapy for celiac disease are increased by dose escalation. • Starting dose rather than maximum dose during up-dosing determine tolerability of Nexvax2 in celiac disease patients. • After up-dosing, systemic exposure to antigenic peptides in Nexvax2 is not associated with cytokine release or symptoms. Many autoimmune diseases including celiac disease are linked to activation of CD4 + T cells by peptides from disease-specific antigens. The antigenic peptides in celiac disease are well defined, which has enabled the design of a peptide-based therapeutic vaccine intended to induce immune unresponsiveness to dietary gluten. For this targeted immunotherapy, high doses are expected to be more effective, but phase 1 studies revealed the first dose of Nexvax2 caused immune activation. We found escalating from low doses prevents symptoms and cytokine release with later “high” doses even at levels that result in measurable plasma peptide concentrations.

Objective Recently we characterized five mouse monoclonal antibodies that allow the specific and sensitive detection of human diamine oxidase (DAO). To understand differences in binding characteristics and recognition of enzyme variants, we mapped the antibody binding sites. Methods Fragments of human DAO were expressed as glutathione-S-transferase fusion proteins that were used for testing antibody binding on immunoblots. Combined information from species cross-reactivity, sequence comparison and binding site-prediction software were used to localize the epitope recognized by each antibody. Results All five monoclonal DAO antibodies bound to linear epitopes between the N3 and enzymatic domains of the 732 amino acid protein. The binding sites could be mapped onto amino acid regions V262-E278 and P279-R288, respectively, which exhibit considerable sequence variation in mammals explaining the fact that the human DAO antibodies do not cross-react with DAO from other species. The antibodies efficiently bind only denatured human DAO but not the native protein. Conclusions Characterization of the binding sites of the DAO antibodies revealed that the antibodies bind two adjacent epitopes and exhibit similar binding characteristics and species cross-reactivity. As the epitopes do not overlap any of the amino acid substitutions described for clinically significant DAO gene polymorphisms, our antibodies will also be useful for analyses of the mutant DAO proteins.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a major cause of acute hepatitis but also provokes chronic infection in immunocompromised patients. Although the pathogenesis and treatment outcome involve complex interplay between the virus and host, the nature of adaptive responses of HEV to the host immune system remain obscure at best. In this study, we used large-scale proteomic bioinformatics to profile characteristic mutations in human HEV isolates associated to ribavirin treatment failure, chronic hepatitis, hepatic failure or altered immunoreactivity. The prevalence of specific mutations was examined in a large number of protein sequences of ORF1 and ORF2 regions of the 3 major human-derived HEV genotypes (1, 3 and 4). By analyzing potential B, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes, we found that many of these mutations overlap with the predicted epitopes and are frequently present among the 3 HEV genotypes. These overlapping mutations mediate reduced antigenicity. Finally, by delineation of diversification and evolution of the underlying epitopes, we observe that most of these variants apparently evolved earlier in genotype 1 when compared with genotypes 3 and 4. These results indicate that HEV is under substantial evolutionary pressure to develop mutations enabling evasion of the host immune response and resistance to antiviral treatment. This indicates the existence of an ongoing evolutionary arms race between human immunity, antiviral medication and HEV.

// Yu-Jie Wang 1,2,* , Lin Li 1,4,* , Wei-Juan Song 3,* , Yan-Jun Zhou 1 , Meng-Da Cao 1 , Xiang-Rong Zuo 1,2 and Ji-Fu Wei 1 1 Research Division of Clinical Pharmacology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China 2 Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China 3 Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China 4 Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China * These authors have contributed equally to this article Correspondence to: Xiang-Rong Zuo, email: // Ji-Fu Wei, email: // Keywords : Can f 6, dog allergy, epitopes, allergenicity, Chinese children, Immunology and Microbiology Section, Immune response, Immunity Received : July 07, 2017 Accepted : September 20, 2017 Published : October 13, 2017 Abstract Dog allergy is common worldwide. However, the allergenicity of dog allergy is still unclear in China as well as in special group, such as children. In this study, we chose Can f 6, a major dog allergen which belongs to the lipocalin to study its allergenicity in Chinese dog allergic children. Can f 6 gene was subcloned into pET-28a vector and transformed into E. coli BL21 (DE3) cells for expression. The recombinant Can f 6 was purified by nickel affinity chromatography, identified by SDS-PAGE, and tested for its allergenicity by Western blot with sera and basophil activation test. Secondary structures, B cell epitopes and homology modeling of Can f 6 were predicted by using a series of bioinformatical approaches. And the verification of B cell epitopes was detected by ELISA. The recombinant allergen showed an explicit band with the molecular weight of 20 kDa by SDS-PAGE. Sera from 56.3 % (18/32) of dog-allergic children patients reacted with Can f 6. The induction of the expression of CD63 and CCR3 of dog allergic children in passively sensitized basophils was up to approximately 5.0 times higher than healthy subjects. The secondary structure of Can f 6 contains 3 α-helices, 9 β-sheets and random coils. Five B cell epitopes of Can f 6 were predicted and were confirmed successfully by ELISA. The results showed Can f 6 is a major allergen in Chinese children, which provides a basis for further study of Can f 6 in diagnosis and treatment of symptoms in children in China. The structural information of Can f 6 will help to form a foundation for the future design of vaccines and therapies for Can f 6 related allergies.

Bacteria of the genus Proteus of the family Enterobacteriaceae are facultative human pathogens responsible mainly for urinary tract and wound infections, bacteremia and the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We have analyzed and compared by ELISA the titer of antibodies in plasmas of healthy individuals and in sera of rheumatoid arthritis patients recognizing a potential host cross-reactive epitope (lysine-galacturonic acid epitopes) present in Proteus lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In our experiments LPSs isolated from two mutants of smooth Proteus mirabilis 1959 (O3), i.e. strains R110 and R45, were used. R110 (Ra type mutant) is lacking the O-specific polysaccharide, but possesses a complete core oligosaccharide, while R45 (Re type) has a reduced core oligosaccharide and contains two 3-deoxy-D-manno-oct-2-ulosonic acid residues and one of 4-amino-4-deoxy-L-arabinopyranose residues. Titer of P. mirabilis S1959 LPS-specific-antibodies increased with the age of blood donors. RA and blood donors' sera contained antibodies against S and Ra and Re type of P. mirabilis O3 LPSs. Antibodies recognizing lysine-galacturonic acid epitopes of O3 LPS were detected by ELISA in some plasmas of healthy individuals and sera of rheumatoid arthritis patients. RA patients antibodies reacting with P. mirabilis S1959 S and R LPSs may indicate a potential role of anti-LPS antibodies in molecular mimicry in RA diseases.

We performed epitope mapping studies on the major surface glycoprotein (GP) of Ebola virus (EBOV) using Chemically Linked Peptides on Scaffolds (CLIPS), which form linear and potential conformational epitopes. This method identified monoclonal antibody epitopes and predicted additional epitopes recognized by antibodies in polyclonal sera from animals experimentally vaccinated against or infected with EBOV. Using the information obtained along with structural modeling to predict epitope accessibility, we then constructed 2 DNA vaccines encoding immunodominant and subdominant epitopes predicted to be accessible on EBOV GP. Although a construct designed to produce a membrane-bound oligopeptide was poorly immunogenic, a construct generating a secreted oligopeptide elicited strong antibody responses in mice. When this construct was administered as a boost to a DNA vaccine expressing the complete EBOV GP gene, the resultant antibody response was focused largely toward the less immunodominant epitopes in the oligopeptide. Taken together, the results of this work suggest a utility for this method for immune focusing of antibody responses elicited by vaccination.

// Ledan Wang 1 , Yiqi Cai 3 , Yirong Xiong 2 , Wangqi Du 2 , Danwei Cen 2 , Chanqiong Zhang 2 , Yiling Song 2 , Shanli Zhu 2 , Xiangyang Xue 2 , Lifang Zhang 2 1 Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China 2 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China 3 Department of Gastrointestinal, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China Correspondence to: Lifang Zhang, email: wenzhouzlf@126.com Keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis, major outer membrane protein, multi-epitopes, human papillomavirus, vaccine Received: February 06, 2017 Accepted: March 15, 2017 Published: March 27, 2017 ABSTRACT Chlamydia trachomatis ( Ct ) is one of the most frequently encountered sexual infection all over the world, yielding tremendous reproductive problems (e.g. infertility and ectopic pregnancy) in the women. This work described the design of a plasmid vaccine that protect mice from Ct infection, and reduce productive tract damage by generating effective antibody and cytotoxic T cell immunity. The vaccine, s was composed of MOMP multi-epitope and HPV16L2 genes carried in pcDNA plasmid (i.e. pcDNA3.1/MOMP/HPV16L). In transfection, the vaccine expressed the chimeric genes (i.e. MOMP and HPV16L2), as demonstrated via western blot, RT-PCR and fluorescence imaging. In vitro , the vaccine transfected COS-7 cells and expressed the proteins corresponding to the genes carried in the vaccine. Through intramuscular immunization in BALB/c mice, the vaccine induced higher levels of anti- Ct IgG titer, anti-HPV16L2 IgG titer in serum and IgA titer in local mucosal secretions, compared to plasmid vaccines that carry only Ct MOMP multi-epitope or HPV16L2 chimeric component only. In mice intravaginally challenged with Ct , the vaccines pcDNA3.1/MOMP/HPV16L2 generated a higher level of genital protection compared to other vaccine formulations. Additionally, histochemical staining indicated that pcDNA3.1/MOMP/HPV16L2 eliminated mouse genital tract tissue pathologies induced by Ct infection. This work demonstrated that pcDNA/MOMP/HPV16L2 vaccine can protect against Ct infection by regulating antibody production, cytotoxic T cell killing functions and reducing pathological damage in mice genital tract. This work can potentially offer us a new vaccine platform against Ct infection.

Many broadly reactive human monoclonal antibodies against the hemagglutinin (HA) stem of influenza A virus have been developed for therapeutic applications. These antibodies typically inhibit viral entry steps, especially the HA conformational change that is required for membrane fusion. To better understand the mechanisms by which such antibodies inhibit viral replication, we established broadly reactive human anti-HA stem antibodies and determined the properties of these antibodies by examining their reactivity with 18 subtypes of HA, evaluating their in vivo protective efficacy, identifying their epitopes, and characterizing their inhibitory mechanisms. Among the eight human monoclonal antibodies we generated, which recognized at least 3 subtypes of the soluble HA antigens tested, clone S9-1-10/5-1 reacted with 18 subtypes of HA and protected mice from lethal infection with H1N1pdm09, H3N2, H5N1, and H7N9 viruses. This antibody recognized the HA2 helix A in the HA stem, and inhibited virus particle release from infected cells but did not block viral entry completely. These results show that broadly reactive human anti-HA stem antibodies can exhibit protective efficacy by inhibiting virus particle release. These findings expand our knowledge of the mechanisms by which broadly reactive stem-targeting antibodies inhibit viral replication and provide valuable information for universal vaccine development., Highlights • A broadly mouse-protective anti-HA stem antibody, S9-1-10/5-1, was isolated. • S9-1-10/5-1 mainly inhibited virus release rather than virus entry. • S9-1-10/5-1 tethers virions via crosslinking HA molecules between neighboring virions. Broadly reactive human monoclonal antibodies against the influenza HA stem have received attention because of their potential utility against multiple HA subtypes. Some of these antibodies inhibit virus entry and/or protect mice via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Here, we identified a human monoclonal antibody that suppresses virus propagation in vitro and in vivo by primarily inhibiting virus particle release. This finding provides another inhibitory mechanism of action for the anti-HA stem antibodies, indicating that the anti-HA stem antibodies could be potent anti-virals due to their pluripotency.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for epidemic and sporadic acute hepatitis cases, especially in developing countries. Hepatitis E has become a vaccine-preventable disease in recent years with the development of a licensed vaccine. Most functional and neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are known to be highly sensitive to antigen conformation. In this study, a similar approach was used to characterize the conformational sensitivity of antibodies in human or mouse serum samples. Interestingly, comparative binding analysis using different antigen forms showed that the antibodies in the sera of naturally infected individuals, of human vaccinees and from mice immunized with the HEV p239 vaccine all exhibited a strong preference to particulate antigens over the monomeric form of the truncated capsid protein. The degree of discriminating the two test antigens is similar for serum samples to that for the well-characterized murine mAbs. A functional assay for assessing the inhibition of subviral particle cell entry by antibodies was used to determine the functional titers of anti-HEV antibodies in mouse sera. A good correlation was observed between the functional and binding titers in mouse sera determined using two different methods. This result supports the continued use of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as the primary serological assay assuming that the coating antigen contains conformational and native-like epitopes, as in the case for HEV p239.

Rationale: CD38 is a target for the therapy of multiple myeloma (MM) with monoclonal antibodies such as daratumumab and isatuximab. Since MM patients exhibit a high rate of relapse, the development of new biologics targeting alternative CD38 epitopes is desirable. The discovery of single-domain antibodies (nanobodies) has opened the way for a new generation of antitumor therapeutics. We report the generation of nanobody-based humanized IgG1 heavy chain antibodies (hcAbs) with a high specificity and affinity that recognize three different and non-overlapping epitopes of CD38 and compare their cytotoxicity against CD38-expressing hematological cancer cells in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. Methods: We generated three humanized hcAbs (WF211-hcAb, MU1067-hcAb, JK36-hcAb) that recognize three different non-overlapping epitopes (E1, E2, E3) of CD38 by fusion of llama-derived nanobodies to the hinge- and Fc-domains of human IgG1. WF211-hcAb shares the binding epitope E1 with daratumumab. We compared the capacity of these CD38-specific hcAbs and daratumumab to induce CDC and ADCC in CD38-expressing tumor cell lines in vitro and in patient MM cells ex vivo as well as effects on xenograft tumor growth and survival in vivo. Results: CD38-specific heavy chain antibodies (WF211-hcAb, MU1067-hcAb, JK36-hcAb) potently induced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in CD38-expressing tumor cell lines and in primary patient MM cells, but only little if any complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). In vivo, CD38-specific heavy chain antibodies significantly reduced the growth of systemic lymphomas and prolonged survival of tumor bearing SCID mice. Conclusions: CD38-specific nanobody-based humanized IgG1 heavy chain antibodies mediate cytotoxicity against CD38-expressing hematological cancer cells in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. These promising results of our study indicate that CD38-specific hcAbs warrant further clinical development as therapeutics for multiple myeloma and other hematological malignancies.

Background The development of an effective vaccine preventing HIV-1 infection is hindered by the enormous antigenic variability and unique biochemical and immunological properties of HIV-1 Env glycoprotein, the most promising target for HIV-1 neutralizing antibody. Functional studies of rare elite neutralizers led to the discovery of broadly neutralizing antibodies. Methods We employed a highly complex combinatorial protein library derived from a 5 kDa albumin-binding domain scaffold, fused with support protein of total 38 kDa, to screen for binders of broadly neutralizing antibody VRC01 paratope. The most specific binders were used for immunization of experimental mice to elicit Env-specific antibodies and to test their neutralization activity using a panel of HIV-1 clade C and B pseudoviruses. Findings Three most specific binders designated as VRA017, VRA019, and VRA177 exhibited high specificity to VRC01 antibody. Immunized mice produced Env-binding antibodies which neutralize eight of twelve HIV-1 Tier 2 pseudoviruses. Molecular modelling revealed a shape complementarity between VRA proteins and a part of VRC01 gp120 interacting surface. Interpretation This strategy based on the identification of protein replicas of broadly neutralizing antibody paratope represents a novel approach in HIV-1 vaccine development. This approach is not affected by low immunogenicity of neutralization-sensitive epitopes, variability, and unique biochemical properties of HIV-1 Env used as a crucial antigen in the majority of contemporary tested vaccines. Fund Czech Health Research Council 15-32198A, Ministry of Health, Czech Republic.

Autoimmunity is on the rise around the globe. Diet has been proposed as a risk factor for autoimmunity and shown to modulate the severity of several autoimmune disorders. Yet, the interaction between diet and autoimmunity in humans remains largely unstudied. Here, we systematically interrogated commonly consumed animals and plants for peptide epitopes previously implicated in human autoimmune disease. A total of fourteen species investigated could be divided into three broad categories regarding their content in human autoimmune epitopes, which we represented using a new metric, the Gershteyn-Ferreira index (GF index). Strikingly, pig contains a disproportionately high number of unique autoimmune epitopes compared to all other species analyzed. This work uncovers a potential new link between pork consumption and autoimmunity in humans and lays the foundation for future studies on the impact of diet on the pathogenesis and progression of autoimmune disorders., Highlights • We developed a comprehensive database of dietary-human autoimmune epitope overlap. • The Gershteyn-Ferreira index divides dietary antigens into three main groups with respect to overlap with human autoimmune epitopes. • Pig contains a disproportionately high number of unique human autoimmune epitopes.

Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1), a member of the Alphaherpesvirinae, causes a variety of diseases, which result in significant economic losses worldwide. Envelope glycoprotein D (gD) of BoHV-1 plays an important role in viral entry into the permissive cells, and protective immune response. The fine mapping epitope on the gD will contribute to the understanding of viral pathogenesis and development of alternative vaccines against various diseases associated with BoHV-1. We previously reported the preparation of a monoclonal antibody (MAb) 2B6, which was raised by a truncated recombinant gD protein, demonstrating a neutralizing activity against BoHV-1 infection in Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells. This study described the identification of a linear B-cell epitope on gD using MAb 2B6. A series of partially overlapping gD proteins with glutathione S-transferase tag were generated to define the epitope recognized by MAb 2B6. The amino acid (aa) sequence 323GEPKPGPSPDADRPE337 was recognized by MAb 2B6 using Western blot with the variedly truncated recombinant proteins. Importantly, this epitope was highly conserved among the typical members of BoHV-1, indicating that the epitope may be utilized in diagnosis of diseases due to BoHV-1 infection. Furthermore, the minimal linear epitope sequence 323GEPKPGP329 on gD recognized by MAb 2B6 was confirmed using single-aa residue deletion mutation in carboxyl terminal. This finding not only contributes to our understanding of gD of BoHV-1 virion but also shows a potential for the development of vaccine candidates and diagnostic techniques.

Immunization with an ApoB100 mimotope prevents high-fat-diet-induced obesity in mice. Antibody titres parallel the weight decrements. In vitro data implicate increased lipolysis and reduced lipoprotein uptake by adipocytes, as well as increased uptake and metabolism of native lipoprotein by macrophages., Although apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB100) plays a key role in peripheral fat deposition, it is not considered a suitable therapeutic target in obesity. In the present study we describe a novel ApoB100 mimotope, peptide pB1, and the use of pB1-based vaccine-like formulations (BVFs) against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. In HFD- compared with chow-fed adolescent mice, BVFs reduced the 3-month body-weight gains attributable to increased dietary fat by 44–65%, and prevented mesenteric fat accumulation and liver steatosis. The body-weight reductions paralleled the titres of pB1-reactive immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, and pB1-reactive antibodies specifically recognized native ApoB100 and a synthetic peptide from the C-terminal half of ApoB100. In cultured 3T3L1 adipocytes, anti-pB1 antibodies increased lipolysis and inhibited low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake. In cultured RAW 264.7 macrophages, the same antibodies enhanced LDL uptake (without causing foam cell formation). These findings make ApoB100 a promising target for an immunization strategy against HFD-induced obesity.

Antibody-mediated cell killing has significantly facilitated the elimination of undesired cells in therapeutic applications. Besides the well-known Fc-dependent mechanisms, pathways of antibody-induced apoptosis were also extensively studied. However, with fewer studies reporting the ability of antibodies to evoke an alternative form of programmed cell death, oncosis, the molecular mechanism of antibody-mediated oncosis remains underinvestigated. In this study, a monoclonal antibody (mAb), TAG-A1 (A1), was generated to selectively kill residual undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells (hESC) so as to prevent teratoma formation upon transplantation of hESC-derived products. We revealed that A1 induces hESC death via oncosis. Aided with high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we uncovered nanoscale morphological changes in A1-induced hESC oncosis, as well as A1 distribution on hESC surface. A1 induces hESC oncosis via binding-initiated signaling cascade, most likely by ligating receptors on surface microvilli. The ability to evoke excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) production via the Nox2 isoform of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase is critical in the cell death pathway. Excess ROS production occurs downstream of microvilli degradation and homotypic adhesion, but upstream of actin reorganization, plasma membrane damage and mitochondrial membrane permeabilization. To our knowledge, this is the first mechanistic model of mAb-induced oncosis on hESC revealing a previously unrecognized role for NAPDH oxidase-derived ROS in mediating oncotic hESC death. These findings in the cell death pathway may potentially be exploited to improve the efficiency of A1 in eliminating undifferentiated hESC and to provide insights into the study of other mAb-induced cell death.

Biological drugs like therapeutic antibodies are widely used for the treatment of various diseases like inflammatory disorders and cancer. A drawback of these novel treatments is the substantial proportion of patients experiencing adverse reactions such as loss-of-drug effect or hypersensitivity reactions. These reactions are associated with pre-existing and/or developing anti-drug antibodies. Especially IgE development is a risk factor for life-threatening systemic anaphylaxis. Methods: In order to characterize the individual drug-specific serum IgE, an IgE cross-reactivity immune profiling (ICRIP) assay was developed. Individual IgG epitopes of anti-drug antibodies against adalimumab were identified by epitope mapping via peptide microarray. Results: ICRIP analyses of sera from patients treated with the therapeutic antibodies adalimumab (ADL) and infliximab (IFX) reveal individual, distinct IgE binding patterns. IgG epitopes were identified mostly located in the variable region of ADL. Conclusions: Using ICRIP and peptide microarrays for pharmacovigilance of the TNF-α blockers IFX and ADL, risk factors and biomarkers before and during therapy shall be identified. These diagnostic systems provide the basis for a safe and efficacious therapy decision for each patient in cases of adverse drug reactions mediated by different types of anti-drug antibodies.

The Staphylococcus aureus fibrinogen binding MSCRAMM (Microbial Surface Components Recognizing Adhesive Matrix Molecules), ClfA (clumping factor A) is an important virulence factor in staphylococcal infections and a component of several vaccines currently under clinical evaluation. The mouse monoclonal antibody aurexis (also called 12-9), and the humanized version tefibazumab are therapeutic monoclonal antibodies targeting ClfA that in combination with conventional antibiotics were effective in animal models but showed less impressive efficacy in a limited Phase II clinical trial. We here report the crystal structure and a biochemical characterization of the ClfA/tefibazumab (Fab) complex. The epitope for tefibazumab is located to the “top” of the N3 subdomain of ClfA and partially overlaps with a previously unidentified second binding site for fibrinogen. A high-affinity binding of ClfA to fibrinogen involves both an interaction at the N3 site and the previously identified docking of the C-terminal segment of the fibrinogen γ-chain in the N2N3 trench. Although tefibazumab binds ClfA with high affinity we observe a modest IC50 value for the inhibition of fibrinogen binding to the MSCRAMM. This observation, paired with a common natural occurring variant of ClfA that is not effectively recognized by the mAb, may partly explain the modest effect tefibazumab showed in the initial clinic trail. This information will provide guidance for the design of the next generation of therapeutic anti-staphylococcal mAbs targeting ClfA., Highlights • The crystal structure of the monoclonal antibody tefibazumab in complex with ClfA (Clumping factor A) of S. aureus • Biochemical studies reveal a second binding site for fibrinogen in ClfA partially overlapping the tefibazumab epitope. • An explanation for tefibazumab modest effect in a clinical trial compared to the monoclonal's efficacy in animal models The S. aureus fibrinogen binding surface protein ClfA (Clumping factor A) is an important virulence factor and a target in several staphylococcal experimental vaccines and immunotherapeutic. One monoclonal antibody to ClfA called aurexis showed great promise in animal models for the treatment of staphylococcal infections. However, in a limited phase II clinical trial the efficacy was less impressive. We have solved the structure of the Fab fragment of tefibazumab (the humanized version of aurexis) in complex with the fibrinogen binding region of ClfA. The tefibazumab epitope partially overlaps with a previously unknown second fibrinogen binding site on ClfA. Biochemical analysis show that although tefibazumab binds to ClfA with high affinity the IC50 concentration for fibrinogen binding is modest. Furthermore, analysis of sequence variations in ClfA shows that some clinically important strains are poorly recognized by tefibazumab. These observations may partially explain the modest efficacy observed for tefibazumab in the clinical trial but provide a structural base for the design of more potent inhibitors., Graphical Abstract Image 4