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Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health burden, emphasizing the need for innovative treatment strategies. 95% of the CRC population are microsatellite stable (MSS), insensitive to classical immunotherapies such as anti-PD-1; on the other hand, responders can become resistant and relapse. Recently, the use of cancer vaccines enhanced the immune response against tumor cells. In this context, we developed a therapeutic vaccine based on Stimulated Tumor Cells (STC) platform technology. This vaccine is composed of selected tumor cell lines stressed and haptenated in vitro to generate a factory of immunogenic cancer-related antigens validated by a proteomic cross analysis with patient’s biopsies. This technology allows a multi-specific education of the immune system to target tumor cells harboring resistant clones. Here, we report safety and antitumor efficacy of the murine version of the STC vaccine on CT26 BALB/c CRC syngeneic murine models. We showed that one cell line (1CL)-based STC vaccine suppressed tumor growth and extended survival. In addition, three cell lines (3CL)-based STC vaccine significantly improves these parameters by presenting additional tumor-related antigens inducing a multi-specific anti-tumor immune response. Furthermore, proteomic analyses validated that the 3CL-based STC vaccine represents a wider quality range of tumor-related proteins than the 1CL-based STC vaccine covering key categories of tumor antigens related to tumor plasticity and treatment resistance. We also evaluated the efficacy of STC vaccine in an MC38 anti-PD-1 resistant syngeneic murine model. Vaccination with the 3CL-based STC vaccine significantly improved survival and showed a confirmed complete response with an antitumor activity carried by the increase of CD8+ lymphocyte T cells and M1 macrophage infiltration. These results demonstrate the potential of this technology to produce human vaccines for the treatment of patients with CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health burden, emphasizing the need for innovative treatment strategies. 95% of the CRC population are microsatellite stable (MSS), insensitive to classical immunotherapies such as anti-PD-1; on the other hand, responders can become resistant and relapse. Recently, the use of cancer vaccines enhanced the immune response against tumor cells. In this context, we developed a therapeutic vaccine based on Stimulated Tumor Cells (STC) platform technology. This vaccine is composed of selected tumor cell lines stressed and haptenated in vitro to generate a factory of immunogenic cancer-related antigens validated by a proteomic cross analysis with patient’s biopsies. This technology allows a multi-specific education of the immune system to target tumor cells harboring resistant clones. Here, we report safety and antitumor efficacy of the murine version of the STC vaccine on CT26 BALB/c CRC syngeneic murine models. We showed that one cell line (1CL)-based STC vaccine suppressed tumor growth and extended survival. In addition, three cell lines (3CL)-based STC vaccine significantly improves these parameters by presenting additional tumor-related antigens inducing a multi-specific anti-tumor immune response. Furthermore, proteomic analyses validated that the 3CL-based STC vaccine represents a wider quality range of tumor-related proteins than the 1CL-based STC vaccine covering key categories of tumor antigens related to tumor plasticity and treatment resistance. We also evaluated the efficacy of STC vaccine in an MC38 anti-PD-1 resistant syngeneic murine model. Vaccination with the 3CL-based STC vaccine significantly improved survival and showed a confirmed complete response with an antitumor activity carried by the increase of CD8+ lymphocyte T cells and M1 macrophage infiltration. These results demonstrate the potential of this technology to produce human vaccines for the treatment of patients with CRC.

Clavulanic acid (CLV) and amoxicillin, frequently administered in combination, can be independently involved in allergic reactions. Protein haptenation with β-lactams is considered necessary to activate the immune system. The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of biotinylated analogues of CLV as probes to study protein haptenation by this β-lactam. Two synthetic approaches afforded the labeling of CLV through esterification of its carboxylic group with a biotin moiety, via either direct binding (CLV-B) or tetraethylenglycol linker (CLV-TEG-B). The second analogue offered advantages as solubility in aqueous solution and potential lower steric hindrance for both intended interactions, with the protein and with avidin. NMR reactivity studies showed that both CLV and CLV-TEG-B reacts through β-lactam ring opening by aliphatic amino nitrogen, however with different stability of resulting conjugates. Unlike CLV conjugates, that promoted the decomposition of clavulanate fragment, the conjugates obtained with the CLV-TEG-B remained linked, as a whole structure including biotin, to nucleophile and showed a better stability. This was a desired key feature to allow CLV-TEG-B conjugated protein detection at great sensitivity. We have used biotin detection and mass spectrometry (MS) to detect the haptenation of human serum albumin (HSA) and human serum proteins. MS of conjugates showed that HSA could be modified by CLV-TEG-B. Remarkably, HSA preincubation with CLV excess only reduced moderately the incorporation of CLV-TEG-B, which could be attributed to different protein interferences. The CLV-TEG-B fragment with opened β-lactam was detected bound to the 404–430HSA peptide of the treated protein. Incubation of human serum with CLV-TEG-B resulted in the haptenation of several proteins that were identified by 2D-electrophoresis and peptide mass fingerprinting as HSA, haptoglobin, and heavy and light chains of immunoglobulins. Taken together, our results show that tagged-CLV keeps some of the CLV features. Moreover, although we observe a different behavior in the conjugate stability and in the site of protein modification, the similar reactivity indicates that it could constitute a valuable tool to identify protein targets for haptenation by CLV with high sensitivity to get insights into the activation of the immune system by CLV and mechanisms involved in β-lactams allergy.

Background Allergic reactions to β-lactams are among the most frequent causes of drug allergy and constitute an important clinical problem. Drug covalent binding to endogenous proteins (haptenation) is thought to be required for activation of the immune system. Nevertheless, neither the nature nor the role of the drug protein targets involved in this process is fully understood. Here, we aim to identify novel intracellular targets for haptenation by amoxicillin ( AX) and their cellular fate. Methods We have treated B lymphocytes with either AX or a biotinylated analog ( AX-B). The identification of protein targets for haptenation by AX has been approached by mass spectrometry and immunoaffinity techniques. In addition, intercellular communication mediated by the delivery of vesicles loaded with AX-B-protein adducts has been explored by microscopy techniques. Results We have observed a complex pattern of AX-haptenated proteins. Several novel targets for haptenation by AX in B lymphocytes have been identified. AX-haptenated proteins were detected in cell lysates and extracellularly, either as soluble proteins or in lymphocyte-derived extracellular vesicles. Interestingly, exosomes from AX-B-treated cells showed a positive biotin signal in electron microscopy. Moreover, they were internalized by endothelial cells, thus supporting their involvement in intercellular transfer of haptenated proteins. Conclusions These results represent the first identification of AX-mediated haptenation of intracellular proteins. Moreover, they show that exosomes can constitute a novel vehicle for haptenated proteins, and raise the hypothesis that they could provide antigens for activation of the immune system during the allergic response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diisocyanates (dNCOs) are low molecular weight chemical sensitizers that react with autologous proteins to produce neoantigens. dNCO-haptenated proteins have been used as immunogens for generation of dNCO-specific antibodies and as antigens to screen for dNCO-specific antibodies in exposed individuals. Detection of dNCO-specific antibodies in exposed individuals for diagnosis of dNCO asthma has been hampered by poor sensitivities of the assay methods in that specific IgE can only be detected in approximately 25% of the dNCO asthmatics. Apart from characterization of the conjugates used for these immunoassays, the choice of the carrier protein and the dNCO used are important parameters that can influence the detection of dNCO-specific antibodies. Human serum albumin (HSA) is the most common carrier protein used for detection of dNCO specific-IgE and -IgG but the immunogenicity and/or antigenicity of other proteins that may be modified by dNCO in vivo is not well documented. In the current study, 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) were reacted with HSA and human hemoglobin (Hb) and the resultant adducts were characterized by (i) HPLC quantification of the diamine produced from acid hydrolysis of the adducts, (ii) 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) assay to assess extent of cross-linking, (iii) electrophoretic migration in polyacrylamide gels to analyze intra- and inter-molecular cross-linking, and (iv) evaluation of antigenicity using a monoclonal antibody developed previously to TDI conjugated to Keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). Concentration-dependent increases in the amount of dNCO bound to HDI and TDI, cross-linking, migration in gels, and antibody-binding were observed. TDI reactivity with both HSA and Hb was significantly higher than HDI. Hb–TDI antigenicity was approximately 30% that of HSA–TDI. In conclusion, this data suggests that both, the extent of haptenation as well as the degree of cross-linking differs between the two diisocyanate species studied, which may influence their relative immunogenicity and/or antigenicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The schematic model of ACC modified SPCE immobilized with different potency of skin sensitizers (extreme/strong (red), moderate (green) and weak/non sensitizers (blue)). [Display omitted] • To explore the haptenation of skin sensitizer with a modified screen printed carbon electrode and a self–assembled monolayer of gold nanoparticles and cysteine using the impedance technique. • The interaction of extreme/strong skin sensitizer was discovered with a high value of changes of charge transfer resistance of skin sensitizer ( Δ R C T s k i n s e n s i t i z e r ). • A total of 9 min was reported to be the optimum contact time with skin sensitizer. • The adsorption isotherm studies showed Langmuir isotherm adsorption and spontaneous mechanism. Haptenation of skin sensitizer is indicated because of the covalent attachment of a skin sensitizer to a skin protein. The idea of this research is to explore the haptenation of skin sensitizer with a modified screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) and a self–assembled monolayer of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and cysteine (designated as ACC modified SPCE) using the impedance technique. The ACC modified SPCE was characterized using Fourier–Transform infrared spectroscopy–attenuated total reflectance (FTIR–ATR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Energy Dispersive X–Ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The presence of AuNPs and cysteine on the working electrode of the ACC modified electrode was detected by FTIR–ATR and EDX. AuNPs, possessing a homogeneous dot shape, and cysteine was randomly distributed on the carbon surface of SPCE shown by FESEM images. The AFM images indicated the possibility of a monolayer of adsorption of skin sensitizer onto ACC modified SPCE. The ACC modified SPCE has good reproducibility and stability with an RSD of 8.43 %. In addition, the interaction of extreme/strong skin sensitizer with the ACC modified SPCE was discovered with a high value of changes of charge transfer resistance of skin sensitizer ( Δ R C T s k i n s e n s i t i z e r ) when compared to moderate and weak/non skin sensitizers. A total of 9 min was reported to be the optimum contact time of the skin sensitizer onto ACC modified SPCE. The adsorption isotherm studies of skin sensitizers with ACC modified SPCE showed Langmuir isotherm adsorption and spontaneous mechanism. Maleic anhydride (as a model of extreme/strong skin sensitizers) showed a fast–binding rate (18.2149 M−1) with the addition of a slow dissociation rate of 0.0549 M, while glycerol (as a model of weak/non skin sensitizer) showed a slow binding rate of 4.5977 M−1 as a result of a rapid dissociation rate of 0.2175 M. The change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG°) was calculated for ACC modified SPCE with glycerol and maleic anhydride to be at –3.78 × 10+03 kJ/mol and –7.19 × 10+03 kJ/mol, respectively. This study proved that the ACC modified SPCE could be used for routine screening during the early product development stage in qualitative skin sensitization measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although p-phenylenediamine (PPD) has been recognized as an extreme sensitizer for many years, the exact mechanism of sensitization has not been elucidated yet. Penetration and the ability to bind to proteins are the first two hurdles that an allergen has to overcome to be able to sensitize. This review is an overview of studies regarding PPD penetration through skin (analogues) and studies on the amino acids that are targeted by PPD. To complete this review, the auto-oxidation and N-acetylation steps involved in PPD metabolism are described. In summary, under normal hair dyeing exposure conditions, <1% of the applied PPD dose penetrates the skin. The majority (>80%) of PPD that penetrates will be converted into the detoxification products monoacetyl-PPD and diacetyl-PPD by the N-acetyltransferase enzymes. The small amount of PPD that does not become N-acetylated is susceptible to auto-oxidation reactions, yielding protein-reactive PPD derivatives. These derivatives may bind to specific amino acids, and some of the formed adducts might be the complexes responsible for sensitization. However, true in vivo evidence is lacking, and further research to unravel the definite mechanism of sensitization is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Haptens must react with cellular proteins to be recognized by antigen presenting cells. Therefore, monitoring reactivity of chemicals with peptide/protein has been considered an in vitro skin sensitization testing method. The reactivity of peptides with chemicals (peptide reactivity) has usually been monitored by chromatographic methods like HPLC or LC/MS, which are robust tools for monitoring common chemical reactions but are rather expensive and time consuming. Here, we examined the possibility of using spectrophotometric methods to monitor peptide reactivity. Two synthetic peptides, Ac-RWAACAA and Ac-RWAAKAA, were reacted with 48 chemicals (34 sensitizers and 14 non-sensitizers). Peptide reactivity was measured by monitoring unreacted peptides with UV–Vis spectrophotometer using 5,5′-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid as a detection reagent for the free thiol group of cysteine-containing peptide or fluorometer using fluorescamine™ as a detection reagent for the free amine group of lysine-containing peptide. Chemicals were categorized as sensitizers when they induced more than 10% depletion of cysteine-containing peptide or 20% depletion of lysine-containing peptide. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of this method were 82.4%, 85.7%, and 83.3%, respectively. These results demonstrate that spectrophotometric methods can be easy, fast, and high-throughput screening tools for the prediction of the skin sensitization potential of chemical haptens. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The aim of this study was to obtain evidence for the activation of the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor abacavir to reactive aldehyde metabolites in vivo. Protein haptenation by these reactive metabolites may be a factor in abacavir-induced toxic events. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The formation of N-terminal valine adducts from the abacavir-derived aldehydes was investigated in the haemoglobin of Wistar rats treated with eight daily doses (120 mg·kg−1) of abacavir. The analyses were conducted by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry upon comparison with synthetic standards. KEY RESULTS An N-terminal valine haemoglobin adduct derived from an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde metabolite of abacavir was identified in vivo for the first time. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This preliminary work on abacavir metabolism provides the first unequivocal evidence for the formation of an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde metabolite in vivo and of its ability to form haptens with proteins. The methodology described herein can be used to assess the formation of this metabolite in human samples and has the potential to become a valuable pharmacological tool for mechanistic studies of abacavir toxicity. In fact, the simplicity of the method suggests that the abacavir adduct with the N-terminal valine of haemoglobin could be used to investigate abacavir-induced toxicity for accurate risk/benefit estimations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modification of proteins by reactive small chemicals is a key step in the activation of chemical-specific T cells in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). However, an integrated approach to characterize both the precise nature of chemically modified proteins and the chemical-specific T cells is currently lacking. Here, we analyze the molecular conditions for adduct formation of the strong human contact sensitizer 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and its water-soluble form, 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS), with both an all amino acid–containing model peptide (± Cys) and the protein human serum albumin (HSA). Mass spectrometric detection and quantification revealed thiol-dependent peptide adduct formation at all pH values found in human skin layers. Highest modification rates were obtained with DNBS. Accordingly, DNBS- but not DNCB-modified human immature dendritic cells (iDC) induced in vitro primary human T-cell responses as did 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid–modified iDC as measured by dinitrophenyl (DNP)- and trinitrophenyl (TNP)-specific T-cell proliferation and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) production in CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets. Moreover, DNP-modified HSA protein effectively induced primary T-cell responses when processed by iDC. Thus, an integrated approach that combines efficient skin-related in chemico coupling analyses with an in vitro T-cell priming assay can be used to predict in vivo reactions of chemical contact allergens with extracellular and cellular proteins. This strategy supports the development of chemical-specific in vitro assays that are urgently required in predictive hazard identification and risk assessment of allergenic and nonallergenic chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dendritic cell (DC) maturation in response to contact sensitizers is a crucial step in the induction of sensitization reactions; however the underlying mechanism of activation remains unknown. To test whether the extent of protein haptenation is a determinant in DC maturation, we tested the effect of five dinitrophenyl (DNP) analogues of different reactivity, on maturation markers in the cell line, THP-1. The potencies of the test compounds in upregulating CD54 levels, inducing IL-8 release and triggering p38 MAPK phosphorylation did not correlate with their ability to deplete intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels or cause cell toxicity. However, the compounds'' potency at inducing p38 phosphorylation was significantly associated with the amount of intracellular protein adducts formed (p <0.05). Inhibition experiments show that, at least for DNFB, p38 MAP kinase signalling controls compound-specific changes in CD54 expression and IL-8 release. 2D-PAGE analysis revealed that all the DNP analogues appeared to bind similar proteins. The analogues failed to activate NFkB, however, they activated Nrf2, which was used as a marker of oxidative stress. Neither GSH depletion, by use of buthionine sulfoximine, nor treatment with the strongly lysine-reactive hapten penicillin elicited maturation. We conclude that protein haptenation, probably through reactive cysteine residues may be a trigger for maturation events in this in vitro model and that p38 activation may be a discriminatory marker for the classification of potency of chemical sensitizers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The interaction of skin sensitizers with the cysteine modified screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was analyzed using EIS. • The extreme/strong skin sensitizer resulted in high Δ R C T s k i n s e n s i t i z e r values compared to moderate and weak/non skin sensitizer. • Analysis conducted using AFM and FTIR-ATR supported the data obtained using EIS. • The adsorption kinetic studies for ETSC modified SPCE with skin sensitizer based on the different classes of skin sensitizer followed the Langmuir isotherm adsorption. • ETSC modified SPCE has the potential to be used for routine screening purposes during early cosmetics and personal care products development. Skin sensitization is defined as an allergic response to a skin sensitizer upon contact with the skin. Skin sensitization is induced through covalent binding of a skin sensitizer to skin proteins (haptenation process). In this research work, the working electrodes of screen printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) were modified by electrodepositing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), addition of thiourea and then followed by self–assembly of AuNPs and cysteine (designated as ETSC). The main purpose of this research was to study the interaction of skin sensitizers with the cysteine and gold nanoparticles modified screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) analyzed using impedance technique. The interaction of maleic anhydride (as extreme/strong skin sensitizer) with the cysteine modified SPCE was found to result in high changes in the value of charge transfer resistance of skin sensitizer ( Δ R C T s k i n s e n s i t i z e r ) compared to moderate sensitizer (isoeugenol) and weak/non skin sensitizer (glycerol). The ETSC modified SPCE with skin sensitizers were characterised using Fourier–Transform infrared spectroscopy–attenuated total reflectance (FTIR–ATR), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The presence of skin sensitizers on the working electrode of ETSC modified electrode was detected by FTIR–ATR. AFM images indicated different patterns with different surface roughness for extreme/strong, moderate and weak/non skin sensitizers. Using EIS, the estimation for fractional surface coverage (θIS) of ETSC modified SPCE when contacted with maleic anhydride was higher than isoeugenol and glycerol. Other than that, the active site radius (r a), and the distance between two adjacent sites (2r b) for ETSC modified SPCE when contacted with maleic anhydride were shorter than the r a and 2rb obtained for isoeugenol and glycerol, indicating higher surface average roughness for ETSC modified SPCE that was contacted with maleic anhydride. Data obtained from EIS agreed with images obtained using AFM. The adsorption kinetic studies for ETSC modified SPCE with skin sensitizers showed that the skin sensitizers displayed Langmuir isotherm adsorption. This work showed that the ETSC modified SPCE has the potential to be employed for the screening of potential skin sensitizers during the early stage of cosmetic and personal care products development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDEC) and its disulfide, tetraethylthiuram disulfide (TETD), are rubber accelerators and contact allergens that cross-react in some individuals. Objective: This study explored potential protein haptenation mechanisms of ZDEC and its oxidation products. Methods: ZDEC oxidation/reduction products and sites of protein binding were assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. The murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) was employed to probe haptenation mechanisms of ZDEC by examining its allergenicity along with its oxidation products and through elimination of oxidation and chelation mechanisms by substituting cobalt for zinc [cobalt (II) dithiocarbamate, CoDEC]. Results: Oxidation of ZDEC by hypochlorous acid (bleach, HOCl), iodine, or hydrogen peroxide resulted in production of TETD, tetraethylthiocarbamoyl disulfide, and tetraethyldicarbamoyl disulfide (TEDCD). Albumin thiols reduced TETD with subsequent mixed disulfide formation/haptenation. ZDEC directly chelated the copper ion on the active site of the superoxide dismutase, whereas CoDEC did not bind to Cu proteins or form mixed disulfides with free thiols. ZDEC, sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, TEDCD, and TETD were all positive in the LLNA except CoDEC, which was non-allergenic. Conclusion: The thiol is the critical functional group in ZDEC’s allergenicity, and haptenation is predominantly through chelation of metalloproteins and formation of mixed disulfides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores protein conjugation of 7-oxodehydroabietic acid, a resin acid found in both aerosol from soldering with rosin flux and in rosin solids. In a murine model, conjugation (haptenation) of resin acids to proteins is required to generate antibodies against rosin. Hydroperoxy resin acids are dermal sensitizers, with haptenation thought to occur via radical mechanisms. Dermal sensitization to 7-oxodehydroabietic acid has been observed, although no radical haptenation mechanism has been proposed to explain the sensitizing properties of this compound. Conjugation of L-lysine to 7-oxodehydroabietic acid was predicted, with a Schiff base (or imine) linkage formed between C-7 of the resin acid and a free amino group of lysine. Fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry provided evidence of the conjugate; a small peak was seen for the conjugate (M + H)+ ion in aqueous ethanol with 20 mM concentrations of the free resin and amino acids. A larger conjugate peak was observed with addition of tertiary amine as a mild basic catalyst, and the intensity of the conjugate peak exceeded that of the precursors upon replacement of the ethanol with benzene. Resin acids accumulate in the plasma membrane, a non-aqueous environment apparently conducive to conjugation of 7-oxodehydroabietic acid with lysine side chains of membrane proteins. The result would be dehydroabietic acid covalently bound to protein, which could lead to interaction with immune cells having resin acid specificity. The haptenation mechanism presented may be involved in allergic contact dermatitis and occupational asthma observed from exposure to resin acid solids and aerosols. As sampling and analytical methods have been previously demonstrated for 7-oxodehydroabietic acid, this compound may be a useful exposure marker with relevance to negative health effects such as occupational asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insights into immune reactions against benign and malignant melanocytes may help the development of more efficient immunotherapeutic treatments for melanoma. The interplay between an active systemic antitumor immunity and a responsive local tumor environment is crucial to achieve effective clinical responses. Increasing evidence confirms this strategy can lead to an adequate and durable immunosurveillance of melanocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haptenation of model nucleophiles, representing the key MIE in skin sensitisation, is routinely measured in chemico to provide data for skin allergy risk assessment. Better understanding of the dynamics of haptenation in human skin could provide the metrics required to improve determination of sensitiser potency for risk assessment of chemicals. We have previously demonstrated the applicability and sensitivity of the dual stable isotope labelling approach to detect low level haptenation in complex mixtures of proteins. In the present study, we investigated haptenation in a relevant living cell model over time at a subtoxic concentration. DNCB, an extremely potent sensitiser, caused minimal changes in overall protein differential expression in HaCaT cells and haptenated approximately 0.25 % of all available nucleophiles when applied at a subtoxic concentration (10μM) for 4 h. The data shows that the maximum level of haptenation occurs at 2 h and that DNCB, whilst being a promiscuous hapten, shows a preference for Cys residues, despite the considerably higher concentration of amine-based nucleophiles. Although a proportion of highly abundant proteins were haptenated, numerous haptenated sites were also detected on low abundant proteins. Certain proteins were modified at residues buried deep inside the protein structure which are less accessible to haptenation compared with surface exposed nucleophiles. The microenvironment of the buried residues may be a result of several factors influencing the reactivity of both the target nucleophile and the hapten. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clavulanic acid (CLV) and amoxicillin, frequently administered in combination, can be independently involved in allergic reactions. Protein haptenation with β-lactams is considered necessary to activate the immune system. The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of biotinylated analogues of CLV as probes to study protein haptenation by this β-lactam. Two synthetic approaches afforded the labeling of CLV through esterification of its carboxylic group with a biotin moiety, via either direct binding (CLV-B) or tetraethylenglycol linker (CLV-TEG-B). The second analogue offered advantages as solubility in aqueous solution and potential lower steric hindrance for both intended interactions, with the protein and with avidin. NMR reactivity studies showed that both CLV and CLV-TEG-B reacts through β-lactam ring opening by aliphatic amino nitrogen, however with different stability of resulting conjugates. Unlike CLV conjugates, that promoted the decomposition of clavulanate fragment, the conjugates obtained with the CLV-TEG-B remained linked, as a whole structure including biotin, to nucleophile and showed a better stability. This was a desired key feature to allow CLV-TEG-B conjugated protein detection at great sensitivity. We have used biotin detection and mass spectrometry (MS) to detect the haptenation of human serum albumin (HSA) and human serum proteins. MS of conjugates showed that HSA could be modified by CLV-TEG-B. Remarkably, HSA preincubation with CLV excess only reduced moderately the incorporation of CLV-TEG-B, which could be attributed to different protein interferences. The CLV-TEG-B fragment with opened β-lactam was detected bound to the 404–430HSA peptide of the treated protein. Incubation of human serum with CLV-TEG-B resulted in the haptenation of several proteins that were identified by 2D-electrophoresis and peptide mass fingerprinting as HSA, haptoglobin, and heavy and light chains of immunoglobulins. Taken together, our results show that tagged-CLV keeps some of the CLV features. Moreover, although we observe a different behavior in the conjugate stability and in the site of protein modification, the similar reactivity indicates that it could constitute a valuable tool to identify protein targets for haptenation by CLV with high sensitivity to get insights into the activation of the immune system by CLV and mechanisms involved in β-lactams allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]