The use of Fab-masking antigens to enhance the activity of immobilized antibodies

This study demonstrates that masking the Feb regions of a monoclonal antibody (Mab) with synthetic antigens prior to covalent immobilization efficiency. Water-soluble adducts of poly(2-methyloxazoline) polymers and a syntheticpeptide epitope for the Mab were constructed. These synthetic antigens are referred to as Fab-masking antigents (FMAs). The antibody used in this study is a Ca(2+)-dependent murine monoclonal lgG directed against the plasma protein, human protein C (hPC). The FMAs were pre-equilibrated with Mab in the presence of calcium prior to immobilization and were then removed by EDTA, which destabilized the FMA-Mab complexes. The antigen binding efficiency and accessibility of the Fab domain of the immobilized antibody was significantly increased for Mab immobilized in the presence of FMA relative to those Mab immobilized without FMA. The increase in binding efficiency was most pronounced for the largest FMA employed. No appreciable differences were detected in the avidity of hPC-Mab complexes formed by immunosorbents produced by either masked or unmaked antibody. These results provide evidence that orientgation may play an important role in the binding activity of immobilized antibodies.     

Optical biosensors for real-time measurement of analytes in blood plasma

The preparation of assemblies consisting of multiple molecular layers of bovine serum albumin (BSA), monoclonal antibodies against horseradish peroxidase (anti-HRP), and monoclonal antibodies against methotrexate (anti-MTT), as well as interaction of the assemblies with human blood plasma were observed using a grating coupler and Young interferometer (YI). The assemblies could be arranged according to decreasing amounts of nonspecific deposits bound irreversibly to them from blood plasma as follows-an adsorbed antibody monolayer saturated with adsorbed BSA, antibody multilayers linked with polycations, antibodies covalently immobilized on a BSA layer densely crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (GA), slightly crosslinked BSA double layer, slightly crosslinked antibody double layers. The occurrence of human serum albumin (HSA), human fibrinogen (Fg), IgG, and IgM in the plasma deposits was studied by binding the respective antibodies. IgG, IgM, and Fg were detected in plasma deposits on the immobilized assemblies while the composition of a plasma deposit on the unmodified sensor surface reflected roughly the plasma composition containing mainly adsorbed HSA and Fg. A crosslinked anti-HRP double layer was immobilized on a waveguiding branch of YI and a similar anti-MTT double layer was immobilized on the other branch. The sensor response to blood plasma was fairly decreased owing to a compensation of the respective optical changes in the two branches, in which a similar non-specific adsorption took place. The addition of HRP or MTT to plasma induced specific responses of the corresponding branches.     

A SERS-based immunoassay with highly increased sensitivity using gold/silver core-shell nanorods

An integrated platform for a very sensitive detection of cocaine based on a refractometric biosensor is demonstrated. The system uses a waveguide grating biosensor functionalized with a cocaine multivalent antigen-carrier protein conjugate. The immunoassay scheme consists of the competitive binding of cocaine-specific antibodies to the immobilized conjugates. A 1000-fold enhancement of the sensor's sensitivity is achieved when using gold conjugated monoclonal antibodies instead of free antibodies. Together with the optimization of the assay conditions, the setup is designed for a quick identification of narcotics using automated sampling. The results show that the presence of cocaine in a liquid sample could be identified down to a concentration of 0.7 nM within one minute. This value can be reduced even further when longer binding time is allowed (0.2 nM after 15 min). Application of the system to detection of narcotics at airport security control points is discussed.     

Anti-angiotensin II anti-idiotypic antibodies bind to angiotensin II receptor

An anti-idiotypic serum from a rabbit immunized with one anti-angiotensin II (AII) monoclonal antibody (A25) was shown to identify a cross-reactive idiotope (CRI) shared by six anti-AII monoclonal antibodies, in addition to a binding site-associated private idiotope. This anti-idiotypic reagent bound to rat liver membranes bearing AII receptors; binding was abolished after pretreatment of the membranes with AII. In immunoblotting experiments with rat liver membranes, as well as with rat pituitary homogenates, a 63,000 +/- 2,000 dalton protein was revealed that co-migrated with the AII receptor. After purification by affinity chromatography on an immobilized CRI+-antibody (A41), anti-CRI antibodies could immunoprecipitate the hormone binding activity from detergent-treated rat liver membranes and still recognize the 63,000 dalton protein. In contrast, anti-idiotypic antibodies specific for the private idiotope failed to interact with the AII receptor. Similar results were obtained with a second anti-idiotypic serum produced by immunization with another CRI+ anti-AII monoclonal antibody (A22). The sharing of the CRI determinant between the AII receptor and anti-AII antibodies might account for the reactivity of anti-idiotypic antibodies towards the AII receptor.     

Expression of a monoclonal antibody-defined aminoterminal epitope of human apoC-I on native and reconstituted lipoproteins

Nine distinct mouse monoclonal antibodies were produced in two fusions using holo-human very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) as antigen. On immunoblotting first with human VLDL and then with isolated human apoC-I, seven of the antibodies, representing three isotypes, manifested specificity for apoC-I. Two antibodies were directed against apoB. To assess whether the seven anti-apoC-I antibodies were directed against the same or distinctively different epitopes, cross-competition assays were performed wherein 125I-labeled monoclonal antibodies were made to compete with unlabeled antibodies for occupancy on immobilized VLDL-associated apoC-I. All antibodies cross-competed to varying extents implying that they were directed against closely spaced epitopes, but based on these experiments three different epitopes were defined. On immunoblotting with CNBr fragments, all of the epitopes were assigned to the CNBr I fragment of human apoC-I (amino acids 1-38) suggesting that the NH2-terminal region of apoC-I is more immunogenic in mice than other parts of the molecule when apoC-I is associated with VLDL. A competitive solid-phase radioimmunoassay (RIA) was developed employing one of the anti-apoC-I antibodies (A3-4). VLDL was adsorbed to plastic microtiter wells, and a limiting amount of the antibody was reacted with the adsorbed VLDL. The amount of monoclonal antibody that bound to the immobilized VLDL-apoC-I was determined with a 125I-labeled goat anti-mouse IgG antibody. The addition of competitor apoC-I complexed with lipids resulted in reduced binding of the anti-apoC-I antibody to the immobilized VLDL-apoC-I. Competitor complexes consisted of an artificial lipid emulsion (Intralipid) incubated with apoC-I at phospholipid/apoC-I ratios of 1:1 to 60:1 (w/w). As the lipid/protein ratios were increased, the competitive displacement curves produced by the complexes become progressively steeper, while isolated lipid-free apoC-I produced curves with very shallow slopes, suggesting that a conformation-dependent epitope was being probed. Other apoproteins (C-II, C-III, A-I, A-II, and E) whether lipid-free or complexed with lipids did not compete. Fractionation of the 30:1 apoC-I-Intralipid complex by gel permeation chromatography suggested that apoC-I bound to phospholipids was the most effective competitor. This was confirmed by testing of apoC-I-DMPC complexes, which yielded curves that paralleled those produced by apoC-I-Intralipid.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Monoclonal antibodies to the rat liver glucocorticoid receptor.

Monoclonal antibodies against the 90 000 mol. wt. form of the activated rat liver glucocorticoid receptor were generated from mice immunized with a partially purified receptor preparation. The screening assay was based on the precipitation of liver cytosol, labelled with [3H]triamcinolone acetonide, with monoclonal antibodies bound to immobilized rabbit anti-mouse IgG. Out of 102 hybridomas obtained, 76 produced immunoglobulin and eight of them were found to react with the receptor molecule. Only one of the positive clones secreted IgG whereas the other seven produced IgM. The complexes of receptor and antibodies were identified by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. All seven monoclonal antibodies tested reacted with the 90 000 mol. wt. form of the receptor but not with the 40 000 mol. wt. form that contains the steroid and DNA binding domains. None of the monoclonal antibodies interfered with the binding of the receptor to DNA cellulose, thus suggesting that the antigenic determinants are located in a region of the receptor that is not directly implicated in either steroid binding or DNA binding. These antigenic determinants were common to glucocorticoid receptors from several tissues of the rat, whereas glucocorticoid receptors from other species react only with some of the antibodies.     

Screening for weak monoclonal antibodies in hybridoma technology

As the interest in weak-affinity antibodies has been widened by their introduction to various analytical techniques such as HPLC, capillary electrophoresis and biosensors, there has been a need for new screening/monitoring methods. In this study, weak-affinity chromatography was adopted to screen/monitor directly for monoclonal antibodies in ascites. Monoclonal antibodies against a carbohydrate antigen (maltohexaose) were used to evaluate this approach. In short, malthohexaose was immobilized on an HPLC support in such a configuration to allow, during HPLC, retardation of weak monoclonal antibodies. Based on the retention, the affinity or the avidity, as determined by the presence of multiple binding of the monoclonal antibody towards antigen, can be estimated. In this way it is possible to select clones of hybridomas that produce desired weak monoclonal antibodies. Adjustments in temperature (10-20 degrees C) were used to moderate the retention and hence affinity of the weak monoclonal antibodies during chromatography.     

Characterization of monoclonal antidigoxin antibodies immobilized to a solid support

A high-affinity monoclonal antidigoxin antibody, produced by somatic cell fusion, was amplified by the formation of ascites. Purification from ascites was accomplished by affinity chromatography by passing the ascites over a digitoxin-amine-agarose column. Affinity-purified antidigoxin antibody was coupled to a pellicular microbead at concentrations of 10, 25, 50, and 100 mg/g bead. The immobilized antibody was characterized for binding affinity, for specificity to other cardiac glycosides, and for binding capacity. There were no changes in the binding affinity observed for the immobilized antibody when compared to that of the antibody grown in culture media. Binding capacities for the immobilized antibody were decreased from calculated theoretical values. Saturating the microbead with increasing concentrations of antibody lowered the binding efficiency of the antibody from 32 to 22% of theoretical values. Attempts to improve the binding capacity by immobilizing antibodies to the microbead at the immunoglobulin carbohydrate by periodate oxidation were unsuccessful. These data demonstrate that antidrug antibodies immobilized on solid supports remain functional and may have the capability of removing drug from biological fluids passed over the support.     

Application of atomic force microscopy and grating coupler for the characterization of biosensor surfaces

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and an optical grating coupler system were used to improve the understanding of the biosensing layer on a Ta(2)O(5)-light-guiding surface. Exemplary, we investigated the immobilization of the protein avidin, the subsequent binding of biotinylated oligonucleotides and hybridization of a complementary 12-mer. The AFM measurements revealed the height of approximately 1.6 nm for a single avidin molecule, while the thickness of the avidin layer on the biosensor surface seemed to be 2.8-3.0 nm. This result lead to the conclusion that the protein was not forming a simple monolayer. However, the thickness of the avidin layer could not be determined directly, but only after shifting of protein by the tip of the AFM leading to grooves of 1 micro m(2) and approximately 3 nm depth. As the height of oxide particles forming the waveguide surface was also in the range of 1.5 nm, the depth of these grooves could also be a result of the deposition of proteins on top of the oxide particles. This was consistent with the increased roughness of the surface after protein binding. Thus, investigations with the grating coupler were used to determine quantitatively the amount of immobilized avidin. On a biotinylated surface the amount of immobilized avidin lead to the assumption of a complete monolayer, whereas simple adsorption proved to be less efficient. A binding ratio of 1:1.3 for avidin and a biotinylated oligonucleotide was achieved. Up to 83% of the bound single strand were accessible for a subsequent hybridization reaction with a 12-mer. These results supported the model of avidin being deposited mainly on top of the oxide particles leading to the picture of a 'rough' complete protein monolayer, which was postulated from the AFM investigations.     

Enzyme immobilization via monoclonal antibodies I. Preparation of a highly active immobilized carboxypeptidase A

A novel method for the preparation of highly active immobilized enzymes is described. It is based on the binding of enzymes to suitable carriers via monoclonal antibodies, which bind to the enzyme with high affinity without affecting its catalytic activity. The applicability of the method forwarded has been illustrated by the preparation of two samples of highly active immobilized carboxypeptidase A (CPA) preparations as follows: A mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb 100)to CPA that binds to the enzyme with a high-affinity constant without affecting its catalytic activity was prepared, purified, and characterized. Covalent binding of this monoclonal antibody to Eupergit C (EC) or noncovalent binding to Sepharose-protein A (SPA)yielded the conjugated carriers EC-mAb and SPA.mAb, respectively, which reacted specifically with CPA to give the immobilized enzyme preparations EC-mAb.CPA and SPA.mAb.CPA displaying full catalytic activity and improved stability. At pH 7.5 and a temperature range of 4-37 degrees C an apparent binding constant of approximately 10(8)M(-1) characterizing the interaction of CPA with EC-mAb and SPA.mAb, was obtained. To compare the properties of EC-mAb.CPA and SPA.mAb.CPA with those of immobilized CPA preparations obtained by some representative techniques of covalent binding of the enzyme with a corresponding carrier, the following immobilized CPA preparations were obtained and their properties investigated: EC-CPA (I), a preparation obtained by direct binding of EC with CPA; EC-NH-GA-CPA (II), a derivative obtained by covalent binding of CPA to aminated EC via glutaraldehyde; EC-NH-Su-CPA (III), a CPA derivative obtained by binding the enzyme to aminated EC via a succinyl residue; and EC-HMD-GA-CPA (IV), obtained by binding the enzyme via glutaraldehyde to a hexamethylene diamine derivative of EC. Full enzymic activity for all of the bound enzyme, such as that recorded for the immobilized CPA preparations EC-mAb.CPA and SPA.mAb.CPA, was not detected in any of the insoluble covalently bound enzyme preparations.     

Use of monoclonal anti-enzyme antibodies for analytical purposes.

This review discusses the analytical applications of monoclonal antibodies specific for enzymes. One important, but not well-studied, application of these monoclonal antibodies is their use in immobilizing enzymes on solid supports. This method is based on binding the enzymes to an immobilized antibody through the antigen binding site of the antibody. Enzymes immobilized this way retain much of their activity. The utility of immobilized enzyme reactors prepared by immobilizing the enzymes through antibodies is demonstrated by using them in the determination of acetylcholine and choline in brain tissue extracts. Currently available methods for immobilizing antibodies and enzymes are reviewed. Other issues discussed in this review include the problems and advantages of immobilized enzyme reactors, especially when used in conjunction with HPLC. In addition, the applications of monoclonal antibodies for the detection and measurement of enzymes and their isoforms are summarized.     

Analysis of carbohydrates using liquid chromatography--surface plasmon resonance immunosensing systems

An immunosensing system based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was used for on-line detection and characterization of carbohydrate molecules separated by high-performance liquid chromatography. These analytes, with or without serum, were continuously separated and analyzed in the combined liquid chromatography-surface plasmon resonance (LC-SPR) system. By using weak and readily reversible monoclonal antibodies, the SPR system allowed specific on-line monitoring of the substances. To increase the specificity of the immunosensor, nonrelevant antibodies were used as reference in a serial flow cell. The sensitivity of the LC-SPR system was dependent on molecular weight of the carbohydrate, affinity of binding, and design of the sensor.     

On-line monitoring of monoclonal antibody formation in high density perfusion culture using FIA

An automated flow injection system for on-line analysis of proteins in real fermentation fluids was developed by combining the principles of stopped-flow, merging zones flow injection analysis (FIA) with antigen-antibody reactions. IgG in the sample reacted with its corresponding antibody (a-IgG) in the reagent solution. Formation of insoluble immunocomplexes resulted in an increase of the turbidity which was determined photometrically. This system was used to monitor monoclonal antibody production in high cell density perfusion culture of hybridoma cells. Perfusion was performed with a newly developed static filtration unit equipped with hydrophilic microporous tubular membranes. Different sampling devices were tested to obtain a cell-free sample stream for on-line product anlysis of high molecular weight (e.g., monoclonal antibodies) and low molecular weight (e.g., glucose, lactate) medium components. In fermentation fluids a good correlation (coefficient: 0.996) between the FIA method and an ELISA test was demonstrated. In a high density perfusion cultivation process mAb formation was succesfully monitored on-line over a period of 400 h using a reliable sampling system. Glucose and lactate were measured over the same period of time using a commercially available automatic analyser based on immobilized enzyme technology.Abbreviations TIA Turbidimetric immunoassay - mAb Monoclonal Antibody     

Identification of a peptide sequence involved in homophilic binding in the neural cell adhesion molecule NCAM

The neural cell adhesion molecule NCAM is capable of mediating cell-cell adhesion via homophilic interactions. In this study, three strategies have been combined to identify regions of NCAM that participate directly in NCAM-NCAM binding: analysis of domain deletion mutations, mapping of epitopes of monoclonal antibodies, and use of synthetic peptides to inhibit NCAM activity. Studies on L cells transfected with NCAM mutant cDNAs using cell aggregation and NCAM-covasphere binding assays indicate that the third immunoglobulin-like domain is involved in homophilic binding. The epitopes of four monoclonal antibodies that have been previously shown to affect cell-cell adhesion mediated by NCAM were also mapped to domain 3. Overlapping hexapeptides were synthesized on plastic pins and assayed for binding with these monoclonal antibodies. One of them (PP) reacted specifically with the sequence KYSFNY. Synthetic oligopeptides containing the PP epitope were potent and specific inhibitors of NCAM binding activity. A substratum containing immobilized peptide conjugates also exhibited adhesiveness for neural retinal cells. Cell attachment was specifically inhibited by peptides that contained the PP-epitope and by anti-NCAM univalent antibodies. The shortest active peptide has the sequence KYSFNYDGSE, suggesting that this site is directly involved in NCAM homophilic interaction.     

Monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies that recognize the binding site for nicotine on rat brain receptor

Anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibodies have been prepared that represent the internal image of nicotine and are specific for the nicotine binding site on rat brain receptor. Specificity of these antibodies for the combining site on anti-nicotine was demonstrated by their ability to inhibit binding of monoclonal anti-nicotine to immobilized nicotine-polylysine. Furthermore, purified rat brain nicotine receptor but not acetylcholine receptor from fish electric organ effectively competed with anti-nicotine for immobilized nicotine and for immobilized anti-idiotype. Only 9 pmoles of naturally occurring (-)-nicotine inhibited idiotype-anti-idiotype binding by 50% whereas 11 times more (+)-nicotine was required. Acetylcholine, several cholinergic agonists and antagonists, nicotine metabolites, and other structurally related compounds were poor inhibitors.     

On-line determination of animal cell concentration.

A new approach for the indirect determination of cell concentration in the case of nonconstant metabolic rates has been developed. The specific glucose-uptake rate was shown to be nonconstant in batch cultures of free suspended and immobilized CHO SSF3 cells. Time-independent models correlating the specific rate to the limiting substrate concentration were established, thus providing a continuous determination of the specific rate through on-line measurement of the limiting substrate. The method could be applied to determine on-line cell concentration in both free suspended and immobilized cell cultures. Results were verified off-line by crystal violet nuclei counting. The predicted cell concentration was in very good agreement with the off-line reference during the whole exponential-growth phase, until the specific glucose-uptake rate tended to zero.     

Production, characterization, and applications of monoclonal antibodies reactive with soybean nodule xanthine dehydrogenase

Seven monoclonal antibodies were produced against soybean nodule xanthine dehydrogenase, an enzyme involved in ureide synthesis. Specificity of the seven monoclonal antibodies for xanthine dehydrogenase was demonstrated by immunopurifying the enzyme to homogeneity from a crude nodule extract using antibodies immobilized to Sepharose 4B beads. Each monoclonal antibody was covalently bound to Sepharose 4B beads for the preparation of immunoaffinity columns for each antibody. All seven antibodies were found to be of the IgG1,K subclass. A competitive, indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated that two of the seven antibodies shared a common epitope while the remaining five antibodies defined unique determinants on the protein. Rapid, large scale purification of active xanthine dehydrogenase to homogeneity was performed by immunoaffinity chromatography. The presence of xanthine dehydrogenase activity and protein in every organ of the soybean plant was determined. Crude extracts of nodules, roots, stems, and leaves cross-reacted with all seven monoclonal antibodies in an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A positive correlation was observed between the degree of cross-reactivity of a given organ and the level of enzyme activity in that organ. These data demonstrate that xanthine dehydrogenase is not nodule specific. Antigenic variability of xanthine dehydrogenase present in crude extracts from nodules of soybean, wild soybean, cowpea, lima bean, pea, and lupin were detected in the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay which corresponded to six binding patterns for xanthine dehydrogenase from these plant species. These results correspond well with the epitope determination data which showed that the seven antibodies bind to six different binding determinants on the enzyme.     

Evidence that the acetylcholine binding site is not formed by the sequence alpha 127-143 of the acetylcholine receptor

The sequence alpha 127-143 of the alpha subunit of the acetylcholine receptor has been proposed to contain several important features: (1) the acetylcholine binding site, (2) the only N-glycosylation site of the alpha subunit, at asparagine-alpha 141, and (3) two cysteine residues, at alpha 128 and alpha 142, that may participate in a disulfide bond known to be near the binding site. We tested these hypotheses by using antisera to receptor and its subunits and monoclonal antibodies to the synthetic peptide alpha 127-143 cyclized by a disulfide bond between alpha 128 and alpha 142. Antisera to receptor and its alpha subunit were able to immunoprecipitate the iodinated peptide, and this reaction was inhibited by soluble receptor, but not by membrane-bound receptor. alpha-Bungarotoxin did not inhibit antiserum binding to solubilized receptor. Similarly, cholinergic ligands had little or no effect on binding to immobilized receptors of anti-peptide monoclonal antibodies. In addition, these monoclonal antibodies, when bound to the receptor, did not affect toxin binding kinetics. By contrast, preincubation with concanavalin A did inhibit monoclonal antibody binding. Reduction of the receptor significantly decreased the binding of three of the monoclonal antibodies, but subsequent alkylation with N-ethylmaleimide or the affinity labeling reagent bromoacetylcholine had no additional effect on binding. A dithiothreitol concentration about 100-fold higher that the one needed to reduce the disulfide near the acetylcholine binding site was necessary to inhibit monoclonal antibody binding. We conclude that the sequence alpha 127-143 is not fully exposed on the surface when the receptor is in the membrane.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

ApoD Mediates Binding of HDL to LDL and to Growing T24 Carcinoma

Apolipoprotein (Apo) D is an important protein produced in many parts of the body. It is necessary for the development and repair of the brain and protection from oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which apoD interacts with lipoproteins in human plasma. By using detergent-free ELISA, we show that immobilized monoclonal antibodies against apoD very efficiently bind to low density lipoprotein (LDL) from plasma; this binding is as equally efficient as binding to an anti-apoB monoclonal antibody. Adding detergent to the plasma inhibited the binding, suggesting that the binding is dependent on the presence of intact lipoprotein particles. Reversing the system by using immobilized anti-apoB revealed that the affinity of apoD for LDL is rather low, suggesting that multiple bindings are needed for a durable connection. Biosensor experiments using purified lipoproteins also showed that purified apoD and high density lipoprotein 3 (HDL3), a lipoprotein fraction rich in apoD, were both able to bind LDL very efficiently, indicating that the HDL3-LDL interaction may be a physiological consequence of the affinity of apoD for LDL. Furthermore, we found that apoD increases the binding of HDL to actively growing T24 bladder carcinoma cells but not to quiescent, contact-inhibited, confluent T24 cells. This result is especially intriguing given that the T24 supernatant only contained detectable levels of apoD after growth inhibition, raising the possibility that alternating the expression of apoD and a putative apoD-receptor could give direction to the flow of lipids. In the current paper, we conclude that apoD mediates binding of HDL to LDL and to growing T24 carcinomas, thereby highlighting the importance of apoD in lipid metabolism.     

A comparative study of protein immobilization techniques for optical immunosensors.

This paper presents the results of a study of a number of antibody immobilization techniques for application to optical immunosensors. In particular, well-known methods such as covalent binding and physical adsorption have been extended to the Langmiur-Blodgett method in an attempt to improve the density and possibly the uniformity of orientation of monoclonal antibodies on an optical surface. The surface density of active immobilized antibodies was determined from enzyme immunoassay and their thickness and refractive index were deduced from ellipsometry. It is shown that, although high surface densities (500 ng/cm2) of antibody can be obtained, the major obstacle to the detection of low concentrations of antigens or haptens is the non-specific binding of foreign molecules to the sensing surface.