免疫融合蛋白sFcεRIα/mIg(IgG2)的研制

哮喘、过敏性鼻炎、特应性皮炎及食物过敏等疾病为一类常见疾病,但存在治疗效果不佳,患者病程长等特点.IgE分子是导致过敏性疾病的关键分子.抑制IgE分子与效应细胞膜表面FceRI受体的结合可抑制过敏反应的发生.通过克隆FcεRI受体α亚基的cDNA与IgG2的稳定区铰链区、CH2和CH3的cDNA连接,以二聚化融合蛋白sFcεRIα/mIg(IgG2)的形式在CHO细胞中表达,达到提高sFcεRIα生物半衰期的目的.表达载体构建和初步的功能性试验等一系列研究证实,所表达的融合蛋白的分子量为170kDa,并与人IgE和鼠IgE有较好的结合活性.这些研究为该融合蛋白最终实现产业化打下良好基础.     

β2肾上腺素受体基因在毕赤酵母中的表达及活性测定

为提高β2－肾上腺素受体(β2AR)表达量,满足生产需求,使其应用到抗体技术上,利用分子克隆技术将β2－肾上腺素受体基因(β2AR)与绿色荧光蛋白基因(eGFP)克隆到毕赤酵母（Pichia pastoris）表达载体中。表达载体pPICZαDNAsGFP转化至酵母后,β2AR和eGFP基因与酵母基因重组。利用筛选出的阳性重组子诱导表达β2AR和eGFP的融合蛋白,通过125I标记的配体结合实验证明获得了有受体活性的融合蛋白。     

一种新型高糖基化免疫融合蛋白NESP-Fc的研制

新红细胞生成刺激蛋白(NESP),是重组人红细胞生长素(rh EPO)的一种高糖基化类似物,它含有5个N端糖链和比rhEPO高2倍的唾液酸残基,具有较好的代谢稳定性和3倍于rhEPO的半衰期。在新红细胞生成刺激蛋白(NESP)的基础上,通过NESP的cDNA与人IgG2的铰链区与CH2和CH3的cDNA连接,形成了融合蛋白NESP-Fc,来达到提高NESP半衰期的目的。表达载体的构建、融合蛋白的表达纯化和初步的功能性试验等一系列研究证实,所表达的融合蛋白主要以二聚体形式存在;NESP-Fc能明显促进UT-7细胞的生长和小鼠体内网织红细胞的增殖;在大鼠体内的研究发现其半衰期高达56h;小试规模重组蛋白的表达量在1.4g/L左右。这些研究为该融合蛋白最终实现临床应用和产业化打下了良好的基础。     

炭疽毒素受体与人IgG1的Fc段融合蛋白ATR_Fc在CHO细胞中的表达

ATR-Fc是人炭疽毒素受体（ATR）的胞外区与人免疫球蛋白IgG1的铰链区、CH2区和CH3区组成的融合蛋白。表达该蛋白是为了获得结合PA的抗体样分子,通过阻断PA与细胞受体的结合,而阻止炭疽致死毒素和水肿因子进入细胞内,可作为预防和治疗炭疽感染的生物制品。将编码炭疽毒素受体N端1-227氨基酸的基因和编码Fc段的基因连接,插入到pcDNA3-1的HindⅢ和NotⅠ位点得到表达ATR-Fc融合蛋白的真核表达载体pcDNA31/ATR9Fc,并用脂质体方法将该载体转染至CHO-K1细胞中,用G418筛选并获得ATR-Fc表达水平为10～15μg/(106cells·d)的基因工程CHO细胞系ATR-Fc-1D5。采用蛋白A纯化重组蛋白,并用ELISA法鉴定ATR-Fc与PA的亲和性,表明ATR-Fc可与PA特异性结合。     

炭疽毒素受体与人IgG1的Fc段融合蛋白ATR_Fc在CHO细胞中的表达

ATR_Fc是人炭疽毒素受体(ATR)的胞外区与人免疫球蛋白IgG1的铰链区、CH2区和CH3区组成的融合蛋白。表达该蛋白是为了获得结合PA的抗体样分子,通过阻断PA与细胞受体的结合,而阻止炭疽致死毒素和水肿因子进入细胞内,可作为预防和治疗炭疽感染的生物制品。将编码炭疽毒素受体N端1_227氨基酸的基因和编码Fc段的基因连接,插入到pcDNA3.1的HindⅢ和NotⅠ位点得到表达ATR_Fc融合蛋白的真核表达载体pcDNA3.1ATR_Fc,并用脂质体方法将该载体转染至CHO_K1细胞中,用G418筛选并获得ATR_Fc表达水平为10～15μg(106cells·d)的基因工程CHO细胞系ATR_Fc_1D5。采用蛋白A纯化重组蛋白,并用ELISA法鉴定ATR_Fc与PA的亲和性,表明ATR_Fc可与PA特异性结合。     

树鼩IgE高亲和力受体α亚基单克隆抗体的制备及鉴定

目的:制备抗树鼩IgE高亲和力受体α亚基(FcεRIα)的单克隆抗体,并对其免疫学特性进行检测。方法:采用大肠杆菌原核表达树鼩IgE FcεRIα蛋白,经过纯化后免疫BALB/c小鼠,取免疫鼠脾细胞与Sp2/0细胞融合;通过ELISA法和有限稀释法筛选杂交瘤细胞;利用Protein A纯化单克隆抗体,Western印迹检测其特异性,间接免疫荧光及免疫组化对单克隆抗体进行分析。结果:用纯化的树鼩IgE FCεRIα蛋白免疫小鼠,选取效价高的小鼠脾细胞与骨髓瘤细胞Sp2/0融合,经过3轮亚克隆筛选,筛选出5株抗树鼩IgE FCεRIα单克隆抗体,分别命名为HC020、HC021、HC022、HC023和HC024,细胞间接免疫荧光表明5株单克隆抗体均能检测到293T细胞中表达的IgE FCεRIα,其中HC020、HC022、HC024能够通过免疫组化检测组织切片中的IgE FCεRIα。结论:制备了5株IgE FCεRIα单克隆抗体,为今后研究树鼩IgE FCεRIα奠定了基础。     

IL-Ira-Fcε融合基因的克隆、表达及鉴定

白细胞介素-1与免疫球蛋白E在过敏性哮喘发病中发挥着重要作用.本试验克隆了白细胞介素-1受体拮抗剂(IL-1ra)及IgE分子恒定区cDNA片段,构建了融合基因原核表达载体IL-1ra-Fcg/pV220.将其转化大肠杆菌BL21(DE3),实现了融合蛋白的高效表达,Western blotting结果表明表达蛋白为目的融合蛋白,主要以包涵体形式存在;利用分子筛和阳离子交换层析对表达产物经进行了纯化,纯化的包涵体复性后经体外功能试验表明,融合蛋白的活性与IL-1ra没有显著性差异;初步药代动力学分析显示IL-1ra-FeE半衰期比IL-1ra延长了4.78倍.     

IL-1ra-Fce融合基因的克隆、表达及鉴定

白细胞介素-1与免疫球蛋白E在过敏性哮喘发病中发挥着重要作用。本试验克隆了白细胞介素-1受体拮抗剂(IL-1ra)及IgE分子恒定区cDNA片段, 构建了融合基因原核表达载体IL-1ra-Fce/pBV220。将其转化大肠杆菌BL21(DE3), 实现了融合蛋白的高效表达, Western blotting结果表明表达蛋白为目的融合蛋白, 主要以包涵体形式存在; 利用分子筛和阳离子交换层析对表达产物经进行了纯化, 纯化的包涵体复性后经体外功能试验表明, 融合蛋白的活性与IL-1ra没有显著性差异; 初步药代动力学分析显示IL-1ra-Fce半衰期比IL-1ra延长了4.78倍。     

IgE介导的肥大细胞脱颗粒信号转导途径的研究进展

肥大细胞(mast cell,MC)是过敏性疾病的关键细胞之一.机体的过敏反应很大程度依赖于肥大细胞膜上的特异性受体FcεRI.肥大细胞膜上交联的FcεRI引发了下游的一系列信号事件并导致脱颗粒,包括细胞因子及趋化因子产生以及白三烯的释放.由于IgE在过敏反应中的重要作用,现在的研究主要集中在FcεRI下游的信号事件.其脱颗粒的分子机制是一个由多种蛋白质分子介导的,各个环节受到精确调控的复杂过程.对肥大细胞脱颗粒分子机制的深入研究将给过敏性疾病提供一个新的治疗方案.     

计算机辅助设计可溶性BLyS受体, eBCMA-Fc 融合蛋白及其在大肠杆菌中的表达

B 细胞成熟抗原 (BCMA)是 B淋巴细胞刺激因子(BLyS)的受体之一．它的胞外区与人IgG1 Fc的融合蛋白eBCMA-Fc,又称为诱饵受体,具有拮抗BLyS的活性．为了设计新的拮抗肽,基于BCMA和Fc的晶体结构,通过计算机图形学技术、分子模拟方法,建立了eBCMA-Fc融合蛋白的三维理论结构．利用均方根位移（root mean square distance, RMSD）对eBCMA-Fc融合蛋白与单体eBCMA、Fc构象差异进行分析．融合蛋白eBCMA-Fc中的eBCMA段与单体eBCMA的主链碳原子间RMSD值为0.036 nm,Fc段与单体Fc的主链碳原子间RMSD值为0.064 nm．结果表明,对比单体,融合蛋白eBCMA-Fc并未因eBCMA与Fc直接连接而发生构象的变化．分子对接方法显示,融合蛋白eBCMA-Fc中的BCMA与BLyS作用,而Fc扮演着稳定BCMA构象的支架作用．为进一步验证上述理论分析,构建eBCMA-Fc融合基因,并将载有eBCMA-Fc融合基因的原核表达质粒转化BL21 (DE3)菌、在细菌中表达．目的蛋白经蛋白A亲和柱纯化大约为36 kD,与理论预测值34 kD相近．免疫印迹表明抗人IgG抗体能够识别eBCMA-Fc融合蛋白．ELISA证实,eBCMA-Fc融合蛋白能够结合BLyS．随着eBCMA-Fc融合蛋白增加,结合BLyS的融合蛋白也相应增加．而对照人IgG,即使在高浓度条件下,也不结合BLyS．此外,eBCMA-Fc 融合蛋白能够抑制BLyS对B细胞肿瘤Daudi细胞的作用．这些研究为下一步设计和筛选BLyS拮抗肽提供了实验基础．     

Specific post-transcriptional inhibition of mRNA for ligand binding chain of IgE high affinity receptor

IgE high affinity receptor (FcεRI) plays an important role in triggering type I allergic reactions. In this study, we have investigated the ability of four synthetic and sequence-specific RNA interfering antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AS-ODNs) to reduce the expression of FcεRIα gene in granulocytes of allergy sufferers in vitro. Only AS1 out of four AS-ODNs specifically inhibited the FcεRIα gene expression and the dose response assay revealed that AS1 was capable of specific inhibition of target mRNA expression over a linear concentration range without affecting the expression of house keeping genes such as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Together, these results indicate that sequence-specific RNA interfering ODNs can be effectively used to silence the expression of key genes like IgE high affinity receptor that are involved in chronic inflammatory diseases.     

Human Eosinophils Express the High Affinity IgE Receptor,FcεRI,in Bullous Pemphigoid

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering disease mediated by autoantibodies targeting BP180 (type XVII collagen). Patient sera and tissues typically have IgG and IgE autoantibodies and elevated eosinophil numbers. Although the pathogenicity of the IgE autoantibodies is established in BP, their contribution to the disease process is not well understood. Our aims were two-fold: 1) To establish the clinical relationships between total and BP180-specific IgE, eosinophilia and other markers of disease activity; and 2) To determine if eosinophils from BP patients express the high affinity IgE receptor, FcεRI, as a potential mechanism of action for IgE in BP. Our analysis of 48 untreated BP patients revealed a correlation between BP180 IgG and both BP180 IgE and peripheral eosinophil count. Additionally, we established a correlation between total IgE concentration and both BP180 IgE levels and eosinophil count. When only sera from patients (n = 16) with total IgE≥400 IU/ml were analyzed, BP180 IgG levels correlated with disease severity, BP230 IgG, total circulating IgE and BP180 IgE. Finally, peripheral eosinophil count correlated more strongly with levels of BP180 IgE then with BP180 IgG. Next, eosinophil FcεRI expression was investigated in the blood and skin using several methods. Peripheral eosinophils from BP patients expressed mRNA for all three chains (α, β and γ) of the FcεRI. Surface expression of the FcεRIα was confirmed on both peripheral and tissue eosinophils from most BP patients by immunostaining. Furthermore, using a proximity ligation assay, interaction of the α- and β-chains of the FcεRI was observed in some biopsy specimens, suggesting tissue expression of the trimeric receptor form in some patients. These studies provide clinical support for the relevance of IgE in BP disease and provide one mechanism of action of these antibodies, via binding to the FcεRI on eosinophils.     

Affinity improvement of the high-affinity immunoglobulin E receptor by phage display

The immunoglobulin E (IgE)-binding site of its high-affinity receptor is localized in the second immunoglobulin-like domain (D2) of the alpha-subunit (Fc epsilon RI alpha). In this study, the randomized pentapeptides were introduced between Glu(132) and Ile(138) of Fc epsilon RI alpha D2 and displayed on a filamentous phage. After eight rounds of panning, a phage clone having a mutation of Asp(135)Tyr(136)Met(137) in Fc epsilon RI alpha D2 was obtained. The binding affinity of the mutant phages to immobilized IgE was approximately 500 times higher than that of the wild type. The mutant phages competitively inhibited the binding of IgE to the soluble receptor at a 50% inhibition (IC(50)) value of 116 pM. The mutant Fc epsilon RI alpha D2, which had been expressed as a fusion protein with glutathione S-transferase in Escherichia coli, also showed higher IgE-binding capacity than the wild type. The mutant Fc epsilon RI alpha D2 is expected to manifest its improved IgE-binding affinity together with any fusion partner.     

Development of an in vitro model system for studying the interaction of Equus caballus IgE with its high-affinity receptor FcεRI

The interaction of IgE with its high-affinity Fc receptor (FcεRI) followed by an antigenic challenge is the principal pathway in IgE mediated allergic reactions. As a consequence of the high affinity binding between IgE and FcεRI, along with the continuous production of IgE by B cells, allergies usually persist throughout life, with currently no permanent cure available. Horses, especially race horses, which are commonly inbred, are a species of mammals that are very prone to the development of hypersensitivity responses, which can seriously affect their performance. Physiological responses to allergic sensitization in horses mirror that observed in humans and dogs. In this paper we describe the development of an in situ assay system for the quantitative assessment of the release of mediators of the allergic response pertaining to the equine system. To this end, the gene encoding equine FcεRIα was transfected into and expressed onto the surface of parental Rat Basophil Leukemia (RBL-2H3.1) cells. The gene product of the transfected equine α-chain formed a functional receptor complex with the endogenous rat β- and γ-chains ¹. The resultant assay system facilitated an assessment of the quantity of mediator secreted from equine FcεRIα transfected RBL-2H3.1 cells following sensitization with equine IgE and antigenic challenge using β-hexosaminidase release as a readout ^{2, 3}. Mediator release peaked at 36.68% ± 4.88% at 100 ng ml^-1 of antigen. This assay was modified from previous assays used to study human and canine allergic responses ^{4, 5}. We have also shown that this type of assay system has multiple applications for the development of diagnostic tools and the safety assessment of potential therapeutic intervention strategies in allergic disease ^{6, 2, 3}.     

Expression of a functional Fc epsilon RI on rat eosinophils and macrophages

Besides its crucial role in type I hypersensitivity reactions, IgE is involved in anti-parasite immunity. This role has been clearly demonstrated in both human and rat schistosomiasis, but remains controversial in the mouse. Since the cellular distribution of the high affinity IgE receptor, Fc epsilon RI, differs in humans and mice, it might explain the differences in effector function of IgE between the two species. In humans, eosinophils and macrophages induce IgE-dependent cytotoxicity toward Schistosoma mansoni larvae, which involves Fc epsilon RI in the case of eosinophils. In the present study, we have investigated the expression and function of Fc epsilon RI in rat eosinophils and macrophages. We demonstrate, by flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and western blot analysis, that in rats, as in humans, a functional alpha gamma 2 trimeric Fc epsilon RI is expressed on eosinophils and macrophages. We also show that these two cell types can induce IgE-mediated, Fc epsilon RI-dependent cellular cytotoxicity toward schistosomula. These results thus provide a molecular basis for the differences observed between rat and mouse regarding IgE-mediated anti-parasite immunity.     

An Engineered Disulfide Bond Reversibly Traps the IgE-Fc3–4 in a Closed,Nonreceptor Binding Conformation

IgE antibodies interact with the high affinity IgE Fc receptor, FcϵRI, and activate inflammatory pathways associated with the allergic response. The IgE-Fc region, comprising the C-terminal domains of the IgE heavy chain, binds FcϵRI and can adopt different conformations ranging from a closed form incompatible with receptor binding to an open, receptor-bound state. A number of intermediate states are also observed in different IgE-Fc crystal forms. To further explore this apparent IgE-Fc conformational flexibility and to potentially trap a closed, inactive state, we generated a series of disulfide bond mutants. Here we describe the structure and biochemical properties of an IgE-Fc mutant that is trapped in the closed, non-receptor binding state via an engineered disulfide at residue 335 (Cys-335). Reduction of the disulfide at Cys-335 restores the ability of IgE-Fc to bind to its high affinity receptor, FcϵRIα. The structure of the Cys-335 mutant shows that its conformation is within the range of previously observed, closed form IgE-Fc structures and that it retains the hydrophobic pocket found in the hinge region of the closed conformation. Locking the IgE-Fc into the closed state with the Cys-335 mutation does not affect binding of two other IgE-Fc ligands, omalizumab and DARPin E2_79, demonstrating selective blocking of the high affinity receptor binding.     

The High Affinity IgE Receptor FcεRI Is Expressed by Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Background

IgE antibodies play a paramount role in the pathogenesis of various intestinal disorders. To gain insights in IgE-mediated pathophysiology of the gut, we investigated the expression of the high affinity IgE receptor FcεRI in human intestinal epithelium.

Methodology/Principal Findings

FcεRI α-chain, as detected by immunohistochemistry, was positive in epithelial cells for eight of eleven (8/11) specimens from colon cancer patients and 5/11 patients with inflammation of the enteric mucosa. The FcεRIα positive epithelial cells co-expressed FcεRIγ, whereas with one exception, none of the samples was positive for the β-chain in the epithelial layer. The functionality of FcεRI was confirmed in situ by human IgE binding. In experiments with human intestinal tumor cell lines, subconfluent Caco-2/TC7 and HCT-8 cells were found to express the α- and γ-chains of FcεRI and to bind IgE, whereas confluent cells were negative for γ-chains.

Conclusions/Significance

Our data provide the first evidence that the components of a functional FcεRI are in vitro expressed by the human intestinal epithelial cells depending on differentiation and, more importantly, in situ in epithelia of patients with colon cancer or gastrointestinal inflammations. Thus, a contribution of FcεRI either to immunosurveillance or pathophysiology of the intestinal epithelium is suggested.     

Conservation of signal transduction mechanisms via the human Fc epsilon RI alpha after transfection into a rat mast cell line, RBL 2H3.

The high affinity receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RI) is present on mast cells and basophils, and the aggregation of IgE-occupied receptors by Ag is responsible for the release of allergic mediators. The Fc epsilon RI is composed of at least three different subunits, alpha, beta, and gamma, with the alpha subunit binding IgE. The series of biochemical events linking receptor aggregation to the release of mediators has not been fully delineated. As a step towards understanding these processes, and for the development of functional cell lines, we have transfected the human Fc epsilon RI alpha subunit into the rat mast cell line RBL 2H3. These human Fc epsilon RI alpha-transfected cell lines have been characterized with respect to the association of the human alpha subunit with endogenous rat beta and gamma subunits and the ability of aggregated Fc epsilon RI alpha subunits to mediate a variety of biochemical events. The signal transduction events monitored include phosphoinositide hydrolysis, Ca2+ mobilization, tyrosine phosphorylation, histamine release, and arachidonic acid metabolism. In all cases, the events mediated by aggregating human Fc epsilon RI alpha subunits were indistinguishable from those produced via the rat Fc epsilon RI alpha. These results demonstrate that the human Fc epsilon RI alpha subunit can functionally substitute for the rat Fc epsilon RI alpha subunit during signal transduction. The availability of this cell line will provide a means of evaluating potential Fc epsilon RI antagonists.     

A novel human immunoglobulin Fc gamma Fc epsilon bifunctional fusion protein inhibits Fc epsilon RI-mediated degranulation

Human mast cells and basophils that express the high-affinity immunoglobulin E (IgE) receptor, Fc epsilon receptor 1 (Fc epsilon RI), have key roles in allergic diseases. Fc epsilon RI cross-linking stimulates the release of allergic mediators. Mast cells and basophils co-express Fc gamma RIIb, a low affinity receptor containing an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif and whose co-aggregation with Fc epsilon RI can block Fc epsilon RI-mediated reactivity. Here we designed, expressed and tested the human basophil and mast-cell inhibitory function of a novel chimeric fusion protein, whose structure is gamma Hinge-CH gamma 2-CH gamma 3-15aa linker-CH epsilon 2-CH epsilon 3-CH epsilon 4. This Fc gamma Fc epsilon fusion protein was expressed as the predicted 140-kappa D dimer that reacted with anti-human epsilon- and gamma-chain specific antibodies. Fc gamma Fc epsilon bound to both human Fc epsilon RI and Fc gamma RII. It also showed dose- and time-dependent inhibition of antigen-driven IgE-mediated histamine release from fresh human basophils sensitized with IgE directed against NIP (4-hydroxy-3-iodo-5-nitrophenylacetyl). This was associated with altered Syk signaling. The fusion protein also showed increased inhibition of human anti-NP (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenylacetyl) and anti-dansyl IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in transgenic mice expressing human Fc epsilon RI alpha. Our results show that this chimeric protein is able to form complexes with both Fc epsilon RI and Fc gamma RII, and inhibit mast-cell and basophil function. This approach, using a Fc gamma Fc epsilon fusion protein to co-aggregate Fc epsilon RI with a receptor containing an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif, has therapeutic potential in IgE- and Fc epsilon RI-mediated diseases.     

BDCA2/FcRIγ Complex Signals through a Novel BCR-Like Pathway in Human Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells

Dendritic cells are equipped with lectin receptors to sense the extracellular environment and modulate cellular responses. Human plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) uniquely express blood dendritic cell antigen 2 (BDCA2) protein, a C-type lectin lacking an identifiable signaling motif. We demonstrate here that BDCA2 forms a complex with the transmembrane adapter FcϵRIγ. Through pathway analysis, we identified a comprehensive signaling machinery in human pDCs, similar to that which operates downstream of the B cell receptor (BCR), which is distinct from the system involved in T cell receptor (TCR) signaling. BDCA2 crosslinking resulted in the activation of the BCR-like cascade, which potently suppressed the ability of pDCs to produce type I interferon and other cytokines in response to Toll-like receptor ligands. Therefore, by associating with FcϵRIγ, BDCA2 activates a novel BCR-like signaling pathway to regulate the immune functions of pDCs.