Structure-binding relationships for the interaction between a vancomycin monoclonal antibody Fab fragment and a library of vancomycin analogues and tracers

A series of vancomycin analogues and tracers were synthesized, and their binding interactions with an anti-vancomycin Fab fragment were evaluated under mass transport limiting conditions using surface plasmon resonance detection. Differences observed in binding interactions were utilized to define the vancomycin structural elements critical for antibody recognition. Major structural regions of vancomycin shown to play an important role in anti-vancomycin Fab fragment recognition include two sugar moieties and one chlorinated phenyl ring. The N-methylleucyl residue, the carboxy terminal residue, and residues in the peptide-binding region of vancomycin have minimal impact on the anti-vancomycin Fab fragment/vancomycin binding interaction. The selection of an antibody with such binding properties plays a critical role in the development of a vancomycin immunoassay that employs stable calibrators and controls.