Isolation of human monoclonal antibodies that neutralize human rotavirus

A human antibody library constructed by utilizing a phage display system was used for the isolation of human antibodies with neutralizing activity specific for human rotavirus. In the library, the Fab form of an antibody fused to truncated cp3 is expressed on the phage surface. Purified virions of strain KU (G1 serotype and P[8] genotype) were used as antigen. Twelve different clones were isolated. Based on their amino acid sequences, they were classified into three groups. Three representative clones-1-2H, 2-3E, and 2-11G-were characterized. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with virus-like particles (VLP-VP2/6 and VLP-VP2/6/7) and recombinant VP4 protein produced from baculovirus recombinants indicated that 1-2H and 2-3E bind to VP4 and that 2-11G binds to VP7. The neutralization epitope recognized by each of the three human antibodies might be human specific, since all of the antigenic mutants resistant to mouse monoclonal neutralizing antibodies previously prepared were neutralized by the human antibodies obtained here. After conversion from the Fab form of an antibody into immunoglobulin G1, the neutralizing activities of these three clones toward various human rotavirus strains were examined. The 1-2H antibody exhibited neutralizing activity toward human rotaviruses with either the P[4] or P[8] genotype. Similarly, the 2-3E antibody showed cross-reactivity against HRVs with the P[6], as well as the P[8] genotype. In contrast, the 2-11G antibody neutralized only human rotaviruses with the G1 serotype. The concentration of antibodies required for 50% neutralization ranged from 0.8 to 20 micro g/ml.     

Development of rat anti-mouse interleukin 3 monoclonal antibodies which neutralize bioactivity in vitro

Several rat anti-mouse interleukin 3 (IL-3) monoclonal antibodies have been developed which inhibit the biologic activity of mouse IL-3. These antibodies were produced in rats immunized with preparations of purified, recombinant mouse IL-3, obtained from transiently transfected COS7 cell supernatant. Hybridomas secreting anti-IL-3 were selected initially either on the basis of their giving a positive signal in an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, or for their ability to inhibit the proliferation of the IL-3-dependent mouse mast cell line, MC/9. Neutralizing rat monoclonal IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b antibodies have been identified; these also block IL-3-induced proliferation of the NFS-60 and IC2 cell lines. These antibodies also blocked the IL-3-induced proliferation of mouse bone marrow-derived colony-forming units-culture suggesting that the same epitopes on IL-3 influence receptor recognition for both the proliferation of factor-dependent cell lines as well as normal bone marrow cells. Fab fragments produced from certain of the IgG2a-neutralizing antibodies blocked as well as the parent IgG. Antibody cross-blocking studies identified one neutralizing antibody apparently recognizing an epitope that was spatially distinct from those recognized by the other blocking antibodies tested. The development of these neutralizing rat monoclonal antibodies to mouse IL-3 should facilitate further investigation on the role of this factor in hemopoietic regulation.     

Isolation and characterization of human monoclonal antibodies to digoxin.

Fab preparations of sheep polyclonal anti-digoxin Abs have proven useful for reversal of the toxic effects of digoxin overdoses in patients. Unfortunately, the use of foreign species proteins in humans is limited because of the potential for immunological responses that include hypersensitivity reactions and acute anaphylaxis. Immunization of recently developed transgenic mice, whose endogenous micro heavy and kappa light chain Ig genes are inactivated and which carry human Ig gene segments, with a digoxin-protein conjugate has enabled us to generate and isolate eight hybridoma cell lines secreting human sequence anti-digoxin mAbs. Six of the mAbs have been partially characterized and shown to have high specificity and low nanomolar affinities for digoxin. In addition, detailed competition binding studies performed with three of these mAbs have shown them to have distinct differences in their digoxin binding, and that all three structural moieties of the drug, the primary digitoxose sugar, steroid, and five-member unsaturated lactone ring, contribute to Ab recognition.     

Isolation of monoclonal antibodies recognizing rat bone-associated molecules in vitro and in vivo.

Knowledge of the number and kinds of differentiation steps that characterize cells of the osteoblast lineage is inadequate. To further analyze osteoblast differentiation, we generated a series of monoclonal antibodies (MAb) to osteogenic cells. Spleen cells from mice immunized with whole-cell populations enriched for expression of osteoblast-associated properties or bone formation in vitro were fused with the SP2/0 myeloma cell line. Supernatants from growing hybridomas were screened by indirect immunofluorescence on frozen sections of a portion of 21-day fetal rat heads that included the calvaria bone, periosteum, muscle, fibrous connective tissue, and skin. Six MAb were selected with bone-associated staining and limited ability to label other tissues. Either cell surface or cytoplasmic molecules were recognized by five of the MAb; one recognized a molecule detectable both in the cytoplasm, on the cell surface, and in the extracellular matrix. Of the antibodies selected, one identified both preosteoblasts and osteoblasts and has been found to be against alkaline phosphatase. The others recognized the mature osteoblasts, osteocytes, and chondrocytic cells. The pattern and distribution of the labeling in vivo extended to primary cells and cell lines in vivo. These results support earlier observations on molecules differentially expressed by cells at different stages of the osteoblast lineage and extend the available cell surface and cytoplasmic epitopes identifiable as marker molecules.     

Generation and characterization of hamster monoclonal antibodies that neutralize murine tumor necrosis factors

mAb to murine TNF (MuTNF) were produced after immunization of Armenian hamsters with purified, Escherichia coli-derived rMuTNF-alpha. Antibody produced from clone TN3-19.12, was purified and was found to inhibit 100% of the lytic activity of either recombinant or natural MuTNF-alpha at an antibody input of 25 ng/U. TN3-19.12 also inhibited all the lytic activity in culture supernatants from a variety of T cell sources, including activated T cell clones and T cell hybridomas (all of which expressed high levels of TNF-alpha and TNF-beta (lymphotoxin, LT) mRNA). Western blot analysis was used to document the physical form(s) of MuTNF recognized by TN3-19.12. Recombinant and macrophage-derived TNF displayed identical patterns of a single band with Mr 17 kDa. In contrast, T cell culture supernatants exhibited patterns consisting of two bands with Mr 17 and 24.7 kDa. The higher m.w. form was glycosylated based on its sensitivity to n-glycanase and displayed a m.w. consistent with that of TNF-beta (LT). These data suggest that TN3-19.12 recognizes both MuTNF-alpha and MuTNF-beta (LT). Monoclonal TN3-19.12 and polyvalent rabbit anti-rTNF were used to establish a MuTNF-specific ELISA capable of detecting picogram quantities of recombinant or natural TNF. This assay was used to detect TNF in the sera of mice challenged with a lethal dose of LPS. Peak TNF serum levels of 11 ng/ml were observed in these animals 90 min after i.p. LPS administration and then rapidly declined to near base line levels by 3 h. These values were confirmed by quantitating levels of TNF functional activity in the same samples. TN3-19.12 injected into mice subsequently treated with LPS prevented the detection of TNF in the circulation by either assay and protected mice from the lethal effects of endotoxin shock. Thus, TN3-19.12 effectively neutralizes endogenously produced TNF in vivo.     

Maternally derived recombinant human anti-hantavirus monoclonal antibodies are transferred to mouse offspring during lactation and neutralize virus in vitro

Transgenic mice expressing a recombinant human monoclonal antibody (rHMAb) against hantavirus were generated. These mice could be used as models to explore the possibilities of producing rHMAbs for therapeutic purposes. The highest concentration of the rHMAb in the milk of the transgenic females was 6.6 mg/ml. The rHMAb was also detected in the sera of pups fed by the transgenic females. Both the rHMAbs in the milk of transgenic mice and those in the sera of suckling pups were found to be active against hantaviruses, although the light chain of the antibody absorbed by the pups was modified by N-linked glycosylation.     

Recombinant human monoclonal antibodies to human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B neutralize virus in a complement-dependent manner

Human antibodies specific for HCMV are currently considered as potential anti-HCMV therapeutic agents. In this study, we used a combinatorial human antibody library to isolate and characterize complete human monoclonal antibodies that effectively neutralize HCMV in a complement-dependent manner. One hundred and six clones were isolated in two independent screens using HCMV virions and recombinant glycoprotein B, gB654, as antigens. All of the clones recognized the same molecule gB and were classified into 14 groups based on the amino acid sequence of the V_H region. Seven representative clones from these 14 groups had a strong gB654 binding affinity by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). A pairwise binding competition analysis suggested that there were three groups based on differences in the gB recognition sites. Although Fab fragments of the seven groups showed strong affinity for gB, none of the Fab fragments neutralized HCMV infectivity in vitro. In contrast, complete human IgG₁ antibodies of at least three groups neutralized HCMV in a complement-dependent manner. These data suggest that potent therapeutic antibodies can be obtained from a human antibody library, including most of the functional antibodies that mediate humoral immunity to the selected pathogen.     

Generation and selection of novel fully human monoclonal antibodies that neutralize Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) inhibitory function in vitro and increase bone mass in vivo

Wnt/LRP5 signaling is a central regulatory component of bone formative and resorptive activities, and the pathway inhibitor DKK1 is a suppressor of bone formation and bone mass accrual in mice. In addition, augmented DKK1 levels are associated with high bone turnover in diverse low bone mass states in rodent models and disease etiologies in human. However, examination of the precise role of DKK1 in the normal skeleton and in higher species requires the development of refined DKK1-specific pharmacological tools. Here, we report the strategy resulting in isolation of a panel of fully human anti-DKK1 antibodies applicable to studies interrogating the roles of mouse, rhesus, and human DKK1. Selected anti-DKK1 antibodies bind primate and human DKK-1 with picomolar affinities yet do not appreciably bind to DKK2 or DKK4. Epitopes mapped within the DKK1 C-terminal domain necessary for interaction with LRP5/6 and consequently effectively neutralized DKK1 function in vitro. When introduced into naïve normal growing female mice, IgGs significantly improved trabecular bone volume and structure and increased both trabecular and cortical bone mineral densities in a dose-related fashion. Furthermore, fully human DKK1-IgG displayed favorable pharmacokinetic parameters in non-human primates. In summary, we demonstrate here a rate-limiting function of physiologic DKK1 levels in the regulation of bone mass in intact female mice, amendable to specific pharmacologic neutralization by newly identified DKK1-IgGs. Importantly the fully human IgGs display a profile of attributes that recommends their testing in higher species and their use in evaluating DKK1 function in relevant disease models.     

Isolation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to horseradish peroxidase

Monoclonal antibodies to horseradish peroxidase were obtained. The interaction of two antibody clones with the enzyme was studied. Antibodies of one clone were found to inhibit the enzyme activity during the oxidation of 2.2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) diammonium salt and the cooxidation of luminol and luciferin. The latter was concomitant with a complete inhibition of the peroxidase activity. The values of binding constants as determined by the solid phase immunoenzymatic and homogeneous methods are equal to (1.2 +/- 0.5).10(8) M-1 and (1.8 +/- 0.2).10(11) M-1, respectively.     

A recombinant human monoclonal antibody to human metapneumovirus fusion protein that neutralizes virus in vitro and is effective therapeutically in vivo

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a recently discovered paramyxovirus that is a major cause of lower-respiratory-tract disease. hMPV is associated with more severe disease in infants and persons with underlying medical conditions. Animal studies have shown that the hMPV fusion (F) protein alone is capable of inducing protective immunity. Here, we report the use of phage display technology to generate a fully human monoclonal antibody fragment (Fab) with biological activity against hMPV. Phage antibody libraries prepared from human donor tissues were selected against recombinant hMPV F protein with multiple rounds of panning. Recombinant Fabs then were expressed in bacteria, and supernatants were screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescent assays. A number of Fabs that bound to hMPV F were isolated, and several of these exhibited neutralizing activity in vitro. Fab DS7 neutralized the parent strain of hMPV with a 60% plaque reduction activity of 1.1 mug/ml and bound to hMPV F with an affinity of 9.8 x10(-10) M, as measured by surface plasmon resonance. To test the in vivo activity of Fab DS7, groups of cotton rats were infected with hMPV and given Fab intranasally 3 days after infection. Nasal turbinates and lungs were harvested on day 4 postinfection and virus titers determined. Animals treated with Fab DS7 exhibited a >1,500-fold reduction in viral titer in the lungs, with a modest 4-fold reduction in the nasal tissues. There was a dose-response relationship between the dose of DS7 and virus titer. Human Fab DS7 may have prophylactic or therapeutic potential against severe hMPV infection.     

Isolation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to Bordetella pertussis

Monoclonal antibodies to Bordetella pertussis were produced by fusion of mouse myeloma cells and spleen cells of immunized mice. Cell lines were examined for specific antibody production against several crude antigen preparations and lipopolysaccharide. Cross reactivity of monoclonal antibodies was assessed by enzyme immunoassay using cell lysates prepared from Bordetella spp. and several other bacteria. Reactivity of monoclonal antibodies to cell surface components was determined by immunofluorescence microscopy. Monoclonal antibodies represent useful probes to study the antigenic profile and distribution of antigens among various species of Bordetella, as well as specific tools to study the structure and function of B. pertussis virulence factors.     

Isolation of human erythropoietin with monoclonal antibodies

Human erythropoietin was isolated from urine of aplastic anemic patients in a high yield with a simple purification procedure using an immunoadsorbent column of monoclonal antibodies and a Sephadex G-100 column. About 6 mg of erythropoietin was isolated from 700 liters of urine and the specific activity was estimated to be 81,600 units/mg of protein with an in vivo 59Fe incorporation assay method, using starved rats. Activity measurement of the extracts from sliced gels after sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the Western blotting technique revealed heterogeneity of the isolated erythropoietin, which is probably caused by variable amounts of carbohydrates attached to the polypeptide chain. Thirty amino acids in the NH2-terminal portion of the isolated hormone were sequenced.     

Isolation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against ribonuclease inhibitor

Mouse monoclonal antibodies were generated against human ribonuclease inhibitor, an intracellular regulatory protein. A total of four antibodies were isolated, all of which were of the immunoglobulin G1 subtype. Western blot analysis of the antibodies suggested monospecificity. Based on immunoradiometric competition assays two of the antibodies were determined to be directed against the same antigenic epitope, while the other two were against a second and possibly third epitope. None of the antibodies appeared to be directed against the ribonuclease binding site of the antigen. Data is presented suggesting that ribonuclease inhibitor is present in normal human serum. The potential significance of these findings is discussed.     

Isolation and characterization of novel human monoclonal antibodies possessing neutralizing ability against rabies virus

Rabies is a fatal viral encephalitis which is transmitted by exposure to the bite of rabid animals. Human and equine rabies immunoglobulins are indispensable pharmacological agents for severe bite exposure, as is vaccine. However, several disadvantages, including limited supply, adverse reactions, and high cost, hamper their wide application in developing countries. In the present study, two novel huMabs which neutralize rabies virus were established from vaccinated hyperimmune volunteers using the Epstein‐Barr virus transformation method. One MAb (No. 254), which was subclass IgG3, effectively neutralized fixed rabies viruses of CVS, ERA, HEP‐Flury, and Nishigahara strains and recognized a well‐conserved epitope located in antigenic site II of the rabies virus glycoprotein. No. 254 possessed 68 ng/ml of FRNT₅₀ activity against CVS, 3.7 × 10^?7 M of the Kd value, and the enhancing effect of complement‐dependent virolysis. In addition, No. 254 showed effective neutralization potency in vivo in the mouse challenge test. The other MAb, 4D4, was subclass IgM and showed neutralizing activity against CVS and Nishigahara strains. 4D4 recognized a novel antigenic site which is associated with the neurovirulence of rabies, a glycoprotein located between antigenic site I and VI. Both human MAbs against rabies are expected to be utilized as a tool for future post‐exposure prophylaxis.     

Isolation and characterization of human monoclonal antibodies from individuals infected with West Nile Virus

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) neutralizing West Nile Virus (WNV) have been shown to protect against infection in animal models and have been identified as a correlate of protection in WNV vaccine studies. In the present study, antibody repertoires from three convalescent WNV-infected patients were cloned into an scFv phage library, and 138 human MAbs binding to WNV were identified. One hundred twenty-one MAbs specifically bound to the viral envelope (E) protein and four MAbs to the premembrane (prM) protein. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based competitive-binding assays with representative E protein-specific MAbs demonstrated that 24/51 (47%) bound to domain II while only 4/51 (8%) targeted domain III. In vitro neutralizing activity was demonstrated for 12 MAbs, and two of these, CR4374 and CR4353, protected mice from lethal WNV challenge at 50% protective doses of 12.9 and 357 mug/kg of body weight, respectively. Our data analyzing three infected individuals suggest that the human anti-WNV repertoire after natural infection is dominated by nonneutralizing or weakly neutralizing MAbs binding to domain II of the E protein, while domain III-binding MAbs able to potently neutralize WNV in vitro and in vivo are rare.     

Preparation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies which recognise different gibberellin epitopes

The production and characterization of high-affinity monoclonal antibodies (McAb) to gibberellins (GAs) is reported. Hybrid myelomas were derived from immunisations with conjugates in which immunogenic proteins were linked to GA₁ at carbon-3 and to GA₄ and GA₉ at carbon-17. A series of McAb which display specificities allowing recognition of, and the discrimination between GA₁, GA₂₀, GA₄ and GA₉ is described. These McAb can be used in quantitative immunoassays for underivatised GAs.Abbreviations BSA bovine serum albumin - FCS foetal calf serum - GA_n gibberellin A_n - IFA incomplete Freund's adjuvant - KLH keyhole-limpet haemocyanin - McAb monoclonal antibody (bodies) - PBS phosphate-buffered saline     

Isolation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies reactive with endothelial cells

Monoclonal antibodies were generated to antigens on cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Spleen cells from BALB/c mice, immunized with low passage cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, were fused with the non-secretory myeloma line, P3 x 63Ag 8.653. Hybridoma supernatants were screened for the desired immunological reactivity using ELISA binding assays. Hybridomas secreting antibodies reacting with the immunizing endothelial cells, but not with peripheral blood mononuclear cells, were cloned by limiting dilution and three stable clones were chosen for study. Further testing by ELISA revealed that each antibody displayed a unique pattern of reactivity. One antibody, 14E5, reacted with the macrophage-like cell line DHL-2, cultured macrophages derived from peripheral blood monocytes, and macrophages derived from malignant effusions. The antibody failed to react with fibroblasts or bovine endothelial cells. The second antibody, 12C6, reacted with human and primate fibroblasts and endothelial cells derived from bovine arteries, but not with mature macrophages. The third clone, 10B9, reacted only with the immunizing endothelial cells and the immature-macrophage line U-937. All three antibodies failed to react with long-term human B or T lymphoblastoid cell lines, leukemic cell lines, or murine macrophage lines. None of the antibodies reacted with a battery of human epithelial derived cell lines or primary cultures of human epithelial cells. Indirect immunofluorescence assays revealed that the antigens were expressed on the cell surface. These antibodies should prove useful as differentiation markers of human endothelial cells and in studies of endothelial cell function.     

Isolation and characterization of three monoclonal antibodies to human serum low density lipoprotein apoprotein B

Human serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) is a large (Mr = 2-3 X 10(6), complex particle composed of lipid, protein and carbohydrate. We obtained about 40 mouse spleen-myeloma hybrid cell lines which produce antibodies against LDL. Three of them, SC2, SC3 and SC10, have been cloned and subcloned and their antibody products characterized. They recognize three non-overlapping epitopes in native LDL. Two of them, SC3 and SC10, also are capable of recognizing very low density lipoprotein, (VLDL), whereas SC2 reacts only weakly with VLDL. All three antigenic determinants remain intact, and accessible to antibodies on the LDL protein apo B, prepared by delipidation in a 'non-denaturing' detergent, sodium deoxycholate. However, apo B prepared by organic solvent, ether-ethanol, or sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) delipidation, while reacting strongly with SC10, is only poorly recognized by SC2 or SC3. Proteolysis of LDL with trypsin, chymotrypsin, Staphylococcus aureus protease, papain or thermolysin gives, in each case, several non-identical protein fragments which are separable by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Upon immunoblotting, some of these fragments are now recognized by either SC3 or SC10 but not SC2, some are recognized by both SC3 and SC10, and others are immunologically unreactive. The protein bands that are separated by SDS gel electrophoresis are composed of several non-identical fragments and contain the antigenic sites to differing degrees. Some of the immunologically reactive fragments do not appear to contain carbohydrate. Reduction and carboxymethylation do not destroy the immunoreactivity of LDL toward any of the antibodies; however, modification of lysine residues by citraconic anhydride markedly diminishes the reactivity of LDL toward SC3. It is likely that the two antibodies SC3 and SC10 are directed against different linear amino acid sequences or very stable domains, whereas the third, SC2, is directed against a more fragile conformational domain of apo B.