Production of humanized Fab fragment against human high affinity IgE receptor in Pichia pastoris

Binding of allergen-IgE complexes to the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilonRI) on mast cells and basophils leads to the release of various mediaters such as histamine. Fab fragments prepared by the papain digestion of humanized antibody against human Fc epsilonRI inhibited the release of histamine from human basophils. Here we established an expression system to directly produce Fab fragments of the humanized anti-human Fc epsilonRI antibody in methylotropic yeast, P. pastoris. Fab fragments were efficiently secreted into the medium at a concentration of 10-40 mg/L using a signal sequence from the P. pastoris phosphatase gene. They were consisted of disulfide-linked light and heavy chains correctly starting from the first amino acid residues by proper cleavage of the signal peptides. The obtained Fab fragments inhibited the binding between IgE and Fc epsilonRI as efficiently as the counterpart prepared by papain digestion of the whole antibody.     

Production of human antithrombin-III in a serum-free culture of CHO cells.

A simple method was developed to establish serum-independent Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells that grew and secreted high level of human antithrombin-III (AT-III). First, human AT-III and mouse dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) cDNAs were transfected into DHFR-deficient CHO cells. Transfected cells were treated with increasing concentrations of methotrexate (MTX) and clones secreting high levels of AT-III (10-20 micrograms/ml/3 day) in a serum-containing medium were obtained. Serum-independent clones were derived from the serum-dependent clones by simply culturing the cells for a few weeks in a serum-free medium. In a serum-free medium the established serum-independent clones grew at normal rate and produced almost equivalent amount of AT-III to that of the serum-dependent, parent clones. In addition, AT-III from the serum-independent clones has specific activity similar to that of plasma-derived AT-III.     

Expression of humanized Fab fragments that recognize the IgE-binding domain of human Fc(epsilon)RIalpha in COS and CHO cells

Interfering with the binding of IgE to high-affinity IgE receptor alpha chain (Fc(epsilon)RIalpha) is a straightforward strategy for the specific prevention of the IgE-mediated allergic reaction specifically. A Fab fragment (Fab) of a humanized antibody against the membrane proximal IgE-binding domain of human Fc(epsilon)RIalpha inhibits the release of histamine from human basophils. We established an efficient expression system in which to produce directly the humanized anti-human Fc(epsilon)RIalpha Fabs without papain-digestion of the whole antibody. Four Fabs with different C-termini of CH1 were expressed directly in COS-7 cells transfected with expression vectors with or without the Fc gene downstream of a stop codon inserted within the hinge gene. The secretion of Fabs when transfected without the Fc gene was remarkably enhanced compared to that when transfected with the Fc gene. The ability of Fabs to inhibit IgE-Fc(epsilon)RIalpha binding when transfected without the Fc gene was equivalent to that of purified Fab prepared by papain-digestion of the whole antibody. No significant differences among the four Fabs were observed in secretion or activity. Clones of CHO-transfectant cells that secreted the Fabs constitutively were acclimatized to a serum-free medium. Analysis of the binding interface between the Fab and human Fc(epsilon)RIalpha will provide useful information for the design of therapeutic reagents for allergy and asthma.     

Production of a monoclonal antibody directed against the high-affinity nerve growth factor receptor.

The high-affinity nerve growth factor receptor corresponds to the tyrosine protein kinase encoded by the proto-oncogene trkA. Different findings suggest that nerve growth factor (NGF) can be operative in the growth modulation of tumor cell lines possessing high-affinity binding sites for this molecule. Using as immunizing material the SKNBE neuroblastoma cell line transfected with proto-trkA we produced a monoclonal antibody (MAb) able to recognize the high-affinity nerve growth factor receptor. The selected MAb, designated MGR12, is directed against an epitope present on the extracellular domain of the receptor since it showed reactivity on living trkA-expressing cells and was able to immunoprecipitate the proto-trkA molecule. The MGR12 MAb is directed against a non-functional epitope since it neither inhibited NGF binding nor induced receptor internalization. This new reagent appears to be an appropriate tool for analyzing the expression of high-affinity nerve growth factor receptor in tumors of different origin and for elucidating its involvement in tumor progression.     

Higher expression of Fab antibody fragments in a CHO cell line at reduced temperature

A chimeric Fab was expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells under the control of the CMV promoter in a two-stage production process. Cells were first grown to 90% confluence at 37 degrees C in a proliferation phase, followed by a production phase at either 37 degrees C or 28 degrees C. Medium supplemented with serum and medium free from serum was tested in the production phase at both temperatures. Comparison of Fab expression revealed that reducing the temperature to 28 degrees C resulted in a 14-fold increase in product yield when cells were cultivated in serum-containing medium, and in a 38-fold increase in product yield when serum-free medium was applied.     

Expression of high-affinity human antibody fragments in bacteria

Here we describe protocols for the expression of human antibody fragments in Escherichia coli. Antigen-specific clones are identified by soluble fragment ELISA and concentrated by periplasmic preparation. They are then further purified by affinity chromatography. This article provides an overview of expression and purification strategies for human antibody fragments, as well as detailed protocols for the identification of high-affinity binders and for affinity maturation.     

Stable production of a human growth hormone antagonist from CHO cells adapted to serum-free suspension culture.

Human growth hormone (hGH) is a polypeptide with 191 amino acids and a molecular mass of 22 kDa. An hGH analogue was created with a single amino acid substitution (glycine[G] 120 to arginine[R]) in the third alpha-helix of the hGH molecule. This hGH analogue, named hGHG120R, was found to be an hGH antagonist. It is a parenteral drug candidate for treating conditions in which hGH levels are abnormally high, as found in type I diabetics. Previously, a genetically engineered anchorage-dependent mouse L cell line was created that produced and secreted hGHG120R in culture media (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium, DMEM) supplemented with 5% NuSerum IV. A multistep downstream process was developed to purify hGHG120R. The process consisted of cell clarification, salt precipitation, membrane ultrafiltration, size exclusion chromatography, reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography, phase separation, and lyophilization. Here, we present the development of a superior eukaryotic system using a proper combination of genetic elements, cell line, and media formulation. This system is suitable for the large-scale production of the recombinant protein and is superior to the previously developed system in that it increases the specific production rate and at the same time eases the burden of the purification process, in both time and efficiency. Dihydrofolate reductase mutant (DHFR-) Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were used that were stably transfected with an expression vector in which the hGHG120R gene is driven by the relatively strong human cytomegalovirus-early gene regulatory region. The hGHG120R tested to be biologically active. These cells were then adapted to grow in suspension in CHO-S-SFM (serum-free media). High cell densities, typically 2.0 x 10(6) cells/mL were obtained from spinner flask cultures. Partial purification of hGHG120R from CHO cell cultured media revealed that the level of impurities in SFM was significantly lower than the serum-supplemented DMEM. This suggests that the salt precipitation and the SEC step need not be employed in the purification of hGHG120R from SFM. This would result in a reduction of the operating time by 50 h and boost the recovery yield of hGHG120R to 75%.     

Phage-display libraries of murine and human antibody Fab fragments

We provide efficient and detailed procedures for construction, expression, and screening of comprehensive libraries of murine or human antibody Fab fragments displayed on the surface of filamentous phage. In addition, protocols for producing and using ultra-electrocompetent cells, for producing Fab phages from libraries, and for selecting antigen binders by panning are presented. The latter protocol includes a procedure for trypsin elution of bound phage.     

Expression, purification, and characterization of humanized anti-HBs Fab fragment

Anti-HBs Fab fragment has considerable potential for use in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases by HBV. Here we established a high-level expression system to directly produce anti-HBs Fab fragment in Pichia pastoris. This was achieved by co-integration of the genes encoding the heavy and light chains both under the genome of the yeast cells. The Fab fragment was efficiently secreted into medium at a concentration of 50 mg/liter. The authenticity of the Fab fragment was confirmed by immunoblot analysis, which yielded one band of approximately 50 kDa under nonreducing conditions and two bands of approximately 28 kDa under reducing conditions. The anti-HBs Fab fragment was prepared with a purity of 95% by affinity chromatography. The affinity activity of the recombinant Fab was detected by ELISA, which indicated that 1 mg of recombinant Fab was equivalent to 40 IU HBIG (20 IU/mg). The results demonstrated that the recombinant Fab fragment could sufficiently neutralize the HBsAg.     

Structure of human rhinovirus complexed with Fab fragments from a neutralizing antibody.

We have determined the structure of a human rhinovirus (HRV)-Fab complex by using cryoelectron microscopy and image reconstruction techniques. This is the first view of an intact human virus complexed with a monoclonal Fab (Fab17-IA) for which both atomic structures are known. The surface area on HRV type 14 (HRV14) in contact with Fab17-IA was approximately 500 A2 (5 nm2), which is much larger than the area that constitutes the NIm-IA epitope (on viral protein VP1) defined by natural escape mutants. From modeling studies and electrostatic potential calculations, charged residues outside the neutralizing immunogenic site IA (NIm-IA) were also predicted to be involved in antibody recognition. These predictions were confirmed by site-specific mutations and analysis of the Fab17-IA-HRV14 complex, along with knowledge of the crystallographic structures of HRV14 and Fab17-IA. The bound Fab17-IA reaches across a surface depression (the canyon) and meets a related Fab at the nearest icosahedral twofold axis. By adjusting the elbow angles of the bound Fab fragments from 162 degrees to 198 degrees, an intact antibody molecule can be easily modeled. This, along with aggregation and binding stoichiometry results, supports the earlier proposal that this antibody binds bivalently to the surface of HRV14 across icosahedral twofold axes. One prediction of this model, that the intact canyon-spanning immunoglobulin G molecule would block attachment of the virus to HeLa cells, was confirmed experimentally.     

Antigen binding thermodynamics and antiproliferative effects of chimeric and humanized anti-p185HER2 antibody Fab fragments.

The murine monoclonal antibody 4D5 (anti-p185HER2) inhibits the proliferation of human tumor cells overexpressing p185HER2 in vitro and has been "humanized" [Carter, P., Presta, L., Gorman, C. M., Ridgway, J. B. B., Henner, D., Wong, W.-L. T., Rowland, A. M., Kotts, C., Carver, M. E., & Shepard, H. M. (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. (in press)] for use in human cancer therapy. We have determined the antigen binding thermodynamics and the antiproliferative activities of chimeric 4D5 Fab (ch4D5 Fab) fragment and a series of eight humanized Fab (hu4D5 Fab) fragments differing by amino acid substitutions in the framework regions of the variable domains. Fab fragments were expressed by secretion from Escherichia coli and purified from fermentation supernatants by using affinity chromatography on immobilized streptococcal protein G or staphylococcal protein A for ch4D5 and hu4D5, respectively. Circular dichroism spectroscopy indicates correct folding of the E. coli produced Fab, and scanning calorimetry shows a greater stability for hu4D5 (Tm = 82 degrees C) as compared with ch4D5 Fab (Tm = 72 degrees C). KD values for binding to the extracellular domain (ECD) of p185HER2 were determined by using a radioimmunoassay; the delta H and delta Cp for binding were determined by using isothermal titration calorimetry. ch4D5 Fab and one of the humanized variants (hu4D5-8 Fab) bind p185HER2-ECD with comparable affinity (delta G degrees = -13.6 kcal mol-1).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Rapid Purification of a New Humanized Single-chain Fv Antibody／Human Interleukin-2 Fusion Protein Reactive against HER2 Receptor

Overexpression of the proto-oncogene c-erbB-2, neuor HER2 has been shown in many human tumor cells,especially in breast cancer cells [1–5], which is thought tobe important in human carcinogenesis. c-erbB-2 geneencodes a 185 kD transmembrane glycoprotein …     

Production and characterization of a humanized single-chain antibody against human integrin alphav beta3 protein

Anti-angiogenesis therapy is an emerging strategy for cancer treatment. This therapy has many advantages over existing treatments, such as fewer side effects, fewer resistance problems, and a broader tumor type spectrum. Integrin αvβ3 is a heterodimeric transmembrane glycoprotein that has been demonstrated to play a key role in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. We have used a phage antibody display to humanize a mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb E10) against human integrin αvβ3 with a predetermined CDR3 gene. Three human phage antibodies were developed. Analysis of the humanized phage antibodies by phage ELISA revealed that the antibodies retained high antigen-binding activity and detected the same epitope as the parent mAb E10. A humanized single chain Fv (scFv) antibody was expressed in Escherichia coli in a soluble form. Analysis of the purified scFv indicated that it has the same specificity and affinity as the original mAb. Cell viability assays and xenograft model results suggested that the humanized scFv possesses anti-tumor growth activity in vitro and in vivo. This successful production of a humanized scFv with the ability to inhibit αvβ3-mediated cancer cell growth may provide a novel candidate for integrin αvβ3-targeted therapy.     

Expression of high-affinity IgE receptor on human peripheral blood dendritic cells in children

Background

In a mouse model of viral induced atopic disease, expression of FcεRI on dendritic cells is critical. While adult human conventional (cDC) and plasmacytoid (pDC) dendritic cells have been shown to express FcεRI, it is not known if this receptor is expressed in childhood and how its expression is governed by IgE.

Methods

Following informed consent of subjects (n = 27, aged 12–188 months), peripheral blood was stained for surface expression of CD19, ILT7, CD1c, IgE, FcεRI and analyzed by flow cytometry (cDC: CD19⁻ ILT7⁻ CD1c⁺; pDC: CD19⁻ ILT7⁺ CD1c⁻). Total and specific serum IgE levels to food and inhalant allergens were determined by ImmunoCAP, and the relationship between FcεRI expression on dendritic cells and sensitization, free IgE, cell bound IgE, and age was determined.

Results

Independent of sensitization status, FcεRI expression was noted on cDC and pDC as early as 12 months of age. Serum IgE level correlated with expression of FcεRI on cDC, but not pDC. Based on the concentration of IgE, a complex relationship was found between surface bound IgE and expression of FcεRI on cDC. pDC exhibited a linear relationship of FcεRI expression and bound IgE that was consistent through all IgE concentrations.

Conclusions

In children, FcεRI expression on cDC and pDC is modulated differently by serum and cell bound IgE. IgE governance of FcεRI expression on cDC depends upon a complex relationship. Further studies are needed to determine the functional roles of FcεRI on cDC and pDC.     

Bacterial expression and purification of recombinant bovine Fab fragments.

We have previously described a recombinant phagemid expression vector, pComBov, designed for the production of native sequence bovine monoclonal antibodies (mAb) generated by antibody phage display. Bovine mAb Fab fragments isolated from libraries constructed using pComBov in Escherichia coli strain XL1-Blue, which is routinely used for antibodies expressed on the surface of phage, were expressed at very low yields. Therefore, a study was undertaken to determine optimal growth conditions for maximal expression of bovine Fab fragments in E. coli. By varying the E. coli strain, and the temperature and length of the culture growth, we were able to substantially increase the yield of soluble Fab fragments. A high yield of Fab fragments was found in the culture growth medium, which enabled us to devise a rapid and simple single-step method for the purification of native (nondenatured) Fabs based on immobilized metal affinity chromatography against a six-histidine amino acid carboxyl-terminal extension of the heavy-chain constant region. Using these methods we were able to express and purify antigen-specific bovine Fab fragments from E. coli.     

Expression, purification, and in vitro refolding of a humanized single-chain Fv antibody against human CTLA4 (CD152)

A human-derived single-chain Fv (scFv) antibody fragment specific against human CTLA4 (CD152) was produced at high level in Escherichia coli. The scFv gene was cloned from a phagemid to the expression vector pQE30 with a N-terminal 6His tag fused in-frame, and expressed as a 29 kDa protein in E. coli as inclusion bodies. The inclusion body of scFv was isolated from E. coli lysate, solubilized in 8M urea with 10mM dithiothreitol, and purified by ion-exchange chromatography. Method for in vitro refolding of the scFv was established. The effects of refolding buffer composition, protein concentration and temperature on the refolding yield were investigated. The protein was renatured finally by dialyzing against 3mM GSH, 1mM GSSG, 150 mM NaCl, 1M urea, and 50 mM Tris-Cl (pH 8.0) for 48 h at 4 degrees C, and then dialyzed against phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.4) to remove remaining denaturant. This refolding protocol generated up to a 70% yield of soluble protein. Soluble scFv was characterized for its specific antigen-binding activity by indirect cellular ELISA. The refolded scFv was functionally active and was able to bind specifically to CTLA4 (CD152). The epitopes recognized by refolded anti-CTLA4 scFv do not coincide with those epitopes recognized by CD80/CD86.     

Human tissue-type plasminogen activator. Production in continuous serum-free cell culture and rapid purification.

A simplified procedure for the production and purification of human tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) is described. Bowes-melanoma cells were maintained in continuous serum-free culture. The cell nutrient consisted of Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) supplemented with insulin (5 mg/litre), transferrin (5 mg/litre), progesterone (1 nM), cortisol (10 nM), aprotinin (2 X 10(4) units/litre) and a mixture of trace elements. t-PA accumulated in the culture medium at a rate of 40 units/day per ml and was harvested every third day. Cell losses during each harvest, leading to a steady decline of enzyme yields, were compensated for by treating the cells with 5% (v/v) fetal-bovine serum in DMEM every 6-8 weeks. t-PA was rapidly purified by a combination of cation-exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The procedure yielded mainly single-chain t-PA of a specific activity of 80 000 to 100 000 units/mg.     

人源抗破伤风毒素单链抗体(ScFv)的原核表达、纯化及功能鉴定

实验通过DNA重组技术从一株可中和破伤风毒素的人源单克隆抗体细胞(G6)中扩增出了抗体VH、VL的基因,通过重叠PCR使连接片段与VH、VL连接成单链ScFv。经测序证实VH、VL为抗体的可变区序列,命名为ScFv-G6。将ScFv-G6连接转化PET/26b质粒,构建了抗体的表达载体,被命名为PET/26b/ScFv-G6。以该载体在大肠杆菌中分泌表达产物经Ni-亲和柱纯化后的小鼠试验证实,可抵抗破伤风毒素的攻击,表明为中和抗体。具有组织穿透力强,不易过敏,可直接靶向于毒素等特点,适合于破伤风的防治,具有重要的应用价值。     

Comparative thermodynamic analyses of the Fv, Fab* and Fab and Fab fragments of anti-dansyl mouse monoclonal antibody

In order to investigate the role of the constant domainson the antigen-binding property of the variable domains, we have carried out a comparative thermodynamic study of the anti-dansyl Fv, Fab* and Fab fragments that possess the identical amino acid sequence of the variable domains. The thermodynamic analyses have shown that binding constants, enthalphy changes and entropy changes are similar for the three antigen-binding fragments, whereas the thermal stability of Fab is much higher than that of Fv and Fab*. We have concluded that (i) the variable domains of the three antigen-binding fragments possess identical intrinsic capability for antigen binding and (ii) the two constant domains serve to improve the stability of the variable domains.