Monoclonal antibodies against different epitopes of peptide hormones. Use of photoreactive analogues in studies on vasopressin.

In order to produce monoclonal antibodies directed against different epitopes of the neurohypophyseal hormone vasopressin, the hormone was coupled to carrier proteins via photoreactive groups at different positions in the vasopressin sequence: [2-(4-azidophenylalanine), 8-arginine]vasopressin (peptide P1, photoreactive group at position 2) and desamino-[8-N6-(4-azidophenylamidino)lysine]vasopressin (peptide P2, photoreactive group at position 8) were conjugated to thyroglobulin by flash photolysis. Monoclonal antibodies against these conjugates bound ([3H]8-arginine]vasopressin with dissociation constants ranging over 40-400 nM. Epitope analysis by means of competitive ELISA showed that the monoclonal antibody obtained with peptide P1 as hapten was directed against the C-terminal acyclic tripeptide when its conformation was stabilized by interaction with the disulphide-linked cyclic hexapeptide. In contrast, the epitope analysis of three monoclonal anti-(peptide P2) antibodies demonstrated that they recognized antigenic determinants in the cyclic hexapeptide ring, mainly the hydrophobic surface formed by Tyr2 and Phe3. Our results suggest that monoclonal antibodies against different epitopes in small peptide hormones can be generated selectively by using photoreactive peptides in such a way that different antigenic sites are exposed in the hapten-carrier conjugate.     

Chemistry of New Zealand Apiaceae: a rare phenylpropanoid and three new germacrane derivatives from Anisotome lyallii

A phytochemical investigation of the New Zealand endemic Apiaceae species Anisotome lyallii Hook.f. yielded (+)-alpha-angeloyloxylatifolone (1), 6-O-angeloyl-8-O-tigloyl-6beta,8alpha,11-trihydroxygermacra-1(10)E,4E-diene (2), 6-O-tigloyl-8-O-tigloyl-6beta,8alpha,11-trihydroxygermacra-1(10)E,4E-diene (3) and 6-O-tigloyl-8-O-tigloyl-1alpha,6beta,8alpha,11-tetrahydroxygermacra-4E,10-(14)diene (4). The structures were elucidated by HR mass spectrometry and 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. A chemosystematic survey for compounds 1-3 in other New Zealand Apiaceae by HPLC-MS revealed that 1-3 were confined to A. haastii Cockayne & Laing and A. lyallii, and that some minor compounds in other species of Anisotome were isomers of 2 and 3.     

Adenine and guanine recognition of stop codon is mediated by different N domain conformations of translation termination factor eRF1

Positioning of release factor eRF1 toward adenines and the ribose-phosphate backbone of the UAAA stop signal in the ribosomal decoding site was studied using messenger RNA (mRNA) analogs containing stop signal UAA/UAAA and a photoactivatable cross-linker at definite locations. The human eRF1 peptides cross-linked to these analogs were identified. Cross-linkers on the adenines at the 2nd, 3rd or 4th position modified eRF1 near the conserved YxCxxxF loop (positions 125-131 in the N domain), but cross-linker at the 4th position mainly modified the tripeptide 26-AAR-28. This tripeptide cross-linked also with derivatized 3'-phosphate of UAA, while the same cross-linker at the 3'-phosphate of UAAA modified both the 26-28 and 67-73 fragments. A comparison of the results with those obtained earlier with mRNA analogs bearing a similar cross-linker at the guanines indicates that positioning of eRF1 toward adenines and guanines of stop signals in the 80S termination complex is different. Molecular modeling of eRF1 in the 80S termination complex showed that eRF1 fragments neighboring guanines and adenines of stop signals are compatible with different N domain conformations of eRF1. These conformations vary by positioning of stop signal purines toward the universally conserved dipeptide 31-GT-32, which neighbors guanines but is oriented more distantly from adenines.     

Application of a panel of antiganglioside monoclonal antibodies to cytologic specimens.

The cytologic evaluation of poorly differentiated tumors frequently poses a diagnostic dilemma as to the tissue of origin. To assess the diagnostic utility of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) in these situations, we applied a panel of three highly purified MAbs specific for tumor-associated ganglioside epitopes to a diverse series of cytologic specimens. The panel was composed of DMAb-3, reactive with the epitope GalNAc beta 1-4 (NeuAc alpha 2-3)Gal- of GM2; DMAb-7, reactive with the epitope (NeuAc alpha 2-8NeuAc alpha 2-3)Gal beta 1-4(Glc or GlcNAc)- of GD3 and 3'8'-LD1; and DMAb-20, reactive with the epitope GalNAc beta 1-4(NeuAc alpha 2-8NeuAc alpha 2-3)Gal- of GD2. The cytologic material consisted of air-dried Cytospin preparations prepared predominantly from fine needle aspirates and stained with the ABC immunohistochemical method. Positive reactivity was recognized when greater than 5% of tumor cells stained with the antibody; lesser reactivity was called negative. DMAb-3 stained 9/14 (64%) glial tumors, 4/13 (31%) nonglial central nervous system tumors, 1/21 (5%) melanomas, 7/38 (18%) non-small cell carcinomas (NSCC), 1/15 (7%) small cell carcinomas (SCC), 0/9 (0%) lymphomas/leukemias, 2/10 (20%) sarcomas, 1/7 (14%) miscellaneous tumors and 2/2 (100%) reactive fluids. DMAb-7 recognized 14/14 (100%) glial tumors, 9/13 (69%) non-glial central nervous system tumors, 19/22 (86%) melanomas, 19/43 (44%) NSCC, 5/15 (33%) SCC, 2/9 (22%) lymphomas/leukemias, 6/10 (60%) sarcomas, 1/7 (14%) miscellaneous tumors and 4/4 (100%) reactive fluids. DMAb-20 stained 6/14 (43%) glial tumors, 2/13 (15%) nonglial central nervous system tumors, 1/21 (5%) melanomas, 4/38 (10%) NSCC, 0/15 (0%) SCC, 0/9 (0%) lymphomas/leukemias, 1/10 (10%) sarcomas, 1/7 (14%) miscellaneous tumors and 1/3 (33%) reactive fluids. The GD3-reactive DMAb-7 recognized a large portion of many tumor types and thus is not diagnostically useful alone. DMAb-3 and DMAb-20 were more selective and showed the strongest reactivity for glial tumors and minimal reactivity for melanomas, small cell carcinomas, and lymphomas or leukemias. DMAb-3 and DMAb-20 may be useful as components of a larger panel of MAbs in distinguishing between poorly differentiated tumors in samples derived from the central nervous system.     

Antifeedant and phytotoxic activity of hydroxyperezone and related molecules

The insect antifeedant and toxic activity of hydroxyperezone (1), its derivatives 2-9, along with 3-hydroxy- (10) and 6-hydroxythymoquinone (11) were studied against Spodoptera littoralis, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, and Myzus persicae. The antifeedant tests showed that L. decemlineata was the most sensitive insect, followed by M. persicae, while S. littoralis was not deterred by compounds 1-11. Leucohydroxyperezone tetraacetate (3), oxoperezinone (6), dihydroleucoperezinone diacetate (7), 3-hydroxy- (10) and 6-hydroxythymoquinone (11) showed strong activity against L. decemlineata. 1 and 7 exhibited moderate deterrent activity against M. persicae, while 1 and dihydroleucohydroxyperezone tetraacetate (4) acted as post-ingestive antifeedants to S. littoralis. The phytotoxic activity of compounds 1-11 was also evaluated. Hydroxyperezone (1) strongly inhibited seed germination at 24 h, while the activity of 3-8 and 10 was moderate. The level of radicle growth inhibition obtained with compounds 1-5 and 8-11 was significant (< 50%).     

Synthesis and biophysical evaluation of minor-groove binding C-terminus modified pyrrole and imidazole triamide analogs of distamycin

Five polyamide derivatives with rationally modified C-terminus moieties were synthesized and their DNA binding specificity and affinity determined. A convergent approach was employed to synthesize polyamides containing an alkylaminopiperazine (4 and 5), a truncated piperazine (6), or an alkyldiamino-C-terminus moiety (7 and 8) with two specific objectives: to investigate the effects of number of potential cationic centers and steric bulk at the C-terminus. CD studies confirmed that compounds 4, 5, 7, and 8 bind in the minor groove of DNA. The alkylpiperazine containing compounds (4 and 5) showed only moderate binding to DNA with DeltaT(m) values of 2.8 and 8.3 degrees C with their cognate sequence, respectively. The alkyldiamino compounds (7 and 8) were more impressive producing a DeltaT(m) of >17 and >22 degrees C, respectively. Compound 6 (truncated piperazine) did not stabilize its cognate DNA sequence. Footprints were observed for all compounds (except compound 6) with their cognate DNA sequence using DNase I footprinting, with compound 7 producing a footprint of 0.1 microM at the expected 5'-ACGCGT-3' site. SPR analysis of compound 7 binding to 5'-ACGCGT-3', 5'-ACCGGT-3', and 5'-AAATTT-3' produced binding affinities of 2.2x10(6), 3.3x10(5), and 1x10(5)M(-1), respectively, indicating a preference for its cognate sequence of 5'-ACGCGT-3'. These results are in good agreement with the footprinting data. The results indicate that steric crowding at the C-terminus is important with respect to binding. However, the number of cationic centers within the molecule may also play a role. The alkyldiamino-containing compounds (7 and 8) warrant further investigation in the field of polyamide research.     

Polyoxypregnane glycosides from Caralluma retrospiciens

Six related polyoxypregnane glycosides were isolated and characterised from Caralluma retrospiciens leaves. The compounds were identified as 12beta-benzoyloxy-8beta,14beta-dihydroxypregn-20-one-3-O-[3-O-methyl-6-deoxy-beta-D-allopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-beta-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-]-beta-D-cymaropyranoside], 12beta-benzoyloxy-8beta,14beta-dihydroxypregn-20-one-3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-3-O-methyl-6-deoxy-beta-D-allopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-beta-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-beta-D-cymaropyranoside], 12beta-benzoyloxy-8beta,14beta-dihydroxypregn-20-one-3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-3-O-methyl-6-deoxy-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-3-O-methyl-6-deoxy-beta-D-galactopyranoside], 12beta-benzoyloxy-8beta,14beta-dihydroxypregn-20-one-3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-3-O-methyl-6-deoxy-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-3-O-methyl-6-deoxy-beta-D-galactopyranoside], 12beta-benzoyloxy-11alpha-isovaleroyloxy-8beta,14beta-dihydroxypregn-20-one-3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-3-O-methyl-6-deoxy-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-3-O-methyl-6-deoxy-beta-D-galactopyranoside], and 12beta-benzoyloxy-11alpha-isovaleroyloxy-8beta,14beta-dihydroxypregn-20-one-3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1 --> 4)-3-O-methyl-6-deoxy-beta-D-allopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-beta-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-beta-D-cymaropyranoside]. The structures were determined by detailed analysis of one- and two-dimensional NMR spectra as well as by chemical means. The compounds showed cytotoxic activities towards brine shrimp having IC50 values of 1.19 x 10(-4), 8.83 x 10(-5), 2.64 x 10(-4), 2.26 x 10(-4), 2.39 x 10(-4) and 1.70 x 10(-4) M, respectively. This is the first report of the isolation of these compounds from a natural source.     

Novel anellated pyrazoloquinolin-3-ones: synthesis and in vitro BZR activity

A series of pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinolin-3-one derivatives 6, 7a-c, 8a,b, 9a,b and 10-12 were synthesized as modified pyrazoloquinolinone analogs (PQs) and evaluated for their ability to inhibit radioligand to central and peripheral benzodiazepine receptors (BZRs) and their effect on GABA(A) alpha1beta2gamma2L receptors expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Multistep synthesis starting from 5-nitroindole, via the Gould-Jacobs reaction to the quinoline nucleus, yielded key intermediates 9-chloro-3H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline-8-carboxylates. The reaction of the latter with methyl-hydrazine and various phenyl-hydrazines furnished the final compounds. In order to confirm the expected tetracyclic 2-substituted-2H-pyrazolopyrroloquinolin-3-one structure, IR spectrophotometric, mono-1H and 13C and bi-dimensional spectrometric and HRMS analyses were carried out: all compounds were found to be 2-substituted 3-keto tautomers; compound 6 only differed because it turned out to be 1-methyl-2H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinolin-3-olo. The results of this work are consistent with those previously reported for PQs: 7-9 show high potency in displacing specific [3H]flunitrazepam from its receptor site; no compound was active in inhibiting the binding of [3H]PK 11195. They all act as antagonists at central BZR.     

Ribosomal position and contacts of mRNA in eukaryotic translation initiation complexes

The position of mRNA on 40S ribosomal subunits in eukaryotic initiation complexes was determined by UV crosslinking using mRNAs containing uniquely positioned 4-thiouridines. Crosslinking of mRNA positions (+)11 to ribosomal protein (rp) rpS2(S5p) and rpS3(S3p), and (+)9-(+)11 and (+)8-(+)9 to h18 and h34 of 18S rRNA, respectively, indicated that mRNA enters the mRNA-binding channel through the same layers of rRNA and proteins as in prokaryotes. Upstream of the P-site, the proximity of positions (-)3/(-)4 to rpS5(S7p) and h23b, (-)6/(-)7 to rpS14(S11p), and (-)8-(-)11 to the 3'-terminus of 18S rRNA (mRNA/rRNA elements forming the bacterial Shine-Dalgarno duplex) also resembles elements of the bacterial mRNA path. In addition to these striking parallels, differences between mRNA paths included the proximity in eukaryotic initiation complexes of positions (+)7/(+)8 to the central region of h28, (+)4/(+)5 to rpS15(S19p), and (-)6 and (-)7/(-)10 to eukaryote-specific rpS26 and rpS28, respectively. Moreover, we previously determined that eukaryotic initiation factor2alpha (eIF2alpha) contacts position (-)3, and now report that eIF3 interacts with positions (-)8-(-)17, forming an extension of the mRNA-binding channel that likely contributes to unique aspects of eukaryotic initiation.     

Control of antibody-antigen interaction using anion-induced conformational change in antigen peptide

The binding of a monoclonal antibody to an epitope peptide was controlled by the conformational change of the epitope peptide induced by anions. We synthesized peptides in which the epitope sequence DTYRYI for the monoclonal antibody AU1 is located between amphiphilic peptides (KKLL)n and (LLKK)n. In the absence of an appropriate anion, the peptide was in a random coil state and the epitope was linear. In contrast, in the presence of an appropriate anion, the peptide exhibited an anti-parallel alpha-helical structure and the epitope was subsequently 'bent'. In the presence of 41 microM triphosphate, the association constant between the antibody and the peptide was decreased by one order of magnitude in the case of n = 3 and at least three orders of magnitude in the case of n = 4 or 5. Oligo-DNAs, as anions, dissociated the antibody-peptide complex, whereas triphosphate did not. The DNA concentrations required for 50% dissociation of the antibody-peptide complex at pH 7.5 were 4x10(-8), 1x10(-7) and 6x10(-6) M for decamer, octamer and hexamer DNA, respectively.     

Synthesis and Antiviral and Cytostatic Activities of Carbocyclic Nucleosides Incorporating a Modified Cyclopentane Ring. I: Guanosine Analogues

Abstract

Six new carbocyclic nucleosides were prepared by constructing a guanine (compounds 6, 8 and 10) or 8-azaguanine (compounds 7, 9 and 11) base on the amino group of (1R, cis)-3-(aminomethyl)-1,2,2-trimethylcyclopentylmethanol (2), and their activities against 13 viruses and 3 tumor cell lines were determined. Compounds 9, 10 and 11 showed activity against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), and compound 11 also against vaccina virus, whereas compounds 6 and 7 showed some inhibition of tumor cell proliferation.     

Dihydroxyxanthones prenylated derivatives: synthesis, structure elucidation, and growth inhibitory activity on human tumor cell lines with improvement of selectivity for MCF-7

The synthesis, structure elucidation, and antitumor activity of 11 xanthones are reported, being the compounds 3, 4, 6-8, and 9 described for the first time. Xanthones 1 and 2 were used as building blocks to obtain the prenylated derivatives 3-8. Prenylation was carried out using prenyl bromide in alkaline medium. Dihydropyranoxanthones 9-11 were obtained from compounds 4 and 5 by an oxidative ring closure. The structure of the compounds was established by IR, UV, MS, and NMR ((1)H, (13)C, COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) techniques and for compounds 4, 6, and 11 the structure was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The effect of the 11 xanthones on the in vitro growth of four human tumor cell lines, MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma), NCI-H460 (non-small cell lung cancer), SF-268 (central nervous system cancer), and UACC-62 (melanoma) is also described.     

Probing the conformational and dynamical effects of O-glycosylation within the immunodominant region of a MUC1 peptide tumor antigen.

MUC1 mucin is a large transmembrane glycoprotein, the extracellular domain of which is formed by a repeating 20 amino acid sequence, GVTSAPDTRPAPGSTAPPAH. In normal breast epithelial cells, the extracellular domain is densely covered with highly branched complex carbohydrate structures. However, in neoplastic breast tissue, the extracellular domain is under-glycosylated, resulting in the exposure of a highly immunogenic core peptide epitope (PDTRP in bold above), as well as in the exposure of normally cryptic core Tn (GalNAc), STn (sialyl alpha2-6 GalNAc) and TF (Gal beta1-3 GalNAc) carbohydrates. Here, we report the results of 1H NMR structural studies, natural abundance 13C NMR relaxation measurements and distance-restrained MD simulations designed to probe the structural and dynamical effects of Tn-glycosylation within the PDTRP core peptide epitope. Two synthetic peptides were studied: a nine-residue MUC1 peptide of the sequence, Thr1-Ser2-Ala3-Pro4-Asp5-Thr6-Arg7-Pro8-Ala9, and a Tn-glycosylated version of this peptide, Thr1-Ser2-Ala3-Pro4-Asp5-Thr6(alphaGalNAc)-Arg7-Pro8-Ala9. The results of these studies show that a type I beta-turn conformation is adopted by residues PDTR within the PDTRP region of the unglycosylated MUC1 sequence. The existence of a similar beta-turn within the PDTRP core peptide epitope of the under-glycosylated cancer-associated MUC1 mucin protein might explain the immunodominance of this region in vivo, as the presence of defined secondary structure within peptide epitope regions has been correlated with increased immunogenicity in other systems. Our results have also shown that Tn glycosylation at the central threonine within the PDTRP core epitope region shifts the conformational equilibrium away from the type I beta-turn conformation and toward a more rigid and extended state. The significance of these results are discussed in relation to the possible roles that peptide epitope secondary structure and glycosylation state may play in MUC1 tumor immunogenicity.     

Alpha-Galactosyl trisaccharide epitope: Modification of the 6-primary positions and recognition by human anti-alphaGal antibody

Galactose oxidase (EC 1.1.3.9, GAO) was used to convert the C-6' OH of Galbeta(1 --> 4)Glcbeta-OBn (5) to the corresponding hydrated aldehyde (7). Chemical modification, through dehydratative coupling and reductive amination, gave rise to a small library of Galbeta(1 --> 4)Glcbeta-OBn analogues (9a-f, 10, 11). UDP-[6-(3)H]Gal studies indicated that alpha1,3-galactosyltransferase recognized the C-6' modified Galbeta(1 --> 4)Glcbeta-OBn analogues (9a-f, 10, 11). Preparative scale reactions ensued, utilizing a single enzyme UDP-Gal conversion as well as a dual enzymatic system (GalE and alpha1,3GalT), taking full advantage of the more economical UDP-Glc, giving rise to compounds 6, 15-22. Galalpha(1 --> 3)Galbeta(1 --> 4)Glcbeta-OBn trisaccharide (6) was produced on a large scale (2 g) and subjected to the same chemoenzymatic modification as stated above to produce C-6" modified derivatives (23-30). An ELISA bioassay was performed utilizing human anti-alphaGal antibodies to study the binding affinity of the derivatized epitopes (6, 15-30). Modifications made at the C-6' position did not alter the IgG antibody's ability to recognize the unnatural epitopes. Modifications made at the C-6" position resulted in significant or complete abrogation of recognition. The results indicate that the C-6' OH of the alphaGal trisaccharide epitope is not mandatory for antibody recognition.     

Distinct and non-cross-reactive epitopes are recognized on B16 melanoma by LAK cells and anti-B16 monoclonal antibodies.

Two rat anti-B16 melanoma monoclonal antibodies (MoAb), designated IB16-6 and IB16-8, recognize an epitope expressed with high density on the surface of B16 parental cells and B16-F1, F10, F10FLR, and BL6 sublines. The purpose of this study was to define by means of cytolytic and clonogenic assays whether these MoAbs reacted with the same or distinct determinants as those recognized on B16 targets by lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. Using 125I-labeled antibody and Scatchard analysis, the affinity constant (KA) of IB16-6 was determined to range from 5.6 to 9.4 x 10(8) liter/M and the number of receptor sites per B16 cell was 4.8 x 10(4) to 2.5 x 10(5). The effects of anti-B16 MoAb on LAK activity were determined by either preincubating 51Cr-labeled B16 target cells with varying concentrations of MoAb, followed by the cytolytic assay, or exposing unlabeled B16 cells to MoAb, and then carrying out a 10-day clonogenic assay. Over a wide range of antibody concentrations, IB16-6 and IB16-8 had minimal effects on LAK activity, and even at MoAb concentrations up to 1 mg there were no changes in target cell sensitivity or colony-forming ability. Enzymatic treatment of B16 melanoma cells with either trypsin or pronase completely removed the epitope recognized by MoAb IB16-6 but did not alter B16 sensitivity to LAK cells. These observations indicate that the LAK recognition unit was distinct from the epitope reactive with MoAb IB16-6 and that the B16 determinant(s) recognized by LAK cells is resistant to proteolytic enzymes. The molecular structure of each of these remains to be determined.     

Preparation, analysis and antibody binding studies of simultaneously synthesized soluble and cellulose-bound HIV-1 p24 peptide epitope libraries

Summary Epitope libraries of the HIV-1 p24 epitope GATPQDLNTM, recognized by the murine monoclonal antibody CB 4-1, were prepared by simultaneous synthesis on single resin supports (solution phase library) and on a continuous cellulose membrane support (solid phase-bound library) Each position of the epitope was replaced by 19 l-amino acids (cysteine omitted) in the soluble library or by 20 l-amino acids in the cellulose-bound library. The soluble library was synthesized by simultaneously incorporating equimolar amino acid mixtures at each position of the epitope or by synthesizing single epitope analogues. The peptide mixtures were subsequently analyzed by HPLC, CZE and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Double coupling of equimolar amino acid mixtures of either 0.8 equiv (coupling at epitope positions 6–10) or 1.5 equiv (coupling at epitope positions 1–5) resulted in approximately equimolar incorporation of all single components of the mixture. The mixtures were then separated by preparative HPLC, and the peptides or peptide mixtures of single fractions were isolated and analyzed for binding CB 4-1. The results were compared with those obtained from antibody binding studies using the cellulose-bound epitope library. The affinity constants of the soluble peptide variants qualitatively correlated with the binding of CB 4-1 to single cellulose-bound analogues. Both approaches allowed the rapid identification of key residues in antibody binding, thus giving insight into the molecular nature of this antibody-peptide interaction.     

Conformational and sequential epitopes on the human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor molecule (hG-CSF) and their role in binding to human placenta receptors.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) named 8C2 and 6E3, directed against the recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (hG-CSF), were used as probes to study the cytokine orientation on its binding to receptors from human placenta. Competition enzyme linked immunoabsorbent assays (ELISA) revealed that mAb 8C2 would be directed to a linear epitope, whereas mAb 6E3 would delimit a more assembled epitope. Gel-filtration high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of the immune complexes formed by incubating [(125)I]hG-CSF with each mAb showed that epitope 8C2, but not 6E3, was altered after cytokine iodination. In addition, mAb 6E3 completely inhibited [(125)I]hG-CSF binding to human placental microsomes. Although [(125)I]mAb 6E3 was unable to bind to preformed hG-CSF-receptor complexes, [(125)I]mAb 8C2 did recognize hG-CSF previously bound to receptors, suggesting that epitope 8C2 would remain accessible in the hG-CSF-receptor complex. To identify the cytokine region defined by mAbs, hG-CSF was digested with different proteolytic enzymes: Arg-C, Glu-C, trypsin and alpha chymotrypsin. Immunoreactivity of the resulting peptides was examined by Western blot and their sequences were established by Edman degradation. Results showed that mAb 6E3 would be directed to a conformation-dependent epitope located close to the hG-CSF binding domain and included into the sequence 1-122/123, whereas mAb 8C2 recognized the region 41-58, which represents a linear epitope left exposed after cytokine binding to receptors from human placenta.     

Dissecting contact potentials for proteins: relative contributions of individual amino acids

Mimotopes mimic the three-dimensional topology of an antigen epitope, and are frequently recognized by antibodies with affinities comparable to those obtained for the original antibody-antigen interaction. Peptides and anti-idiotypic antibodies are two classes of protein mimotopes that mimic the topology (but not necessarily the sequence) of the parental antigen. In this study, we combine these two classes by selecting mimotopes based on single domain IgNAR antibodies, which display exceptionally long CDR3 loop regions (analogous to a constrained peptide library) presented in the context of an immunoglobulin framework with adjacent and supporting CDR1 loops. By screening an in vitro phage-display library of IgNAR variable domains (V(NAR)s) against the target antigen monoclonal antibody MAb5G8, we obtained four potential mimotopes. MAb5G8 targets a linear tripeptide epitope (AYP) in the flexible signal sequence of the Plasmodium falciparum Apical Membrane Antigen-1 (AMA1), and this or similar motifs were detected in the CDR loops of all four V(NAR)s. The V(NAR)s, 1-A-2, -7, -11, and -14, were demonstrated to bind specifically to this paratope by competition studies with an artificial peptide and all showed enhanced affinities (3-46 nM) compared to the parental antigen (175 nM). Crystallographic studies of recombinant proteins 1-A-7 and 1-A-11 showed that the SYP motifs on these V(NAR)s presented at the tip of the exposed CDR3 loops, ideally positioned within bulge-like structures to make contact with the MAb5G8 antibody. These loops, in particular in 1-A-11, were further stabilized by inter- and intra- loop disulphide bridges, hydrogen bonds, electrostatic interactions, and aromatic residue packing. We rationalize the higher affinity of the V(NAR)s compared to the parental antigen by suggesting that adjacent CDR1 and framework residues contribute to binding affinity, through interactions with other CDR regions on the antibody, though of course definitive support of this hypothesis will rely on co-crystallographic studies. Alternatively, the selection of mimotopes from a large (<4 x 10(8)) constrained library may have allowed selection of variants with even more favorable epitope topologies than present in the original antigenic structure, illustrating the power of in vivo selection of mimotopes from phage-displayed molecular libraries.