Monoclonal antibodies directed against the calcium binding protein parvalbumin

We have produced twelve monoclonal antibodies (McAB) against carp-II parvalbumin. Three of them, designated 235, 239, 267 recognize determinants conserved in fish, chicken, mouse, rat, monkey and human parvalbumin. We show their use in the qualitative detection of parvalbumin (PV) by immunohistochemistry, in the quantitation of parvalbumin by radioimmunoassay and in the detection of parvalbumin on immunoblots.     

Monoclonal antibodies directed against the drug haloperidol

Haloperidol coupled to albumin via the hydroxyl or carbonyl group has been used to obtain two classes of monoclonal anti-haloperidol antibodies. Both classes of monoclonal antibody bind haloperidol with high affinity but whereas one class is highly specific for haloperidol the other class binds other butyrophenones e.g. droperidol, spiperone. Anti-idiotypic antisera have been obtained that inhibit [³H]haloperidol binding to the anti-haloperidol antibodies but these do not cross react with the D₂ dopamine receptor.     

Monoclonal antibodies directed against the sexual binding site of Chlamydomonas eugametos gametes

Monoclonal antibodies were raised against the mt- sexual agglutinin of Chlamydomonas eugametos gametes. Those that blocked the agglutination site were selected. They were divided into two classes dependent upon whether they gave a weak (class A) or clear positive (class B) reaction with mt- flagellar membranes in an ELISA and an indirect immunofluorescence test using glutaraldehyde-fixed mt- gametes. Class A antibodies were shown to be specific for the agglutinin in an extract of mt- gametes, based on results from immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, affinity chromatography, and the absence of a reaction with nonagglutinable cells. Surprisingly, class A mAbs also recognized two mt+ glycoproteins, one of which is the mt+ agglutinin. Class B antibodies were shown to bind to several glycoproteins in both mt- and mt+ gametes, including the mt- agglutinin. Fab fragments from class A mAbs blocked the sexual agglutination process, but those from class B did not, even though the parent antibody did. We conclude that the class A epitope lies in or close to the agglutination site of the mt- agglutinin, whereas the class B epitope lies elsewhere on the molecule. We also conclude that the mt- agglutinin is the only component on the mt- flagellar surface directly involved in agglutination. Class A mAbs were found to elicit several reactions displayed by the mt+ agglutinin. They bound to the mt- agglutinin on gamete flagella and induced most of the reactions typical of sexual agglutination, with the exception of flagellar tip activation. None of these reactions was induced by Fab fragments. High concentrations of class A mAbs completely repressed the sexual competence of live mt- gametes, but low concentrations stimulated cell fusion.     

Monoclonal antibodies directed against gonococcal protein I vary in bactericidal activity

Monoclonal antibodies (Mab) with specificity for protein I (PI) from Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) were examined for bactericidal activity. Mab 4G5 (gamma 3), ID3 (gamma 2a), and 1G6 (gamma 2a) bound to surface-exposed epitopes on PI of GC strain R11 (IA serotype) as assessed by co-agglutination and 125I protein A uptake. Mab 2H1 (gamma 3) that were directed against IB serotype strains and Mab 2E9 (gamma 2a) were negative in co-agglutination and protein A uptake assays and served as controls for some experiments. Only 4G5 and 1D3 were bactericidal for R11 when presensitized organisms were incubated in 10% absorbed, pooled normal human serum (PNHS) or 10% hypogammaglobulinemic serum (H gamma S) despite binding of nearly equivalent numbers of 4G5, 1D3, and 1G6 to R11 during presensitization, as assessed by 125I-protein A uptake. These Mab activated complement to a similar extent on GC R11, leading to deposition of 56.4 X 10(3), 61.9 X 1093), and 47.1 X 10(3) molecules of C3/organism during incubation in 10% C8-deficient serum. Deposition occurred almost exclusively via the classical complement pathway. Measurement of complement component C9 binding to R11 during incubation in H gamma S showed 35,700 molecules of C9/organism with 4G5, 32,600 C9/organism with 1D3, and surprisingly, 29,600 C9/organism with 1G6. Eight thousand four hundred molecules of C9/organism bound to 2E9-coated organisms, 6000 C9/organism to 2H1-coated bacteria, and 3600 C9/organism to nonpresensitized organisms. The C5b-9 complex deposited by 4G5 had a different sedimentation profile by sucrose density gradient analysis from the C5b-9 complex deposited by 1G6, consistent with a different molecular configuration of the bound complex. Mab 1G6 and 1D3, but not 2E9 or 2H1, were able to compete with 125I-4G5 for binding to GC R11. A Mab (2E6) directed against protein III of GC competed weakly with 125I-4G5 for binding to GC R11. Mab 1G6, but not 1D3, blocked 4G5-dependent killing in a dose-related fashion. Both 4G5 and IG6 reacted weakly with native PI of GC R11 by immunoblotting, but neither Mab recognized the 34,800 m.w. fragment of PI generated by trypsin and chymotrypsin treatment of outer membranes. In contrast, 2E9 reacted strongly by immunoblot with both native and cleaved PI of GC R11, suggesting binding to buried determinants of PI. These experiments show that Mab directed against identical or closely associated, surface-exposed epitopes on gonococcal PI differ markedly in bactericidal activity, despite leading to deposition of nearly equivalent numbers of C3 and C9 molecules per organism.     

Monoclonal antibodies directed against skeletal muscle actin

The development of a monoclonal antibody directed against rabbit skeletal muscle monomeric actin is described. The production of the monoclonal antibody followed a standard hybridoma technique, the antibody being purified by affinity chromatography. It was found to be of the IgM class. Antibody specificity for rabbit skeletal actin was demonstrated by radioimmunoassay. The antibody failed to bind to actin in Western Blot experiments, presumably due to modification of the antigenic determinant on actin during the Western Blot procedure. The antibody was also shown to bind to two other isotypes of actin, i.e. actin from squid mantle muscle and bovine myocardium.     

大鼠坐骨神经结扎后脊髓钙结合蛋白Calbindin D-28k的表达变化

目的:研究大鼠坐骨神经结扎模型的钙结合蛋白(Calbindin D-28k,CB)在脊髓的时空变化规律,为探讨其在神经再生中的作用与机制提供实验依据。方法:SD大鼠随机分为假手术对照组和坐骨神经结扎组,实验组结扎后分别存活1,3,7,14或21d,免疫组化结合图像分析技术观察CB在脊髓的表达变化。结果:在对照组,CB阳性神经元主要分布于腰髓背角Ⅰ、Ⅱ层,Ⅲ～Ⅵ层只观察到少量散在分布的CB样阳性神经元,脊髓前角Ⅷ层和Ⅸ层内也可见少量多极的大型阳性神经元。术后各时间点CB样阳性神经元表达下降,14d下降最显著,21d表达有所上升,但还是低于7d组。脊髓后角CB免疫阳性产物灰度值测定结果显示:术后14d后角CB表达最低,与对侧和对照组以及1、3d组相比有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:坐骨神经结扎后CB表达变化呈现一定的时空模式,为进一步揭示CB在神经系统疾病中的作用提供实验依据。     

Calbindin D-28k immunoreactive nerve fibers in the carotid body of normoxic and chronically hypoxic rats

The distribution and ultrastructural characteristics of calbindin D-28k immunoreactive nerve fibers were examined in the carotid body of the normoxic control rats by light and electron microscopy, and the abundance of calbindin D-28k fibers in the carotid body was compared in normoxic and chronically hypoxic rats (10% O2 and 3.0-4.0% CO2 for 3 months). Calbindin D-28k immunoreactivity was recognized in nerve fibers within the carotid body. Calbindin D-28k immunoreactive nerve fibers appeared as thin processes with many varicosities. They were distributed around clusters of glomus cells, and around blood vessels. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that the calbindin D-28k immunoreactive nerve terminals are in close apposition with the glomus cells, and membrane specialization is visible in some terminals. Some dense-cored vesicles in the glomus cells were aggregated in this contact region. The chronically hypoxic carotid bodies were found to be enlarged several fold, and a relative abundance of calbindin D-28k fibers was lesser than in the normoxic carotid bodies. When expressed by the density of varicosities per unit area of the parenchyma, the density of calbindin D-28k fibers associated with the glomus cells in chronically hypoxic carotid bodies was decreased by 70%. These immunohistochemical findings indicate a morphological basis for involvement of calcium binding protein in the neural pathway that modulates carotid body chemoreception.     

Monoclonal antibodies directed against breast cancer associated antigens

Two mouse hybridomas, producing the monoclonal antibodies 7B10 and 1BE12 which react with membrane antigens of a metastatic human breast tumor cell line were selected. One of them, 7B10, is directed against a mammary gland antigenic determinant and selectively stain mammary carcinoma on histologic sections after fixation and paraffin embedding.     

Monoclonal antibodies directed against protoplasts of soybean cells

Splenocytes, derived from mice that had been immunized with protoplasts prepared from suspension cultures of root cells of Glycine max (L.) Merr. (SB-1 cell line), were fused with a murine myeloma cell line. The resulting hybridoma cultures were screened for the production of antibodies directed against the soybean protoplasts and were then cloned. One monoclonal antibody, designated MVS-1, was found to bind to the outer surface of the plasma membrane on the basis of several criteria: (a) agglutination of the protoplasts; (b) binding of fluorescence-labeled immunoglobulin on protoplasts yielding a ring staining pattern with prominent intensity at the edges; and (c) saturable binding by protoplasts of ¹²⁵I-labeled Antibody MVS-1. The antigenic target of Antibody MVS-1, identified by immunoblotting techniques, contained a polypeptide of relative molecular mass (M_r) approx. 400000 under both reducing and non-reducing conditions. When the antigenic target of Antibody MVS-1 was chromatographed in potassium phosphate buffer, the position of elution corresponded to that of a high-molecular-weight species (M_r 400000). These results provide the protein characterization required for the analysis of the mobility of Antibody MVS-1 bound to the plasma membrane of SB-1 cells.Abbreviations D diffusion coefficient - M_r relative molecular mass - PBS phosphate-buffered saline (8.00 g NaCl, 1.15 g Na₂HPO₄, 0.20 g NaH₂PO₄ per 1 L, pH 7.2) - TPBS phosphate-buffered saline containing 0.5% Tween-20 - TX-100, TX-114 Triton X-100, X-114 - SDS sodium dodecyl sulfate     

Calbindin D-28k-positive neurons in the rat olfactory bulb

Summary We have studied the distribution of calbindin D-28k immunoreactivity in the rat olfactory bulb using specific monoclonal antibodies and the avidin-biotin-immunoperoxidase method. The largest number of positive neurons was located in the periglomerular layer. These neurons were identified as periglomerular cells; they have been described also by other authors as calbindin-positive elements. Close to these neurons, a second population of nerve cells was identified as superficial shortaxon neurons. The remaining layers showed a smaller number of stained elements. Other labeled neurons were located along the external border of the external plexiform layer; the scarce neurons marking its internal border were identified as van Gehuchten cells. No immunoreactive structures were found in the mitral cell layer, although we observed another population of immunostained short-axon cells at its internal border. Some reactive structures, identified by us as horizontal and vertical cells of Cajal, were located in the boundary zone between the internal plexiform layer and the granule layer. In the white matter, we found a neuronal type characterized by its large size and oriented arborization of varicose dendrites.     

Calbindin D(9k): a protein optimized for calcium binding at neutral pH.

The binding of calcium ions by EF-hand proteins depends strongly on the electrostatic interactions between Ca(2+) ions and negatively charged residues of these proteins. We have investigated the pH dependence of the binding of Ca(2+) ions by calbindin D(9k). This protein offers a unique possibility for interpretation of such data since the pK(a) values of all ionizable groups are known. The binding is independent of pH between 7 and 9, where maximum calcium affinity is observed. An abrupt decrease in the binding affinity is observed at pH values below 7. This decrease is due to protonation of acidic groups, leading to modification of protein charges. The pH dependence of the product of the two macroscopic Ca(2+)-binding constants can be formally described by the involvement of two acidic groups with pK(a) = 6.6. Monte Carlo calculations show that the reduction of Ca(2+) binding is strictly determined by variable electrostatic interactions due to pH-dependent changes not only in the binding sites, but also of the overall charge of the protein.     

Calbindin D-28k Immunoreactivity and Its Protein Level in Hippocampal Subregions During Normal Aging in Gerbils

The hippocampus is associated with learning and memory function and shows neurochemical changes in aging processes. Calbindin D-28k (CB) binds calcium ion with a fast association rate. We examined age-related changes in CB immunoreactivity and its protein level in the gerbil hippocampus during normal aging. In the hippocampal CA1 region (CA1) and CA2, CB immunoreaction was found in some neurons in the stratum pyramidale (SP) at postnatal month 1 (PM 1). CB immunoreactivity in neurons was markedly increased at PM 3. Thereafter, CB immunoreactivity was decreased with time: CB-immunoreactive (⁺) neurons were fewest at PM 24. In the CA3, a few CB⁺ neurons were found only in the SP at PM 1 and in the stratum radiatum at PM 18 and 24. In addition, mossy fibers were stained with CB at PM 1. CB immunoreactivity in mossy fibers was markedly increased at PM 3, thereafter it was decreased with time. In the dentate gyrus, many granule cells (GC) in the granule cell layer were stained with CB at PM 1. CB immunoreactivity in GC was markedly increased at PM 3, thereafter CB immunoreactivity was decreased with time. In Western blot analysis, CB protein level in the gerbil hippocampus was highest at PM 3, thereafter CB protein levels were decreased with time. This result indicates that CB in the gerbil hippocampus is abundant at PM 3 and is decreased with age.     

Monoclonal antibodies directed against human FcRn and their applications

The MHC class I-like Fc receptor (FcRn) is an intracellular trafficking Fc receptor that is uniquely responsible for the extended serum half-life of antibodies of the IgG subclass and their ability to transport across cellular barriers. By performing these functions, FcRn affects numerous facets of antibody biology and pathobiology. Its critical role in controlling IgG pharmacokinetics has been leveraged for the design of therapeutic antibodies and related biologics. FcRn also traffics serum albumin and is responsible for the enhanced pharmacokinetic properties of albumin-conjugated therapeutics. The understanding of FcRn and its therapeutic applications has been limited by a paucity of reliable serological reagents against human FcRn. Here, we describe the properties of a new panel of highly specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against human FcRn with diverse epitope specificities. We show that this antibody panel can be used to study the tissue expression pattern of human FcRn, to selectively block IgG and serum albumin binding to human FcRn in vitro and to inhibit FcRn function in vivo. This mAb panel provides a powerful resource for probing the biology of human FcRn and for the evaluation of therapeutic FcRn blockade strategies.Key words: FcRn, IgG, monoclonal antibody, albumin, therapy     

Monoclonal antibodies directed against different antigenic determinants of rotavirus

We have developed a series of monoclonal antibodies against the calf strain RIT 4237 (subgroup 1) and the human strain 82-561 (subgroup 3) of rotavirus, both grown in tissue culture, and also against the human rotavirus 81-2162 (subgroup 2), extracted from a fecal specimen. A variety of different specificities was observed among these antibodies, namely, antibodies against group and subgroup determinants, as well as neutralizing antibodies. By using monoclonal antibodies against the subgroup antigen in an enzyme-linked immunoassay system, the constant predominance of subgroup 2 viruses in humans was confirmed in 74 stools collected from children in Brussels who suffered a diarrheal illness between July 1981 and June 1983. The availability of these antibodies also made it possible to improve the sensitivity and the specificity of the test system.     

In vitro enzyme activation with calbindin-D28k, the vitamin D-dependent 28 kDa calcium binding protein.

Purified porcine erythrocyte membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase and 3':5'-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase were stimulated in a dose-dependent, saturable manner with the vitamin D-dependent calcium binding protein from rat kidney, calbindin-D28k (CaBP-D28k). The concentration of CaBP-D28k required for half-maximal activation (K0.5 act.) of the Ca(2+)-ATPase was 28 nM compared to 2.2 nM for calmodulin (CaM), with maximal activation equivalent upon addition of either excess CaM or CaBP-D28k. 3':5'-Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) also showed equivalent maximum saturable activation by calbindin (K0.5 act. = 90 nM) or calmodulin (K0.5 act. = 1.2 nM). CaBP-D28k was shown to effectively compete with CaM-Sepharose for PDE binding. Immunoprecipitation with CaBP-D28k antiserum completely inhibited calbindin-mediated activation of PDE but had no effect on calmodulin's ability to activate PDE. While the physiological significance of these results remains to be established, they do suggest that CaBP-D28k can activate enzymes and may be a regulator of yet to be identified target enzymes in certain tissues.     

Peptide binding proclivities of calcium loaded calbindin-D28k

Calbindin-D28k is known to function as a calcium-buffering protein in the cell. Moreover, recent evidence shows that it also plays a role as a sensor. Using circular dichroism and NMR, we show that calbindin-D28k undergoes significant conformational changes upon binding calcium, whereas only minor changes occur when binding target peptides in its Ca(2+)-loaded state. NMR experiments also identify residues that undergo chemical shift changes as a result of peptide binding. The subsequent use of computational protein-protein docking protocols produce a model describing the interaction interface between calbindin-D28k and its target peptides.     

Monoclonal antibodies directed against a synthetic peptide corresponding to the alpha-bungarotoxin binding region of the acetylcholine receptor

Murine monoclonal antibodies have been produced against a 32 amino acid synthetic peptide corresponding to residues 173-204 on the alpha-subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor from Torpedo californica. All of the monoclonal antibodies were of the IgM subtype and most cross-reacted with the purified native receptor. None of the antibodies were effective in blocking alpha-bungarotoxin binding to the receptor nor, conversely, did alpha-bungarotoxin interfere with antibody binding. However, two monoclonal antibodies, previously shown to bind near the ligand binding site on the native receptor, did compete partially (50%) with the binding of one of the IgM monoclonal antibodies.     

Monoclonal antibodies directed against plasmid-encoded released proteins of enteropathogenic Yersinia

Abstract Yersinia enterocolitica of serotypes O:3, O:8, O:9 and O:5,27 and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis of serotypes I and III release plasmid-encoded proteins into calcium-deficient medium. Mouse monoclonal antibodies were elicited against plasmid-encoded released proteins of Y. enterocolitica of serotype O:9. As shown by immunoblot analysis the monoclonal antibody Mab9–200 recognized the 46-kDa protein of Y. enterocolitica of serotypes O:3, O:9 and O:5,27, the 58-kDa protein of Y. enterocolitica of serotype O:8 and the 67-kDa protein of Y. pseudotuberculosis of serotypes I and III. Mab9–15 reacted with the 36-kDa protein of Y. enterocolitica of serotypes O:9, O:3 and O:8, and the 34-kd protein of Y. enterocolitica of serotype O:5,27 and Y. pseudotuberculosis of serotypes I and III. The 25-kDa proteins of Y. enterocolitica of serotypes O:3, O:9, O:8 and O:5,27, but not those of Y. pseudotuberculosis were recognized by the monoclonal antibody Mab-128. This species-specific recognition of epitopes could not be achieved by mouse polyclonal antibodies.     

Calbindin D28k EF-hand ligand binding and oligomerization: four high-affinity sites--three modes of action

Calbindin D28k, a highly conserved protein with Ca2+-sensing and Ca2+-buffering capabilities, is abundant in brain and sensory neurons. This protein contains six EF-hand subdomains, four of which bind Ca2+ with high affinity. Calbindin D28k can be reconstituted from six synthetic peptides corresponding to the six EF-hands, indicating a single-domain structure with multiple interactions between the EF-hand subdomains. In this study, we have undertaken a detailed characterization of the Ca2+-binding and oligomerization properties of each individual EF-hand peptide using CD spectroscopy and analytical ultracentrifugation. Under the conditions tested, EF2 is monomeric and does not bind Ca2+, whereas EF6, which binds Ca2+ weakly, aggregates severely. We have therefore focused this study on the high-affinity binding sites, EF-hands 1, 3, 4, and 5. Our sedimentation equilibrium data show that, in the presence of Ca2+, EF-hands 1, 3, 4, and 5 all form dimers in solution in which the distribution between the monomer, dimer, and higher order oligomers differs. The processes of Ca2+ binding and oligomerization are linked to different degrees, and three main mechanisms emerge. For EF-hands 1 and 5, the dimer binds Ca2+ more strongly than the monomer and Ca2+ binding drives dimerization. For EF-hand 4, dimer formation requires only one of the monomers to be Ca2+-bound. In this case, the Ca2+ affinity is independent of dimerization. For EF-hand 3, dimerization occurs both in the absence and presence of Ca2+, while oligomerization increases in the presence of Ca2+.