Influence of antibody isotype on passive serotherapy of lymphoma

We assessed the in vivo anti-tumor effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies of different isotypes. Starting with a hybridoma cell secreting an IgG3 anti-Thy-1.1 antibody, we isolated three variant hybridoma cell lines secreting anti-Thy-1.1 antibody of the IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b isotypes. Each antibody displayed identical antigen binding properties, but differed in their ability to mediate in vitro lysis of Thy-1.1+ AKR/J SL2 lymphoma cells. In assays of complement dependent cytotoxicity, the relative activity of each antibody isotype was IgG2a = IgG2b greater than IgG3 greater than IgG1. In assays of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity when using non-immune spleen cells as effectors, the relative activities were IgG2a greater than or equal to IgG2b greater than IgG1 greater than IgG3. Infusion of equivalent amounts of each antibody (1.5 mg) in AKR/Cum (Thy-1.2+) mice inoculated subcutaneously with 3 X 10(5) AKR/J SL2 lymphoma cells resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth only in mice treated with IgG2a antibody. However, the antibodies were cleared at different rates, with the IgG2a antibody having the slowest clearance. When antibody doses were adjusted to achieve equivalent serum levels 24 hr after infusion, all of the antibody isotypes exhibited at least some anti-tumor activity, although IgG2a antibody was again the most effective. These studies demonstrate that the difference in anti-tumor activity between antibodies of different isotypes may result from differences both in their serum clearance rate and their ability to interact with host effector mechanisms.     

Functional activity of different IgG subclass antibodies against type b capsular polysaccharide of Haemophilus influenzae

The biologic activity of different human IgG subclass antibodies directed against the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) capsular polysaccharide (PRP) was compared by using an in vitro complement-mediated bactericidal assay and an in vivo passive protection assay in infant rats. An IgG pool was made by Sephacryl S-300 chromatography of sera from adults immunized with PRP vaccine. An IgG2 subclass fraction was prepared by column immunoabsorption of the IgG pool with anti-IgG1 monoclonal antibody. An IgG1 subclass fraction was eluted from the affinity matrix. IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 concentrations in the fractions were measured by solid-phase competitive radioimmunoassays, and anti-PRP antibody was measured by a modified Farr assay. Each fraction was greater than 90% pure IgG2 or IgG1, respectively. There were no significant differences in the minimal anti-PRP antibody concentrations required to kill 50% of Hib cells in vitro (IgG, 0.22; IgG1, 0.21; and IgG2, 0.42 microgram/ml). Similarly, equivalent amounts of anti-PRP antibody of the IgG1 or IgG2 fractions protected against bacteremia (IgG1, 0.12; IgG2, 0.24 microgram per rat). IgG absorbed to remove anti-PRP antibody was neither bactericidal nor protective. Thus IgG1 and IgG2 anti-PRP antibody have equivalent functional activities against Hib as determined by these biologic assays.     

Immunoglobulin G3 from polyclonal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) immune globulin is more potent than other subclasses in neutralizing HIV type 1.

Passive antibody prophylaxis against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) has been accomplished in primates, suggesting that this strategy may prove useful in humans. While antibody specificity is crucial for neutralization, other antibody characteristics, such as subclass, have not been explored. Our objective was to compare the efficiencies of immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclasses from polyclonal human HIV immune globulin (HIVIG) in the neutralization of HIV-1 strains differing in coreceptor tropism. IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3 were enriched from HIVIG by using protein A-Sepharose. All three subclasses bound major HIV-1 proteins, as shown by Western blot assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In HIV-1 fusion assays using X4, R5, or X4R5 envelope-expressing effector cells, IgG3 more efficiently blocked fusion. In neutralization assays with cell-free viruses using X4 (LAI, IIIB), R5 (BaL), and X4R5 (DH123), a similar hierarchy of neutralization was found: IgG3 > IgG1 > IgG2. IgG3 has a longer, more flexible hinge region than the other subclasses. To test whether this is important, IgG1 and IgG3 were digested with pepsin to generate F(ab')(2) fragments or with papain to generate Fab fragments. IgG3 F(ab')(2) fragments were still more efficient in neutralization than F(ab')(2) of IgG1. However, Fab fragments of IgG3 and IgG1 demonstrated equivalent neutralization capacities and the IgG3 advantage was lost. These results suggest that the IgG3 hinge region confers enhanced HIV-neutralizing ability. Enrichment and stabilization of IgG3 may therefore lead to improved HIVIG preparations. The results of this study have implications for the improvement of passive immunization with polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies and suggest that HIV-1 vaccines which induce high-titer IgG3 responses could be advantageous.     

Segmental flexibility and complement fixation of genetically engineered chimeric human, rabbit and mouse antibodies.

We generated a family of chimeric immunoglobulin G (IgG) molecules having identical antigen-combining sites for the dansyl (DNS) hapten, in conjunction with nine heavy chain constant (CH) regions. This family of antibody molecules allows comparison of CH dependent properties independent of possible variable region contributions to IgG function. The segmental flexibility and complement fixation activity were measured of six genetically engineered molecules (the four human IgG isotypes, mouse IgG3 and rabbit IgG) and the remaining three mouse IgG isotypes, (IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b), isolated previously by somatic cell genetic techniques. These properties of antibody molecules each correlate with the length of the immunoglobulin hinge region which separate the first and second CH (CH1 and CH2) domains. These results attribute a structural basis for two critical properties of antibody molecules.     

Different effects of IL-2 addition or antibody crosslinking on T-cell subset stimulation by CD3 antibodies

The effect of exogenous recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) or of antibody crosslinking on the activation of human T-cell subsets by IgG2a (OKT3/BMA030), IgG1 (Leu4 and UCHT1), or IgG2b (BMA031) anti-T3 antibodies (CD3) was investigated. In so-called nonresponder cultures as well as in monocyte-depleted cell cultures addition of IL-2 increased the CD3-induced activation and proliferation of T4 and T8 cell subsets. Relatively more T8 than T4 cells were stimulated by antibody binding and IL-2. Crosslinking the cell-bound CD3 antibodies by plastic bound goat anti-mouse antibodies activated both T-cell subsets optimally and increased the IL-2 production of the IgG1-CD3 stimulated cultures. The data show that T cells (T8 greater than T4) can be stimulated by CD3 antibody binding and IL-2, but that crosslinking the cell-bound CD3 antibodies is crucial for optimal T4 cell stimulation and IL-2 production.     

双峰驼血清IgG亚型的分离纯化及多克隆抗体的制备

双峰驼IgG亚型包含IgG1、IgG2和IgG3,其中IgG2和IgG3为重链抗体,在结构上与IgG1存在显著差异。为获取双峰驼血清中的IgG1、IgG2和IgG3,并分析其抗原特异性和抗体特异性,本文交替使用Protein A和Protein G亲和层析柱,对其分离纯化,并通过聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳进行鉴定;之后分别制备兔抗双峰驼IgG1、IgG2和IgG3的多克隆抗体,通过ELISA对制备的多克隆抗体的效价进行测定;最后应用Western blot评估这三个亚型多克隆抗体的特异性,进而对双峰驼血清中IgG1、IgG2和IgG3的抗原特异性进行分析。结果表明,应用Protein A和Protein G亲和层析柱成功分离纯化出双峰驼血清中的IgG1、IgG2和IgG3;并制备兔抗双峰驼IgG1、IgG2和IgG3的多克隆抗体效价均在1∶10000以上,并且所获得的多克隆抗体分别与IgG1、IgG2和IgG3之间均存在交叉反应,但兔抗双峰驼IgG1多克隆抗体较其它两个亚型多克隆抗体特异性低。结果证明,双峰驼IgG1、IgG2和IgG3均具有良好的免疫原性,三者结构虽存在显著差异,但其抗原特性类似。     

Different abilities of two distinct Fc gamma receptors on guinea pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes to trigger the arachidonic acid metabolic cascade

The nature of signals transmitted by two Fc gamma receptors (Fc gamma 2R for IgG2 and Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R for both IgG2 and IgG1) on guinea pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes was investigated. The specific binding of hen ovalbumin (OA)-complexed IgG1 antibody to Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R did not seem to trigger the release of [3H]arachidonic acid from the cells prelabeled with [3H]arachidonic acid. In contrast, marked release occurred on the binding of OA-complexed IgG2 antibody to the cells. This reaction was not inhibited, but rather enhanced, by the Fab' of a monoclonal antibody to Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R. Therefore, a signal for the activation of the arachidonic acid metabolic cascade was found to be transmitted by Fc gamma 2R, but scarcely by Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R.     

H chain C domains influence the strength of binding of IgG for streptococcal group A carbohydrate

We have produced a panel of murine anti-streptococcal mAbs, expressing identical V domains and different H chain C domains, corresponding to the IgG3, IgG1, and IgG2b subclasses. We have used these mAb to evaluate the role of IgG subclass-specific C region determinants in modulating the interaction between antibody and the bacterial surface. We report, for the first time, that V region-identical murine IgG of different subclasses exhibit substantial differences in binding to specific Ag; IgG3 mAb binds more strongly to streptococci than the IgG1 and IgG2b mAb or IgG3-derived F(ab')2 fragments. Furthermore, the IgG3 mAB binds cooperatively to the bacteria, whereas the IgG1, IgG2b, and IgG3-derived F(ab')2 fragments do not exhibit significant cooperativity, which suggests that differences in Fc region structure can affect antibody binding to multivalent Ag by modulating the potential for cooperative binding. These results suggest a plausible mechanism by which murine IgG3 could be more effective, than other antibodies bearing identical V domains, but of different gamma-subclass, in mediating bacterial immunity.     

Modulation of Antibody Responses against Gnathostoma spinigerum in Mice Immunized with Crude Antigen Formulated in CpG Oligonucleotide and Montanide ISA720

This study aimed to investigate the antibody responses in mice immunized with Gnathostoma spinigerum crude antigen (GsAg) incorporated with the combined adjuvant, a synthetic oligonucleotide containing unmethylated CpG motif (CpG ODN 1826) and a stable water in oil emulsion (Montanide ISA720). Mice immunized with GsAg and combined adjuvant produced all antibody classes and subclasses to GsAg except IgA. IgG2a/2b/3 but not IgG1 subclasses were enhanced by immunization with CpG ODN 1826 when compared with the control groups immunized with non-CpG ODN and Montanide ISA or only with Montanide ISA, suggesting a biased induction of a Th1-type response by CpG ODN. After challenge infection with live G. spinigerum larvae, the levels of IgG2a/2b/3 antibody subclasses decreased immediately and continuously, while the IgG1 subclass remained at high levels. This also corresponded to a continuous decrease of the IgG2a/IgG1 ratio after infection. Only IgM and IgG1 antibodies, but not IgG2a/2b/3, were significantly produced in adjuvant control groups after infection. These findings suggest that G. spinigerum infection potently induces a Th2-type biased response.     

Importance of immunoglobulin isotype in therapy of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis with monoclonal anti-CD4 antibody

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an autoimmune disease mediated by CD4+ T cells. Prior studies have established that monoclonal anti-CD4 antibodies can reverse EAE. To determine whether immunoglobulin isotype plays a role in the therapy of EAE with anti-CD4 antibody, an isotype switch variant family of the mouse IgG1 anti-rat CD4 antibody W3/25 was isolated with the fluorescence-activated cell sorter. The IgG1, IgG2b, and IgG2a W3/25 isotype variants all had identical binding capacities for rat CD4+ T cells. Although all three W3/25 isotypes showed some beneficial effects in the amelioration of EAE, the IgG1 and IgG2a W3/25 antibodies were superior to the IgG2b W3/25 in the treatment of EAE. Multiparameter fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis of T cell subpopulations from treated rats showed that none of the antibodies of the W3/25 isotype switch variant family substantially depleted CD4+ target cells in vivo. These experiments demonstrate that immunoglobulin isotype is important in the monoclonal antibody therapy of autoimmune disease. They indicate that therapy of EAE may be successful without a major depletion of CD4+ lymphocytes. Immunotherapy may be optimized by selecting an appropriate isotype of a monoclonal antibody.     

The establishment of human anti-TROP2 antibody IgG and its inhibition function on pancreatic cancer cell proliferation

On the basis of anti-TROP2 Fab antibody, this study seek to construct a eukaryotic expression system of human anti-TROP2 antibody IgG, and to analyse the inhibition function of human anti-TROP2 antibody IgG in the cell proliferation of pancreatic cancer. The heavy and light chain genes of anti-TROP2 antibody were amplified respectively to establish the recombinant expression vector of human anti-TROP2 antibody IgG, named pWS-anti-TROP2. The human anti-TROP2 antibody IgG was obtained through transfecting the plasmids into the CHO dhfr^- cell line, selecting the monoclonal cell strains with high amounts of antibody expression by MTX screening and applying Protein G affinity in purification. The identification and immunologic activity of human anti-TROP2 antibody IgG were researched by Western Blot,SDS-PAGE, ELISA, immunofluorescence assay and flow cytometry method (FCM). MTT assay was conducted to analyse the inhibition effect of human anti-TROP2 antibody IgG on BxPC3 cell proliferation. The human anti-TROP2 antibody IgG eukaryotic expression system was established successfully to express human anti-TROP2 antibody IgG, in which the molecular weight of heavy chain and light chain were consistent with expectation, and it could specifically combine with TROP2 protein, the antibody titer reached 1:6,400. The MTT assay results indicated that human anti-TROP2 antibody IgG had a significant effect on inhibiting the proliferation of BxPC3 cell, and the inhibition function can be gradually increased with improved antibody dose and prolonged time. In the study, the human anti-TROP2 antibody IgG eukaryotic expression system was constructed successfully, the antibody could specifically bind to TROP2 protein on the surface of pancreatic cancer cells, and it is shown to have a significant inhibitory action in pancreatic cancer cell proliferation.     

Differential regulation by Ly-5 and Lyb-2 of IgG production induced by lipopolysaccharide and B cell stimulatory factor-1 (IL-4)

We have previously shown that mAb Ly-5 which on B cells recognizes a 220,000-Da (B220) molecule, inhibits LPS-induced IgG responses without affecting IgM or proliferative responses, whereas mAb Lyb-2 which modulates B cell activation processes induced by B cell stimulatory factor-1 (BSF-1) or IL-4, has no effect on LPS-induced B cell responses. In this report we further examined the cellular mechanisms of Ly-5 antibody action and the effect of Lyb-2 antibody in IgG responses induced by LPS and BSF-1. The results presented demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of Ly-5 antibody seems to be restricted to the IgG class and is observed in all IgG subclasses induced by LPS. Limiting dilution analysis showed that the Ly-5 antibody reduces primarily the precursor frequency of IgG-secreting cells and that the effect on the clone size is partial. Lyb-2 antibody, on the other hand, greatly inhibited IgG1 induction initiated by LPS and BSF-1 by the action on processes triggered by BSF-1, although it could not reverse the reduced IgG2b or IgG3 responses. Limiting dilution analysis revealed that Lyb-2 antibody reduces the precursor frequency but not the clone size of BSF-1-induced IgG1-producing cells, supporting our previous proposition that Lyb-2 plays a critical role in the B cell differentiation mediated by BSF-1. Taken together, these results indicate that both Ly-5 and Lyb-2 are important molecules in IgG subclass regulation, each acting on a distinct activation step.     

IgG Suppresses Antibody Responses in Mice Lacking C1q,C3, Complement Receptors 1 and 2, or IgG Fc-Receptors

Antigen-specific IgG antibodies, passively administered to mice or humans together with large particulate antigens like erythrocytes, can completely suppress the antibody response against the antigen. This is used clinically in Rhesus prophylaxis, where administration of IgG anti-RhD prevents RhD-negative women from becoming immunized against RhD-positive fetal erythrocytes aquired transplacentally. The mechanisms by which IgG suppresses antibody responses are poorly understood. We have here addressed whether complement or Fc-receptors for IgG (FcγRs) are required for IgG-mediated suppression. IgG, specific for sheep red blood cells (SRBC), was administered to mice together with SRBC and the antibody responses analyzed. IgG was able to suppress early IgM- as well as longterm IgG-responses in wildtype mice equally well as in mice lacking FcγRIIB (FcγRIIB knockout mice) or FcγRI, III, and IV (FcRγ knockout mice). Moreover, IgG was able to suppress early IgM responses equally well in mice lacking C1q (C1qA knockout mice), C3 (C3 knockout mice), or complement receptors 1 and 2 (Cr2 knockout mice) as in wildtype mice. Owing to the previously described severely impaired IgG responses in the complement deficient mice, it was difficult to assess whether passively administered IgG further decreased their IgG response. In conclusion, Fc-receptor binding or complement-activation by IgG does not seem to be required for its ability to suppress antibody responses to xenogeneic erythrocytes.     

Monoclonal antibodies defining blood group A variants with difucosyl type 1 chain (ALeb) and difucosyl type 2 chain (ALey)

Three hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies, HH1, HH2, and HH3, defining different difucosyl A structures (ALeb or ALey), have been established. Antibody HH1 (IgG2a) reacts specifically with the difucosyl A structure irrespective of a type 1 or type 2 chain, while antibody HH2 (IgG3) reacts exclusively with the difucosyl type 2 chain A (ALey) and does not react with the difucosyl type 1 chain or monofucosyl type 2 chain. Antibody HH3 (IgG2a) reacts exclusively with the difucosyl type 1 chain A (ALeb) and does not react with the monofucosyl type 1 chain A or mono- and difucosyl type 2 chain A. These hybridoma antibodies were obtained by immunization of mice with purified glycolipid antigens and were selected by their reactivity with the specific glycolipid structures. These antibodies, together with previously established monoclonal antibody AH-21, specific for monofucosyl type 1 chain A, and monoclonal antibody TH-1, specific for type 3 chain A, are extremely useful to define blood group A variants present in cells and tissues.     

Characterization of the Fc receptor for IgG2 on guinea pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes by the use of a monoclonal antibody

Guinea pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) possess two distinct types of Fc gamma receptor (Fc gamma R): Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R for both IgG1 and IgG2, and Fc gamma 2R for IgG2 alone. The Fc gamma 2R was previously shown to differ antigenically from homologous macrophage (M phi) Fc gamma 2R by the use of a monoclonal antibody to M phi Fc gamma 2R (VIIAI IgG1), though the Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R cross-reacts with a monoclonal antibody to homologous M phi Fc gamma 1/gamma 2R (VIA2 IgG1). Recently, we obtained a monoclonal antibody (MP-2) secreted by a hybridoma prepared by fusion of the splenic cells of mice immunized with guinea pig PMNs with a myeloma cell line. This antibody completely inhibited both the Fc gamma 2R-mediated rosette formation of PMNs with IgG2 antibody-sensitized sheep erythrocytes and the Fc gamma 2R-mediated binding of ovalbumin (OA)-complexed IgG2 antibody to PMNs. When the antigen of MP-2 was isolated by affinity chromatography with the antibody-Sepharose, it gave a single band with a molecular weight of 120,000 on SDS-PAGE. The number of antigen molecules per PMN was estimated to be 9 X 10(4) by measuring the binding of 125I-MP-2 Fab. This value was essentially the same as that obtained by measuring the binding of OA-complexed IgG2 antibody to the PMNs treated with the Fab' of VIA2 IgG1. These results strongly suggest that MP-2 is a monoclonal antibody to PMN Fc gamma 2R.     

Labeling and stability of radiolabeled antibody fragments by a direct 99mTc-labeling method

The in vitro labeling and stability of ^99mTc-labeled antibody Fab′ fragments prepared by a direct labeling technique were evaluated. Eight antibody fragments derived from murine IgG1 (N = 5), IgG2a (N = 2) and IgG3 (N = 1) isotypes were labeled with a preformed ^99mTc-d-glucarate complex. No loss of radioactivity incorporation was observed for all the ^99mTc-labeled antibody fragments after 24 h incubation at 37 °C. The ^99mTc-labeled antibody fragments (IgG1, N = 2; IgG2a, N = 2; IgG3, N = 1) were stable upon challenge with DTPA, EDTA or acidic pH. Furthermore, using the affinity chromatography technique, two of the ^99mTc-labeled antibody fragments displayed no loss of immunoreactivity after prolonged incubation in phosphate buffer up to 24 h at 37 °C. The bonding between ^99mTc and antibody fragments was elucidated by challenging with a diamide ditholate (N₂S₂) compound. The Fab′ with IgG2a isotype displayed tighter binding to ^99mTc in comparison to the Fab′ from IgG1 and IgG3 isotype in N₂S₂ challenge and incubation with human plasma. The in vivo biodistribution of five ^99mTc-labeled fragments were evaluated in normal mice. In conclusion, the direct labeling method allows stable ^99mTc labeling of antibody fragments from three of the major murine isotypes.     

IFN-gamma regulates the isotypes of Ig secreted during in vivo humoral immune responses

The lymphokine IFN-gamma has been shown in vitro to stimulate IgG2a secretion and inhibit IgG1 and IgE secretion by LPS-activated B lymphocytes. To determine whether IFN-gamma has a similar isotype regulatory role in vivo, we studied the abilities of rIFN-gamma and a mAb to IFN-gamma to modify the isotypes of Ig secreted in mice injected with a goat antibody to mouse IgD, which by itself induces large increases in levels of serum IgG1 and IgE and a relatively small increase in serum IgG2a. Multiple injections of IFN-gamma substantially inhibited production of IgG1 and IgE, and stimulated production of IgG2a in affinity purified goat antibody specific for mouse IgD-treated mice; anti-IFN-gamma antibody blocked the effects of IFN-gamma and in fact enhanced IgG1 and IgE secretion and inhibited the IgG2a response in these mice. The role of IFN-gamma in the selection of isotypes of Ig produced in response to injection of mice with the bacterium Brucella abortus (BA) was also studied, because killed, fixed BA are known to stimulate IFN secretion and a predominantly IgG2a antibody response. Anti-IFN-gamma antibody strongly suppressed IgG2a secretion and stimulated IgG1, but not IgE, secretion in BA-immunized mice. BA suppressed IgG1 and IgE secretion and enhanced IgG2a secretion in affinity purified goat antibody specific for mouse IgD-injected mice; treatment of these mice with anti-IFN-gamma antibody reversed the effects of BA on IgG1 and IgG2a secretion, but not the suppressive effect of BA on IgE secretion. These observations demonstrate that IFN-gamma has an important and perhaps unique physiologic role in the stimulation of IgG2a secretion and in the suppression of secretion of IgG1, whereas bacterial antigens can suppress IgE secretion by other mechanisms in addition to IFN-gamma secretion.     

Stable recombinant expression of the anti HIV-1 monoclonal antibody 2F5 after IgG3/IgG1 subclass switch in CHO cells

The human monoclonal antibody (humAb) 2F5 is a potent candidate for immunotherapy of HIV-1. The xenohybridoma derived humAb 2F5 is of IgG3 kappa isotype. Generally, IgG1 isotype has a longer half-life (beta-clearance) in humans than IgG3. Therefore the isotype was switched to an IgG1 by ligation of the 2F5 heavy chain variable region to an IgG1 constant region and expressed as IgG1 kappa in CHO cells. CHO clones have been established, which stably express humAb 2F5 at high levels. The specificity, affinity and in vitro function of both isotypes were identical.     

Characterization of antibody covalently coupled to liposomes

We have explored the covalent coupling of fatty acids to immunoglobulin G(IgG). N-hydroxysuccinimide ester of palmitic acid (NHSP) was used to couple palmitic acid to either a mouse monoclonal antibody to the major histocompatibility antigen, H-2^k, or goat antibody to the major glycoprotein of the Molony Leukemia Virus, gp-70. The reaction was characterized in terms of the time course, input ratio of NHSP to IgG, stoichiometry of the coupling, distribution of palmitic acid in the IgG subunits, and the antigen binding capacity of the coupled antibody. Incorporation of the fatty acid modified IgG into liposomal membranes using a detergent-dialysis method was studied as a function of extent of fatty acid coupling. Finally, the binding of IgG-coated liposomes with cells expressing proper antigens was characterized. The major conclusions were: (1) the optimal molar ratio of NHSP to IgG in the reaction was between 10 and 20, which yields about 4–5 palmitoyl chains per IgG molecule; (2) at this level of coupling, the antigen binding capacity of the IgG antibody decreased about 3–4-fold; (3) incorporation of the coupled antibody into unilamellar liposomes (about 1000 Å diameter) can be achieved with a deoxycholate-dialysis method with an optimal lipid-to-protein ratio of 10:1 (w/w); (4) there were about 48 IgG molecules incorporated per liposome under these conditions; (5) the apparent dissociation constant of the liposome-bound antibody under the optimal condition was about 6–7-fold higher than that of the native antibody; (6) binding of antibody to the target cells was accompanied by binding of liposomal lipids; both bindings could be blocked by pretreatment of cell with unmodified antibody.     

CD40 ligand-deficient mice generate a normal primary cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response but a defective humoral response to a viral infection.

CD40 ligand is expressed on activated T cells and interacts with CD40 on B cells and monocytes. It is not known what role CD40 ligand plays in the generation of immune responses to viral infection. To address this issue, we examined virus-specific T- and B-cell responses in CD40 ligand-deficient (CD40L-/-) mice following infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). We found that primary anti-LCMV specific antibody responses were severely impaired in CD40L-/- mice, with the defect being most striking for antibody of the immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) isotype. Interestingly, low levels of LCMV-specific antibodies of the IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3 isotypes were made in the CD40L-/- mice, showing that IgG1 responses are totally dependent on CD40L but that at least some IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3 responses can be CD40L independent. However, unlike CD40L+/+ mice, CD40L-/- mice were unable to sustain virus-specific antibody responses and showed a gradual decline in serum antibody levels over time. The CD40L-/- mice were also deficient in the generation of memory B cells. In contrast to the severely impaired humoral responses, CD40L-/- mice generated potent virus-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses after LCMV infection and were able to clear the virus. These results show that CD40L does not play a role in generating primary virus-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses but does affect the primary antibody response and the generation of memory B cells.