IgG antibodies to secretory component in normal human serum

While isolating free secretory component (FSC) by monoclonal antibody affinity chromatography, we demonstrated FSC-IgG complexes in human milk. We hypothesized that IgG antibody to secretory component (SC) might be transported into the milk from the serum. We therefore examined sera from 10 normal adults and 10 infants for IgG capable of binding to FSC in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Eight of 10 normal adult sera and nine of 10 infant sera demonstrated IgG binding to FSC with titers ranging from 1:54 to 1:4096. Quantitation of the IgG bound to FSC was hampered in adult sera by the binding of IgM and polymeric IgA to the FSC. Quantitation in five infant sera ranged from 0.5 to 6.4 micrograms/ml. A pepsin digest of an IgG fraction of serum demonstrated binding of the F(ab')2 fragments to the FSC. The specificity of the antibodies in human serum was evaluated by examining the binding to secretory IgA (sIgA) and FSC isolated from pooled human milk and polymeric IgA isolated from the ascitic fluid of a patient with an IgA myeloma. Eight of the 10 adults had antibody specific for FSC. Three of the eight, all female, also had antibody specific for sIgA. Two of the eight had antibody either to FSC and sIgA or to FSC plus an antibody that could bind to an epitope shared by sIgA and FSC. Competition experiments with monoclonal antibodies to human secretory component and sIgA were used to confirm and further define these specificities. The results of this study indicate that antibody to SC is common in normal adult and infant sera. The majority of antibodies seem to be directed against epitopes present on FSC but not on sIgA, which suggests sensitization to circulating or membrane-bound SC. The significance of these antibodies in normal human sera remains to be elucidated.     

Characterization of epitopes of human secretory component on free secretory component, secretory IgA, and membrane-associated secretory component

We have compared the epitopes present in various forms of human secretory component by using a panel of hybridoma-derived antibodies elicited by immunizing mice with free secretory component (FSC) or secretory IgA (sIgA). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent binding assays (ELISA) were used to assess antibody binding to FSC- and SC-containing antigens, including sIgA isolated from milk, reduced and alkylated sIgA, and sIgA assembled in vitro by incubating dimeric IgA with FSC. Immunofluorescence assays were also used to assess binding to a human epithelial tumor cell line (HT29) that expresses secretory component as an integral protein of the plasma membrane. The results can be summarized as follows. 1) Most antibodies from fusions in which sIgA was the immunizing antigen bound preferentially to sIgA. 2) Most antibodies from fusions in which FSC was the immunizing antigen bound preferentially to FSC. 3) Antibodies that bound preferentially to sIgA invariably bound sIgA assembled in vitro; antibodies that bound preferentially to FSC invariably did not. 4) Antibodies that bound readily to both sIgA and FSC were rare in all fusions. 5) The monoclonal antibodies defined at least six classes of epitopes on SC, including epitopes that were a) FSC specific and reduction sensitive, b) FSC specific and reduction insensitive, c) sIgA specific and reduction-sensitive, d) sIgA specific and reduction insensitive, e) shared by FSC and sIgA and reduction-sensitive, and f) shared by FSC and sIgA and reduction-insensitive. 6) Antibodies that mediated intense immunofluorescent staining of secretory component on HT29 cell membranes were rare and constituted a distinct subset of those which recognized epitopes shared by FSC, reduced and alkylated sIgA, and some preparations of native sIgA. Results of these antibody-binding studies indicate that most SC epitopes are not shared by FSC and sIgA. Most SC-related epitopes on sIgA appear to be generated by the physical interaction of SC with dimeric IgA, whereas most epitopes on FSC are masked or altered by this interaction. Finally, epitopes that are shared by membrane SC and FSC and/or sIgA represent a minor and immunochemically distinct subset of epitopes on SC. The high proportion of unique epitopes on the different physical forms of SC suggest that the epitopes of this molecule are highly sensitive to its molecular environment. The monoclonal reagents described here will be useful in studying the structure and function of SC; quantitating FSC, sIgA, and membrane SC; purifying various molecular forms of SC by immunoaffinity chromatography; and localizing SC in human tissues and cultured cells by immunocytochemical techniques.     

Analysis of paraprotein transport into the saliva by using anti-idiotype antibodies

To determine the extent of clonal involvement of the secretory immune system and the origin of salivary immunoglobulins (Ig) in monoclonal gammopathy patients, saliva and serum samples were collected from five affected individuals (two IgA myelomas, one IgG myeloma, one IgG benign monoclonal gammopathy, and one IgM lymphoma) and were assayed for the presence of monoclonal Ig. Purified polyclonal or monoclonal anti-idiotype (Id) antibodies were prepared against each of the isolated serum paraproteins. In all five individuals, the patient saliva samples inhibited the binding of 125I-labeled homologous Ig to the corresponding anti-Id antibodies, but normal saliva did not. The concentration of Id in patients' saliva varied from 1 to 400 micrograms/ml; i.e., 0.004 to 1.0% of the corresponding serum values. Saliva of a lymphoma patient whose IgM kappa protein exhibited rheumatoid factor (RF) activity also contained RF. The salivary Id-bearing molecules were found to have the same Ig isotype as the serum paraproteins. The myeloma IgA represented a minor component (0.4 and 3.9%) of the total salivary IgA. The salivary IgA myeloma proteins were associated at least in part with secretory component, but the salivary IgG paraproteins were not. In an IgA myeloma patient, a minority (17%) of the IgA+ plasma cells found in the lacrymal gland biopsy specimen were Id+, whereas the great majority (98%) of bone marrow IgA plasma cells were Id+. The results suggest active transport rather than passive transudation of myeloma IgA into the patients' saliva, and the integrity of the secretory immune system was not compromised by the neoplastic process.     

Binding and transepithelial transport of immunoglobulins by intestinal M cells: demonstration using monoclonal IgA antibodies against enteric viral proteins

M cells of intestinal epithelia overlying lymphoid follicles endocytose luminal macromolecules and microorganisms and deliver them to underlying lymphoid tissue. The effect of luminal secretory IgA antibodies on adherence and transepithelial transport of antigens and microorganisms by M cells is unknown. We have studied the interaction of monoclonal IgA antibodies directed against specific enteric viruses, or the hapten trinitrophenyl (TNP), with M cells. To produce monospecific IgA antibodies against mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) and reovirus type 1, Peyer's patch cells from mucosally immunized mice were fused with myeloma cells, generating hybridomas that secreted virus-specific IgA antibodies in monomeric and polymeric forms. One of two anti-MMTV IgA antibodies specifically bound the viral surface glycoprotein gp52, and 3 of 10 antireovirus IgA antibodies immunoprecipitated sigma 3 and mu lc surface proteins. 35S-labeled IgA antibodies injected intravenously into rats were recovered in bile as higher molecular weight species, suggesting that secretory component had been added on passage through the liver. Radiolabeled or colloidal gold-conjugated mouse IgA was injected into mouse, rat, and rabbit intestinal loops containing Peyer's patches. Light microscopic autoradiography and EM showed that all IgA antibodies (antivirus or anti-TNP) bound to M cell luminal membranes and were transported in vesicles across M cells. IgA-gold binding was inhibited by excess unlabeled IgA, indicating that binding was specific. IgG-gold also adhered to M cells and excess unlabeled IgG inhibited IgA-gold binding; thus binding was not isotype-specific. Immune complexes consisting of monoclonal anti-TNP IgA and TNP-ferritin adhered selectively to M cell membranes, while TNP-ferritin alone did not. These results suggest that selective adherence of luminal antibody to M cells may facilitate delivery of virus-antibody complexes to mucosal lymphoid tissue, enhancing subsequent secretory immune responses or facilitating viral invasion.     

Roles of salivary components in Streptococcus mutans colonization in a new animal model using NOD/SCID.e2f1-/- mice

Streptococcus mutans plays an important role in biofilm formation on the tooth surface and is the primary causative agent of dental caries. The binding of S. mutans to the salivary pellicle is of considerable etiologic significance and is important in biofilm development. Recently, we produced NOD/SCID.e2f1(-/-) mice that show hyposalivation, lower salivary antibody, and an extended life span compared to the parent strain: NOD.e2f1(-/-). In this study we used NOD/SCID.e2f1(-/-) 4 or 6 mice to determine the roles of several salivary components in S. mutans colonization in vivo. S. mutans colonization in NOD/SCID.e2f1(-/-) mice was significantly increased when mice were pre-treated with human saliva or commercial salivary components. Interestingly, pre-treatment with secretory IgA (sIgA) at physiological concentrations promoted significant colonization of S. mutans compared with sIgA at higher concentrations, or with human saliva or other components. Our data suggest the principal effects of specific sIgA on S. mutans occur during S. mutans colonization, where the appropriate concentration of specific sIgA may serve as an anti-microbial agent, agglutinin, or an adherence receptor to surface antigens. Further, specific sIgA supported biofilm formation when the mice were supplied 1% sucrose water and a non-sucrose diet. The data suggests that there are multiple effects exerted by sIgA in S. mutans colonization, with synergistic effects evident under the condition of sIgA and limited nutrients on colonization in NOD/SCID.e2f1(-/-) mice. This is a new animal model that can be used to assess prevention methods for dental biofilm-dependent diseases such as dental caries.     

Antibodies recognizing different domains of the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor

The receptor responsible for the transepithelial transport of IgA dimer antibodies is a transmembrane glycoprotein known as membrane secretory component (SCm). During transport, the membrane anchoring domain is cleaved and the ectoplasmic domain of the receptor (SCs) remains tightly bound to the IgA dimer in exosecretions. We have produced monoclonal antibodies with distinct specificities against both cytoplasmic and ectoplasmic epitopes of rabbit SCm. One antibody (anti-SC303) reacted both with SCm and free SCs but not with SCs bound to IgA dimer (SIgA). Therefore, it recognized an epitope close to the IgA dimer binding site. The other monoclonal antibody (anti-SC166), which was unable to react with SCs, bound to the 15-kDa cytoplasmic extension of the membrane-spanning domain of the receptor. A polyclonal antibody (GaR-SC), raised in a goat against rabbit milk SCs, reacted with a subpopulation of SCs not recognized by the anti-SC303 monoclonal antibody and in addition also reacted with covalently bound sIgA. The three antibodies cross-reacted with rat SCm. We demonstrate the ability of the anti-SC166 monoclonal antibody to immunoadsorb subcellular organelles as a result of the cytoplasmic orientation of its epitope. Our data indicate that there are functional differences between the high- and low-molecular-weight families of SC in terms of IgA dimer binding.     

Hybridoma cells containing intracellular anti-ricin antibodies show ricin meets secretory antibody before entering the cytosol

Hybridoma cells which synthesize monoclonal antibodies (mAb) that block ricin toxicity were 50-300-fold resistant to ricin compared with other hybridomas. Two of the mAb blocked two isozymes of ricin, D and E, to different and opposite extents, and the hybridoma cell resistance to the two forms of ricin closely corresponded with the mAb reactivity. The hybridoma cell resistance to ricin was therefore due to the binding activity of the mAb produced by the cells. Neither rabbit polyclonal antibodies, which neutralized extracellular anti-ricin mAb, nor quantitative removal of hybridoma cell surface IgG with papain affected the cellular resistance to ricin. Therefore, neither extracellular or cell surface antibodies contributed to the resistance of the hybridoma cells. In contrast, inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide or puromycin, which selectively decreased levels of intracellular secretory IgG, decreased the hybridoma cell resistance to ricin. We conclude that intracellular mAb, synthesized de novo for subsequent secretion, block ricin toxicity. Ricin therefore must meet intracellular secretory antibodies before reaching the cytosol. The monoclonal antibodies can also be used to study toxin function within intracellular compartments. An antibody specific for the galactose-binding site of ricin blocks ricin intracellularly, showing that the ricin galactose-binding activity is required in an intracellular compartment for transport of ricin A chain to the cytosol.     

IgA1 proteases from Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococcus sanguis: comparative immunochemical studies

IgA1 proteases from H. influenzae, N. meningitidis, S. pneumoniae, and S. sanguis were compared with respect to site of cleavage in the IgA1 molecule and EDTA sensitivity. Proteases from S. sanguis and S. pneumoniae cleaved the Pro (227)-Thr (228) bond within the hinge region of the alpha 1 chain and were inhibited by EDTA. H. influenzae IgA1 protease cleaved the Pro (231)-Ser (232) peptide bond. The activity of IgA1 proteases from H. influenzae and N. meningitidis was unaffected by EDTA. Purified and denatured alpha 1 chain was cleaved only in the hinge region. Other component chains of secretory IgA (secretory component, light and J chains) were not susceptible. In addition to IgA1 protease, S. pneumoniae released exo- and endoglycosidases that removed a considerable portion of carbohydrate side chains of IgA1; this activity was absent from crude IgA1 protease preparations of the other three bacterial species. Association in vitro of polymeric IgA1 with SC did not inhibit the degradation of IgA1 proteases. The considerable resistance of secretory IgA to cleavage by IgA1 proteases may be explained in part by the presence of IgA1 protease-neutralizing antibodies in secretory IgA.     

Relationship between canine mucosal and serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentrations: serum IgA does not assess duodenal secretory IgA

A double-sandwich enzyme immunoassay method was developed for determination of serum immunoglobulin A (S-IgA) and mucosal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in duodenal brush samples obtained via endoscopy and the relationship between enteric mucosal sIgA, salivary sIgA and S-IgA in dogs was examined. Twenty healthy dogs underwent routine endoscopy. A brush sample from the duodenal mucosa was obtained and washed in PBS, with a serum sample being taken concurrently. A saliva sample was collected from twelve of these dogs. S-IgA and sIgA with total protein concentrations in the duodenal washings and saliva samples were determined. A significant negative correlation (r = -0.64, P = 0.0059) was found between duodenal sIgA/protein ratios and S-IgA concentrations. Saliva sIgA/protein ratios did not correlate with sIgA/protein ratios of duodenal samples. The method described here allows for direct assessment of duodenal IgA; therefore indirect measures based on serum IgA or salivary IgA can be avoided. In addition, these indirect measures appear to be poor indicators of duodenal sIgA competence in dogs.     

Plant expression of chicken secretory antibodies derived from combinatorial libraries

Delivery of secretory IgA antibodies (sIgA) to mucosal surfaces is a promising strategy to passively prevent infectious diseases. Plants have been proposed as biofactories for such complex immunoglobulin molecules. Recently, the molecular characterization of all four monomers of chicken sIgA (IgA immunoglobulin heavy and light chains, J-chain and secretory component) has been completed, allowing recombinant, up scaled production of chicken sIgA and extension of passive immune strategies to poultry. To test the suitability of the plant cell factory for bulk production of chicken sIgA, we studied the expression of chicken IgA, dIgA and sIgA in planta. To that end, new cassettes were designed that allowed the grafting of immunoglobulin variable regions derived from combinatorial libraries into full-size chicken IgA frames ready for plant expression. Using this system, 10 individual phage display clones, which had previously been selected against Eimeria acervulina antigens, were transferred "from phage to plant". Plant-made chicken antibodies showed strong differences in expression levels, which seemed governed mainly by the stability of their respective light chains. Finally, with the co-expression of chicken IgA heavy and light chains, J-chain and secretory component in N. benthamiana leaves we showed that plant cells are suitable biofactories for the production of assembled chicken sIgA complexes.     

A sensitive solid phase radioimmunoassay for secretory IgA: its application for the determination of urinary levels of secretory IgA in children and adults

A sensitive solid phase radioimmunoassay method was established for the specific quantitative determination of secretory IgA (sIgA) by taking advantage of the dual antigenicities of sIgA, one specific for alpha-chain and the other for secretory component (SC). The sIgA and IgA in the sample were first bound by anti-IgA antibodies coated on the polystyrene tube, then the amount of bound sIgA was quantified by the use of 125I-labeled anti-SC antibodies. This method is quite sensitive and allows us to distinguish sIgA from IgA and free SC which usually coexist in exocrine secretions. Linear relationship was observed between the bound radioactivity of radioiodinated anti-SC and the amount of sIgA in the range of 5 to 60 ng of sIgA. With this method, the urinary sIgA levels in normal children and adults were measured. Urinary sIgA was detected in half of infants within 7 days after birth, while it could be demonstrated in almost all of the infants by 14th day. Then, it gradually increased and reached about a half of the adult level by the age of puberty. This method will be useful for the sensitive and specific measurement of sIgA in various exocrine secretions.     

Generation of monoclonal antibodies to Macaca mulatta (rhesus) IgA

One IgG1 and five IgM murine monoclonal antibodies (mAb) specific for rhesus (Rh) IgA were generated. These mAbs bound to Rh IgA but not IgG or IgM when tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunoblotting revealed that the mAbs reacted with the alpha heavy chain of Rh but not human IgA. The IgG1 anti-Rh IgA mAb detected IgA-producing cells in sections of monkey gut examined by immunofluorescent staining. These mAbs should be useful for characterizing IgA responses in the Rh monkey.     

An alternative strategy for high throughput generation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against human plasma proteins using fractionated native proteins as immunogens

Construction of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) bank containing a vast variety of antibodies against human tissue proteins is important for proteomic research. A novel strategy of subtractive immunization using fractionated native proteins was developed for high throughput generation of mAb against human plasma proteins. By this novel approach, the bottleneck of antigen preparation can be overcome by combining repeated immunization of animals with subtracted fractions of plasma or tissue proteins and identification of target antigen by immunoprecipitation/mass spectrum strategies. Plasma freshly collected from healthy adults was pooled and three fractions were prepared by size exclusion chromatography. Mice were immunized with the fractionated plasma proteins, and 205 strains of hybridomas secreting mAb were obtained after two-round subtractive immunizations and cell fusions. In the first round, 110 strains of hybridomas were established, in which 77 strains secreting mAb were identified against 10 human plasma high-abundant proteins. In the second round, plasma fraction I was absorbed with mAb against IgM, IgG, ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin. The absorbed fraction I was used as immunogen for the second round immunization and cell fusion. Ninety-five strains of hybridomas secreting mAb were obtained. Although the target antigens of mAb from 82 strains of hybridomas were identified as IgM, IgA, alpha2-macroglobulin and fibrinogen, about 85% antibodies obtained from this round were identified as new antibodies when compared with mAb obtained in the first round immunization with plasma fraction I. The results suggest that subtractive immunization with fractionated plasma proteins followed by identification of antigens with immunoprecipitation/mass spectrum may be an effective approach for rapid preparation of mAb against high-and medium-abundant plasma or tissue proteins.     

Specific antibodies bound to secretory IgA in the sera of patients with intestinal infections]

Specific IgA and sIgA antibodies were studied in the sera of patients suffering from various intestinal diseases (dysentery, salmonellosis, typhoid fever, chronic typhoid carrier state) and in the sera of healthy persons immunized by parenteral route with typhoid alcohol vaccine. The nature of antibodies was identified in Coombs' test, using monospecific antisera to alpha-chain and to the secretory component. IgA and sIgA antibodies were revealed most frequently in the sera of dysentery patients and of chronic typhoid carriers. No sIgA antibodies were found in the sera of subcutaneously immunized persons. The presence of specific sIgA antibodies in the serum reflects the participation of local immune mechanisms in the formation of systemic immunity in the intestinal infections.     

Oligosaccharide side chains on human secretory IgA serve as receptors for ricin

Secretory IgA (sIgA) Abs are polymeric Igs comprised of two or more IgA monomers joined together at their C termini and covalently associated with a 70-kDa glycoprotein called secretory component. As the predominant Ig type in gastrointestinal sections, sIgA Abs are centrally important in adaptive immunity to enteropathogenic bacteria, viruses, and toxins. In this study, we demonstrate that sIgA Abs may also function in innate defense against ricin, a naturally occurring, galactose-specific plant lectin with extremely potent shiga toxin-like enzymatic activity. In lectin blot overlay assays, we found that ricin bound to secretory component and the H chain of human IgA, and this binding was inhibited by the addition of excess galactose. The toxin also recognized IgM (albeit with less affinity than to IgA), but not IgG. Ricin bound to both human IgA1 and IgA2, primarily via N-linked oligosaccharide side chains. At 100-fold molar excess concentration, sIgA (but not IgG) Abs inhibited ricin attachment to the apical surfaces of polarized intestinal epithelial cells grown in culture. sIgA Abs also visibly reduced toxin binding to the luminal surfaces of human duodenum in tissue section overlay assays. We conclude that sIgA Abs in mucosal secretions may serve as receptor analogues for ricin, thereby reducing the effective dose of toxin capable of gaining access to glycolipid and glycoprotein receptors on epithelial cell surfaces.     

Cellular and humoral IgA responses after single and multiple local injections of antigen

IgA responses in submandibular salivary glands, cervical lymph nodes, and saliva of rats were studied. Immunoglobulin-containing cells of the IgA isotype were examined by immunofluorescence of mononuclear cells isolated from the submandibular salivary glands and cervical lymph nodes after primary and multiple local injections of Streptococcus mutans. Also, salivary and serum antibodies to S. mutans were determined using an ELISA. The results support immunologic memory for the secretory (salivary) IgA system at both the cellular and humoral levels. Comparison of the dynamics of the IgAICC responses among the tissues and secretions after the injection regimes suggests that the cervical lymph nodes may provide an enriched tissue source for secretory IgA responses in the oral cavity.     

Shared idiotope on monoclonal anti-Ia.7 antibodies reactive with determinants in a structural domain of the I-E molecules

In previous studies, heterologous anti-idiotypic (anti-Id) antisera against the C3H.SW 14-4-4S or the A.TH 41.A anti-Ia.7 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were shown to identify an interstrain cross-reactive idiotypic specificity (IdX.Ia.7) expressed on monoclonal or conventional anti-Ia.7 alloantibodies. The objective of the present investigation was to characterize further this IdX at the idiotopic level. To this end, 11 hybridomas producing IgG1, IgG2a, or IgM anti-Id mAb were derived from a rat immunized with a mixture of 10 A.TH or A.BY anti-Ia.7 mAb. The specificity of the latter anti-Id mAb was determined by direct Id binding radioimmunoassay (RIA) with the use of a panel of 52 anti-Ia mAb derived from hybridomas produced in various inbred mouse strains. These rat anti-Id mAb recognized idiotopes expressed on i) all anti-Ia.7 mAb against determinants in the topographic domain I of the I-Ek molecule but not on 18 other anti-I-Ek mAb directed at epitopes in domains II or III; ii) three of 19 anti-I-Ak mAb; and iii) one A.TL-derived anti-I-As mAb. Competitive Id binding assays revealed that among the 14 IdX+ anti-Ia.7 mAb, one (81.B) was bound to a lesser extent by various rat anti-Id mAb, suggesting that heterogeneity probably exists in this antibody family. By contrast, two isologous (B10.S(7R)) anti-Id mAb to the IdX.Ia.7+ mAb 41.A displayed a specificity restricted to 41.A individual idiotopes (IdI). Rat anti-IdX.Ia.7 and mouse anti-41.A IdI mAb inhibited the binding of 125I-labeled mAb 41.A to CBA spleen cells. These two sets of mAb bound in a noncompetitive fashion to mAb 41.A-coated plates, indicating that their corresponding public or private idiotopes were spatially distinct. These data may have implications for in vivo manipulations of anti-Ia immune responses.     

Effects of passage number on growth and productivity of hybridoma secreting MRSA anti-PBP2a monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) are high added value glycoproteins recommended for immunotherapy, diagnosis, and also for the treatment of bacterial infections resistant to multiple drugs such as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In addition to environmental conditions related to cell cultures, the intrinsic characteristics of hybridoma cells, like the secretion stability of monoclonal antibodies by the cells through successive subcultures, are relevant for the characterization of cell lines related to the productivity of mAb. The rate of mAb production differs significantly between different cell lines and different passage numbers, and it is an important variable in characterization of cell lines. In order to find a more robust, faster-growing, and higher-productivity cell line of hybridoma, cultivations in 24-well plates were performed in different subculture periods, or cell passages (P), of hybridoma cells producing MRSA anti-PBP2a monoclonal antibodies [MRSA-antiPBP2a (mAb)]. The objective of this study was to study the effects of cell growth and production of MRSA-antiPBP2a mAb secreted by murine hybridoma cells grown in different passages as well as determine the which passages the hybridomas can be cultivated without harming their growth and productivity. So, cell growth profiles of hybridomas secreting MRSA-antiPBP2a (mAb) and the production of MRSA-antiPBP2a mAb in different subculture periods or cell passages (P) were studied. Cell growth tests, monoclonal antibody productivity, and metabolite characteristics revealed substantial differences in those cells kept between P10 and P50. Similarities in the secretion of monoclonal antibody, growth, and metabolic profiles, were noted in the MRSA-antiPBP2a mAb producing hybridoma cells kept between P10 and P20. Also, glucose consumption (g/L) and lactate production (g/L) in the latter cell cultures were monitored daily through biochemical analyzer. As of P30, it was observed a 4.4 times reduction in productivity, a 13 % reduction in metabolic yield, and a significant change in cell growth. Secretion of MRSA-antiPBP2a mAb should be obtained through the culture of hybridomas up to P20 in order to keep its stability.     

Interaction of specific and innate factors of immunity: IgA enhances the antimicrobial effect of the lactoperoxidase system against Streptococcus mutans

The antimicrobial effect of the lactoperoxidase (LPO) system (enzyme with the thiocyanate ion and hydrogen peroxide) on Streptococcus mutans NCTC 10449 (serotype c) was significantly enhanced when the system was combined with secretory IgA. Similar enhancement was observed with LPO-myeloma IgA1 or IgA2 combinations. This enhancement of the antimicrobial efficiency was not dependent on the presence of specific antibodies to S. mutans in the IgA preparation, but seemed to require binding between LPO and immunoglobulin. However, neither human polyclonal nor myeloma IgG or IgM nor rabbit IgG enhanced the antibacterial activity of the LPO system. None of the immunoglobulins, when added alone, produced antimicrobial effects. LPO was shown to bind to colostral secretory IgA, myeloma IgA1, IgA2, and to a lesser degree to monoclonal and polyclonal IgG and monoclonal IgM. This binding had a stabilizing effect on the enzyme activity. Our results suggest that IgA significantly enhances the antibacterial efficiency of one of the innate immune factors--the LPO system.     

Development and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to murine macrophage colony-stimulating factor

The macrophage-specific CSF (CSF-1), purified from murine L cell-conditioned medium, supports the in vitro proliferation and survival of various murine mononuclear phagocyte colony-forming cells. In this report we describe the production and functional characterization of two monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to CSF-1 obtained from rat X rat hybridomas. These two mAb are functionally distinct and recognize different epitopes on CSF-1. The mAb 5A1 binds to and inhibits the biologic function of CSF-1, and the second mAb (D24) binds CSF-1 but does not neutralize its biologic activity. The mAb 5A1 inhibits colony formation of tissue mononuclear phagocyte colony-forming cells as well as the committed bone marrow stem cells for both granulocytes and monocytes. The extent of colony inhibition by mAb 5A1 is dependent on the tissue origin of colony-forming cells. CSF-1 complexed with mAb 5A1 does not bind to its cell surface receptor of peritoneal exudate macrophages, and mAb 5A1 does not complex with cell-bound CSF-1. Although both bone marrow cell-derived macrophages and J774.1 macrophages bind CSF-1, mAb 5A1 inhibits the proliferation of only bone marrow cell-derived macrophages. The non-neutralizing mAb D24 does not block binding of CSF-1 to its cellular receptor, and it recognizes cell-bound CSF-1.