Interactions of sera from patients with autoimmune diseases with cDNA expressed fragment of topoisomerase I and monoclonal antibodies against enzyme

The interaction of sera from 34 patients with different autoimmune diseases with the expressed fusion protein cloned in lambda gt11 vector (topoisomerase I--beta galactosidase) and monoclonal antibodies against enzyme was studied. It was demonstrated that 100% of Scl cases possessed positive activity against fusion protein. It was shown that this test is not absolutely specific for Scl, i. e. 57.1% of Sle and 84.6% of RA demonstrated positive activity against "topoisomerase test". Autoimmune sera had the positive activity against monoclonal antibodies for topoisomerase I. This activity was shown to be due to the presence of antiidiotypic antibodies against topoisomerase in the autoimmune sera.     

Monoclonal antibody technology: applications in veterinary science

Monoclonal antibodies have revolutionised the study of animals and their diseases. The author looks at the detection of antigen in samples using a range of techniques from indirect fluorescence, through in-situ hybridization to enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. Examples are given of how Salmonella species, mastitis antigens, viral antigens, chlamydial organisms and E. coli toxins can be detected using specific monoclonal antibodies. The recognition of antigen in tissues by monoclonal antibodies is also discussed using as examples; the vitamin biotin, the chicken anemia virus, the growth promoter clenbuterol and the bovine lymphokine, gamma interferon. The ability of monoclonal antibodies to measure specific antibody is also discussed, with particular reference to chicken anemia agent. The review concludes with a discussion of the ability of monoclonal antibody based ELISAs to discriminate between pigs naturally infected with Aujeszky's disease and those vaccinated against the condition.     

Immunoanatomic dissection of the human urinary tract by monoclonal antibodies

The immunoanatomy of the human kidney and urinary tract has been analyzed by a panel of mouse anti-human monoclonal antibodies that define specific domains and structures. The differentiation antigens detected by these monoclonal antibodies represent a series of glycoproteins characteristic of different cell types. They differ from the blood group antigens and appear to be distinct from other antigens previously described within the kidney or urinary tract. The antigens recognized by these monoclonal antibodies represent an immunohistologic dissection of the human nephron. These antibodies have a broad range of potential applications in studying embryogenesis and pathogenesis of nonneoplastic and neoplastic diseases of the human kidney and urothelium.     

降钙素原的原核表达及单克隆抗体制备

目的:高效表达与纯化可溶性重组人PCT蛋白,制备高灵敏度和高特异性的抗人PCT医用诊断单克隆抗体。方法:大肠杆菌表达重组人PCT蛋白后,利用饱和硫酸铵沉淀和亲和层析方法纯化PCT蛋白后,经质谱、Western blot和间接ELISA法进行性质鉴定和分析重组蛋白的表达与免疫反应性;重组蛋白免疫小鼠,经细胞融合及筛选制备抗PCT单克隆抗体(m Ab)。结果:在大肠杆菌中高效表达了人PCT蛋白;重组人PCT蛋白具有良好的免疫反应性与免疫原性;经筛选获得7株抗PCT单克隆抗体细胞株,经ELISA鉴定,筛选抗体可与PCT抗原有良好的特异性反应。结论:利用重组人PCT蛋白免疫制备了抗人PCT单克隆抗体,为进一步研发PCT快速诊断试剂提供了原料。     

DNA-specific antiidiotypic antibodies in the sera of patients with autoimmune diseases.

Blood sera of patients with autoimmune diseases scleroderma (Scl), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been shown to yield a specific immune response to topoisomerase I, the product of expression of a cDNA fragment cloned into lambda gt11 and monoclonal antibodies (MAB) to the enzyme. The 'topoisomerase test' is not absolutely specific for Scl. The stable positive response of autoimmune sera to anti-topoisomerase monoclonal antibodies has a specific character and is associated with the interaction of the Fab fragment of MAB with the IgG fraction of autoimmune serum. The response observed indicates the induction of anti-idiotypic antibodies against topoisomerase. The anti-idiotype, isolated by HPLC and affinity chromatography demonstrated the following functional activities: (i) the immunological reaction against DNA; (ii) high-affinity DNA-binding with topoisomerase-specific consensus; (iii) ability to compete with the native enzyme for binding with DNA and MAB to topoisomerase; (iv) immunological reaction against MAB to topoisomerase.     

Characterisation of mouse monoclonal antibodies against rhesus macaque killer immunoglobulin-like receptors KIR3D

Killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) represent a highly polymorphic and diverse gene family in rhesus macaques. Analyses of the respective gene products have been hampered until now due to non-availability of specific monoclonal antibodies and failure of cross-reactivity of anti-human KIR antibodies. We utilised one activating (KIR3DSW08) and two inhibitory (KIR3DLW03 and KIR3DL05) rhesus macaque KIR-Fc fusion proteins for generation of monoclonal antibodies in mice. Besides broadly reacting ones, we obtained anti-rhesus macaque KIR antibodies with intermediate and with single specificity. These monoclonal antibodies were tested for binding to a panel of rhesus macaque KIR proteins after heterologous expression on transiently transfected cells. Epitope mapping identified two polymorphic regions that are located next to each other in the mature KIR proteins. The availability of monoclonal antibodies against rhesus macaque KIR proteins will enable future studies on KIR at the protein level in rhesus macaques as important animal models of human infectious diseases.     

Development of sero-diagnostic and molecular tools for the control of important tick-borne pathogens of cattle in Africa

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are a major economic constraint to livestock production in sub-Saharan Africa. ILRI is focussing on developing a range of products, such as vaccines, diagnostics and decision support services to underpin improved control programmes against these diseases. We have developed three highly sensitive and specific enzyme linked immuno-assays (ELISAs), which allow precise diagnosis of Theileria parva, Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma marginale. These tests have been standardised and validated using defined experimental and field infection sera. Parasite specific recombinant antigens and monoclonal antibodies against bovine immunoglobulins as secondary antibodies have played an important role in in enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of the assays. They have been further evaluated in on-farm longitudinal sero-epidemiological studies to define infection dynamics and disease risks in various farming systems in Kenya and Uganda. In addition, DNA-based tests for differentiation of Theileria species and characterisation of Theileria parva stocks have been developed. These tests have been derived through physical mapping and sequencing of key elements of the T. parva genome, which include repetitive and telomeric regions, minisatellite sequences, antigen genes and a number of random DNA sequences. These tools are currently being deployed in conjunction with field immunisation programmes to determine the biological impact of introducing live vaccines of T. parva on population dynamics.     

Pyruvate kinase isoenzymes in marine invertebrates: a comparative study by the use of monoclonal antibodies

1. Six monoclonal antibodies specific to the pyruvate kinase from the foot muscle of the common limpet P. caerulea were produced. 2. They also exhibited specificity against the mouse liver where the L-type isoenzyme of pyruvate kinase is present. They did not react with the mouse skeletal muscle, heart or red blood cells isoenzymes of pyruvate kinase (PK). One of these, the monoclonal antibody B did not react with any PK isoenzymes of the mouse tissues. 3. The presence of the isoenzymic type of PK which was recognized by the monoclonals, (type L), was traced in five phyla of marine invertebrates by the application of the monoclonal antibodies A, B and C. 4. In two phyla the majority of the animals were found to possess an L-type PK isoenzyme in their muscles while in quite a few of them a different isoenzymic type was present in the other tissues. The results of this study are compared with the existing literature, and the use of monoclonal antibodies in the study of enzymic systems is considered in the discussion.     

A panel of monoclonal antibodies against the prion protein proves that there is no prion protein in human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells

Prion diseases are a group of neurodegenerative diseases that are fatal. The study of these unique diseases in China is hampered by a lack of resources. Amongst the most important resources for biological study are monoclonal antibodies. Here, we characterize a panel of monoclonal antibodies specific for cellular prion protein by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）, immunofluorescent staining, flow cytometry, and western blotting. We identify several antibodies that can be used for specific applications and we demonstrate that there is no prion protein expression in human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells（HPDC）.     

Monoclonal antibodies against human pulmonary surfactant apoproteins: specificity and application in immunoassay

Monoclonal antibodies were prepared against pulmonary surfactant apoproteins which were isolated from lung lavages of patients with alveolar proteinosis with the following steps: solubilization of the surface-active fraction by Triton X-100, delipidation with butanol-ethanol extraction followed by column chromatographies on Blue-Sepharose and DEAE-Toyopearl in the presence of dithiothreitol. The fraction including 62 and 36 kDa proteins, i.e., pulmonary surfactant apoproteins, was used for the immunization. Monoclonal antibodies against the pulmonary surfactant apoproteins were prepared using hybridoma technology. The monoclonal antibodies prepared, PC6 and PE10, recognized the same proteins, i.e., 62 and 36 kDa proteins, in the patients' lavages. They also recognized 37 and 34 kDa proteins in human lung lavage and amniotic fluid. Quantitation of the apoproteins by enzyme-immunoassay using the monoclonal antibodies has been developed. A combination of PC6 and PE10 was found to be useful for a two-site sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), where it gave a good dose response and was capable of measuring 10-1280 ng of the apoprotein/ml. The specificity of the monoclonal antibodies in animal species was tested by this sandwich ELISA. The results indicated that the monoclonal antibodies obtained in this study are specific for the human lung.     

Monoclonal antibodies specific for glial fibrillary acidic (GFA) protein and for each of the neurofilament triplet polypeptides

Abstract. A panel of 10 mouse monoclonal antibodies specific for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFA) has been isolated using porcine GFA as antigen. Although all antibodies recognize GFA purified from porcine spinal cord in the western blot technique, they can be subdivided into at least three groups on the basis of their reactivity against defined fragments of the molecule. Immunofluorescence staining patterns with the monoclonal antibodies performed on tissues and cell lines resemble those reported with conventional polyclonal antibodies directed against GFA. In particular astrocytes and Bergmann glia are strongly stained. In addition mouse monoclonal antibodies specific for either the 200 kd, or the 160 kd, or the 68 kd neurofilament triplet protein have been isolated and characterized. These antibodies are specific for neuronal cells and support conclusions made with similar antigen affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies. The combined set of monoclonal antibodies seems a valuable tool to characterize the different cell types of the nervous system.     

Monoclonal antibodies specific for glial fibrillary acidic (GFA) protein and for each of the neurofilament triplet polypeptides

A panel of 10 mouse monoclonal antibodies specific for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFA) has been isolated using porcine GFA as antigen. Although all antibodies recognize GFA purified from porcine spinal cord in the western blot technique, they can be subdivided into at least three groups on the basis of their reactivity against defined fragments of the molecule. Immunofluorescence staining patterns with the monoclonal antibodies performed on tissues and cell lines resemble those reported with conventional polyclonal antibodies directed against GFA. In particular astrocytes and Bergmann glia are strongly stained. In addition mouse monoclonal antibodies specific for either the 200 kd, or the 160 kd, or the 68 kd neurofilament triplet protein have been isolated and characterized. These antibodies are specific for neuronal cells and support conclusions made with similar antigen affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies. The combined set of monoclonal antibodies seems a valuable tool to characterize the different cell types of the nervous system.     

Study of the structural and functional properties of fibronectin--a high molecular weight plasma glycoproteins--by using monoclonal antibodies

Functional and structural properties of fibronectin--high molecular weight glyco-protein from human plasma--were studied by monoclonal antibodies against fibronectin. It was shown that monoclonal antibodies against human plasma fibronectin exhibit a certain species specificity. Antigenic determinant for our monoclonal antibody is located in the central part of the protein polypeptide chain--in the structural domain. The monoclonal antibodies studied do not inhibit any tested functions of fibronectin. In contrast, polyclonal antibodies are not species specific and inhibit all fibronectin functions.     

Novel human antibody therapeutics: the age of the Umabs

Monoclonal antibodies represent a major and increasingly important category of biotechnology products for the treatment of human diseases. The state-of-the-art of antibody technology has evolved to the point where therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, that are practically indistinguishable from antibodies induced in humans, are routinely generated. We depict how our science-based approach can be used to further improve the efficacy of antibody therapeutics, illustrated by the development of three monoclonal antibodies for various cancer indications: zanolimumab (directed against CD4), ofatumumab (directed against CD20) and zalutumumab (directed against epidermal growth factor receptor).     

Isolation, purification and immunologic specificity of monoclonal antibodies to antigen p24 of bovine leukosis virus]

The aim of the work is to develop optimal conditions for identification and purification of monoclonal antibodies specific to protein p24 of bovine leukemia virus (p24-BLV). Two schemes of isolation and purification of monoclonal antibodies are compared. Purified monoclonal antibodies contain two subunits with molecular weight of about 22,000 and 50,000 Da as determined by sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. They react with p24-BLV in the immunoblot assay.     

杂交瘤细胞体外大规模培养研究进展

单克隆抗体在生物学和医学研究领域中显示了极大的应用价值,是免疫检验中的新型试剂,是生物治疗的导向武器。作为医学检验试剂,单克隆抗体可以充分发挥其优势,如特异性好,灵敏度高,更便于质量控制,利于标准化和规范化。传统的方法是利用小鼠腹水制备单克隆抗体,但是近几十年杂交瘤细胞体外大规模培养制备单克隆抗体技术也在不断发展。特别是单克隆抗体在疾病诊断和治疗方面的需求,更进一步促进了杂交瘤细胞体外培养生产技术的发展,体外培养杂交瘤细胞生产的单克隆抗体已应用到许多方面。由于杂交瘤细胞的半贴壁性质,无论是悬浮培养还是贴壁培养,均可进行杂交瘤细胞的体外大规模培养。针对应用于体外诊断试剂的杂交瘤细胞体外培养制备单克隆抗体进行综述,主要包括中空纤维细胞培养和生物反应器细胞培养方法,以及不同培养方法优化的进展。     

Costimulatory molecule-targeted antibody therapy of a spontaneous autoimmune disease

Humans and mice deficient in Fas, a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-receptor family member, cannot induce apoptosis of autoreactive cells, and consequently develop progressive lymphoproliferative disorders and lupus-like autoimmune diseases. Previous studies have shown that short-term administrations of agonistic monoclonal antibodies against CD137, another TNF-receptor family member, activate T cells and induce rejection of allografts and established tumors. Here we report that treatment with an agonistic monoclonal antibody to CD137 (2A) blocks lymphadenopathy and spontaneous autoimmune diseases in Fas-deficient MRL/lpr mice, ultimately leading to their prolonged survival. Notably, 2A treatment rapidly augments IFN-gamma production, and induces the depletion of autoreactive B cells and abnormal double-negative T cells, possibly by increasing their apoptosis through Fas- and TNF receptor-independent mechanisms. This study demonstrates that agonistic monoclonal antibodies specific for costimulatory molecules can be used as novel therapeutic agents to delete autoreactive lymphocytes and block autoimmune disease progression.     

Monoclonal antibodies against Nereis virens brain homogenates as probes for isolation and in situ detection of new neurosecretions.

The brain of Nereis contains 26 ganglionic nuclei which produce numerous neurosecretions. Only a few of them have been characterized. The production of monoclonal antibodies was adopted as an approach to discover unknown neurosecretions. Monoclonal antibodies produced against Nereis virens brain homogenates were selected using stepwise ELISA tests first with brain homogenates, then with brain neurosecretions. Eight antibodies specific for Nereis neurosecretions were selected. The results are illustrated with one of these monoclonal antibodies which was directed against a major peak after HPLC purification of brain neurosecretions. This antibody was subsequently used for the in situ detection of recognized epitope(s) in the brain and ventral nerve cord cells.     

Anti-idiotypic and natural catalytically active antibodies]

The principal existence of natural catalytic antibodies in the autoimmune sera is discussed. In the course of the autoimmune process, the induction of antiidiotypic antibodies against topoisomerase I has been shown in the sera of patients with scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis. The above antibodies were obtained in preparative amounts. Proceeding from the concept of the idiotypic network, the antibodies were suggested to be natural enzymes and their properties were studied. They appeared to be anti-DNA antibodies, competing with the native topoisomerase I for binding to anti-topoisomerase monoclonal antibodies and possessing highly specific DNA-binding activity (Kd is about 0.1 nM). The antiidiotypic antibodies specifically inhibit the topoisomerase-catalysed relaxation reaction and affect the formation of covalent DNA-protein complex. Possible involvement of antiidiotypic antibodies against topoisomerase in the catalysis of reactions of DNA transformation is analysed. Catalytic antibodies that are natural enzymes possessing DNA-nicking activity have been isolated from the blood sera of patients with different autoimmune pathologies.     

Current directions of studies for development of methods for specific diagnostics of allergic diseases in vitro

Results of studies as well as perspectives for development and use of modern in vitro methods of allergic diseases diagnostics are presented. High prevalence of allergic diseases dictates the need of high-quality etiologic diagnosis for conducting relevant etiopathogenetic treatment - allergen-specific immunotherapy and prophylactic measures. Interest to in vitro diagnostic methods due to their high specificity and commonality is rising. They are directed to identification of various elements of "material substrate" of allergic reaction - specific antibodies, cell elements, cytokines as well as genes, which encode them. Intensively developing methods based on immunoenzyme, immunofluorescent, and immunochemiluminescent reactions are widely used now. Methods based on the use of various monoclonal antibodies for identification of lymphocytic markers, cytokines, antigen-presenting cells by laser flowcytometry are also very promising. ELISPOT technology is also intensively used for diagnostics of allergic diseases. From immunogenetic methods great potential belongs to molecular biologic methods of assessment of genome specificity characterizing sensitization to given antigen.