A comparison of anti-HER2 IgA and IgG1 in vivo efficacy is facilitated by high N-glycan sialylation of the IgA

Monomeric IgA has been proposed as an alternative antibody format for cancer therapy. Here, we present our studies on the production, purification and functional evaluation of anti-HER2 IgA antibodies as anti-cancer agents in comparison to the anti-HER2 IgG1 trastuzumab. MALDI-TOF MS analysis showed profound differences in glycosylation traits across the IgA isotypes and cell lines used for production, including sialylation and linkage thereof, fucosylation (both core and antennary) and the abundance of high-mannose type species. Increases in sialylation proved to positively correlate with in vivo plasma half-lives. The polymerization propensity of anti-HER2 IgA2m2 could be suppressed by an 18-aa deletion of the heavy chain tailpiece - coinciding with the loss of high-mannose type N-glycan species - as well as by 2 cysteine to serine mutations at positions 320 and 480. The HER2 F(ab')2-mediated anti-proliferative effect of the IgA2m1 and IgA2m2 subtypes was similar to IgG1, whereas the IgA1 isotype displayed considerably lower potency and efficacy. The Fc-mediated induction of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) using human whole blood ADCC assays did not demonstrate such clear differences between the IgA isotypes. However, the potency of the anti-HER2 IgA antibodies in these ADCC assays was found to be significantly lower than that of trastuzumab. In vivo anti-tumor activity of the anti-HER2 IgA antibodies was compared to that of trastuzumab in a BT-474 breast cancer xenograft model. Multiple dosing and sialylation of the IgA antibodies compensated for the short in vivo half-life of native IgA antibodies in mice compared to a single dose of IgG1. In the case of the IgA2m2 antibody, the resulting high plasma exposure levels were sufficient to cause clear tumor stasis comparable to that observed for trastuzumab at much lower plasma exposure levels.     

In vitro test systems supporting the development of improved pest control methods: a case study with chemical mixtures and bivalve biofoulers

Using the bivalve macrofouler Corbicula fluminea, the suitability of in vitro testing as a stepping stone towards the improvement of control methods based on chemical mixtures was addressed in this study. In vitro cholinesterase (ChE) activity inhibition following single exposure of C. fluminea tissue to four model chemicals (the organophosphates dimethoate and dichlorvos, copper and sodium dodecyl phosphate [SDS]) was first assessed. Consequently, mixtures of dimethoate with copper and dichlorvos with SDS were tested and modelled; mixtures with ChE revealed synergistic interactions for both chemical pairs. These synergic combinations were subsequently validated in vivo and the increased control potential of these selected combinations was verified, with gains of up to 50% in C. fluminea mortality relative to corresponding single chemical treatments. Such consistency supports the suitability of using time- and cost-effective surrogate testing platforms to assist the development of biofouling control strategies incorporating mixtures.     

Hormonal effects of vitamin D3 on epidermal melanocytes

The role of cholecalciferol, 25(OH) D3, and 1,25(OH)2 D3, as modulators of melanocyte function and proliferation has been examined. Topical application of 100 micrograms cholecalciferol to the pinnal epidermis of DBA/2J mice for 5 or 10 days increased the number of L-dihydroxyphenylalanine-positive (DOPA-positive) melanocytes and had a synergistic effect with a low dose of ultraviolet B light (UVB). Application of 1 microgram 1,25(OH)2 D3 had a transient effect on epidermal melanocytes. Addition of cholecalciferol to pure cultures of human melanocytes did not alter their tyrosinase activity (therefore, melanin synthesis) or growth rate even after 72 hours of treatment. However, treatment of similar cultures with 1,25(OH)2 D3 at a concentration equal to or greater than 10(-8) M suppressed tyrosinase activity but did not affect proliferation. The effect of 25(OH) D3 was similar to, but lower in magnitude than, that of 1,25(OH)2 D3. We attempted to demonstrate the presence of specific receptors for 1,25(OH)2 D3 in normal human melanocytes using the monoclonal antibody (Mo Ab) 9A7 gamma raised against the receptor for 1,25(OH)2 D3. Melanocytes were exposed to 9A7 gamma and to a secondary biotinylated Ab and analyzed by the fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS). An increase in the specific fluorescent signal was constantly observed. By using the immunoblotting technique, we observed a major immunoreactive species that migrated in the 53-kD region in normal melanocytes. The size of this major immunoreactive species was smaller in melanoma cells than in normal melanocytes. This correlates with the finding that the former cells were unresponsive to cholecalciferol, 25(OH) D3, or 1,25(OH)2 D3 treatment. These results predict a direct role for 1,25(OH)2 D3 as an effector of normal melanocyte function.     

Alteration of the Cloudman melanoma cell cycle by prostaglandins E1 and E2 determined by using a 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine method of DNA analysis

Prostaglandins (PGs) E1 and E2 stimulate tyrosinase activity and suppress the proliferation of Cloudman S91 melanoma cells by altering their progression through the cell cycle. Prostaglandin E1 and PGE2 have prolonged or residual effects on melanoma cells. Cells treated for 5 or 24 hours with 10 micrograms/ml PGE1 or cells treated for 8 or 24 hours with 10 micrograms/ml PGE2 demonstrated decreased proliferation and increased tyrosinase activity for 48 hours after removal of the PGs. The effects of PGs on the cell cycle were investigated by determining total DNA content in cells stained with propidium iodide (PI) and analyzed by a fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS). Prostaglandin E1 blocked cells in G2 phase after 5 hours of treatment, corresponding to when inhibition of proliferation was first evident. Similarly, after 9 hours of treatment with PGE2, more cells were in late S, early G2 phase and less in G1 than their control counterparts. Also, melanoma cells were pulse-labeled with 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdUrd) prior to or at the end of PG treatment and then stained with a fluoresceinated monoclonal antibody to BrdUrd, and with PI. This allows one to observe how BrdUrd-labeled S-phase cells cycle with time. Both PGE1 and PGE2 inhibit proliferation by blocking cells in G2 phase of the cell cycle. The PG-induced block in G2 may be required by melanoma cells to synthesize mRNA and proteins that are essential for stimulation of tyrosinase activity. Ultrastructurally, only a subpopulation of the cells treated with PGE1 or PGE2 contained more mature melanosomes than control cells.     

Flow cytometric analyses of lectin binding to Pneumocystis carinii surface carbohydrates.

Pneumocystis carinii obtained from infected rat lung homogenates was incubated with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated lectins, counterstained with the nuclear stain, propidium iodide (PI), and analyzed by dual parameter histograms for lectin-associated green and PI-associated red fluorescence using a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. The presence of glucose/mannose moieties was evidenced by the binding of all organisms to concanavalin A and Wisteria floribunda. From the lectin group specific for N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, P. carinii reacted strongly with wheat germ agglutinin and less intensely with Solanum tuberosum. Reaction with lectins specific for N-acetyl-D-galactosamine/galactose was variable, probably reflecting the secondary binding affinities of the lectins used. Soybean agglutinin, Bauhinia purpurea agglutinin, and Maclura pomifera agglutinin reacted moderately, whereas Dolichos biflorus agglutinin, and Griffonia simplicifolia I reacted less avidly. The organisms reacted partially with Ulex europaeus agglutinin, a lectin specific for fucose, and did not react well with Arachis hypogaea, Viscum album agglutinin, and Griffonia simplicifolia I beta 4, lectins specific for galactose. A very weak fluorescent signal was detected with Limax flavus agglutinin, suggesting little or no sialic acid was present. All lectin-binding reactions were confirmed for specificity by inhibition with the relevant carbohydrates. Flow cytometric analysis of lung-derived Pneumocystis organisms stained with fluorescent surface and nuclear dyes provides a rapid method for characterization of large parasite populations.