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.

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.

Turbidimetric assay of IgG with use of single monoclonal antibodies

We describe a turbidimetric assay for quantifying total immunoglobulin G (IgG) in serum with use of a single monoclonal antibody. The reaction, monitored by a centrifugal analyzer, is technically simple, rapid, and precise. Buffer of low ionic strength and polyethylene glycol are required for formation of detectable antibody-antigen complexes. We measured IgG concentrations in 49 polyclonal sera (Group 1) and 84 sera containing monoclonal IgG (Group 2) in assays in which we used either of two anti-IgG monoclonal antibodies (HG6 or HG8). Results compared well with those obtained with a nephelometric assay involving polyclonal antiserum, except for sera from four persons of Group 2 whose immunoglobulins were not detected by antibody HG6. HG6 bound IgG from these four sera in a solid-phase binding assay. HG6 and HG8 recognize epitopes on the Fab and Fc regions of IgG, respectively, and they do not compete for binding to the whole molecule. However, use of the two monoclonal antibodies combined failed to improve the sensitivity or range of the assay. We conclude that light-scattering assays of IgG can be validly performed with a single monoclonal antibody.

Spectrum of IgG2 subclass deficiency in children with recurrent infections: prospective study

Serum immunoglobulins and IgG subclasses were measured in 30 children with recurrent infections. Seven patients had low IgG2 concentrations (less than 3SD below the geometric mean for age). Four of these seven patients had normal concentrations of IgG, IgA and IgM, and thus would have been considered immunologically normal by routine criteria. The seven children with IgG2 deficiency had more severe infections than the 23 children with normal IgG2. Five children had recurrent pneumonia or sinusitis, one had recurrent invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b infections, and one had severe pneumococcal meningitis. Their immunologic abnormalities were heterogeneous. Two children had isolated IgG2 deficiency, two had IgG2-IgG4 deficiency, one had IgG2-IgG4-IgA deficiency, one had IgG2-IgA deficiency, and one had severe IgG1-IgG2 deficiency with abnormal T cell function and thrombocytopenia. Thus IgG2 deficiency occurs frequently among children with recurrent infections, and is associated with a variety of clinical and immunologic abnormalities.

Turbidimetric assay of IgG with use of single monoclonal antibodies

We describe a turbidimetric assay for quantifying total immunoglobulin G (IgG) in serum with use of a single monoclonal antibody. The reaction, monitored by a centrifugal analyzer, is technically simple, rapid, and precise. Buffer of low ionic strength and polyethylene glycol are required for formation of detectable antibody-antigen complexes. We measured IgG concentrations in 49 polyclonal sera (Group 1) and 84 sera containing monoclonal IgG (Group 2) in assays in which we used either of two anti-IgG monoclonal antibodies (HG6 or HG8). Results compared well with those obtained with a nephelometric assay involving polyclonal antiserum, except for sera from four persons of Group 2 whose immunoglobulins were not detected by antibody HG6. HG6 bound IgG from these four sera in a solid-phase binding assay. HG6 and HG8 recognize epitopes on the Fab and Fc regions of IgG, respectively, and they do not compete for binding to the whole molecule. However, use of the two monoclonal antibodies combined failed to improve the sensitivity or range of the assay. We conclude that light-scattering assays of IgG can be validly performed with a single monoclonal antibody.

Correlation of serum immunoglobulin subclass concentrations with antibody responses of children to immunization with Haemophilus influenzae type b polysaccharide-pertussis vaccine

Children less than 24 months of age respond poorly to immunization with the capsular polysaccharide of Haemophilus influenzae type b. Because human antibodies to polysaccharide antigens are relatively restricted to IgG2, a late-maturing subclass, we examined the relationship between serum subclass concentrations and anticapsular antibody responses of 41 healthy children, 9 to 38 months of age, following immunization with type b polysaccharide mixed with pertussis vaccine. Both total and IgG anticapsular antibody responses correlated significantly with preimmune serum concentrations of IgG2 but not with those if IgG1. This correlation was age dependent, however, and after the effect of age was removed by partial correlation, the correlation between anticapsular antibody responses and serum IgG2 concentrations was no longer significant. These findings indicate that the ability to respond to this vaccine coincides with maturation of the ability to secrete immunoglobulin of the IgG2 subclass; however, individual variation in IgG2 that is independent of age does not correlate with antibody response to the type b polysaccharide.

Relation of age, race, and allotype to immunoglobulin subclass concentrations

Concentrations of IgG1, IgG2, and total IgG were measured by a solid phase radioimmunoassay in sera from 36 healthy adults and 114 healthy children. As expected, IgG2 and total IgG had a positive correlation with age in children. In addition to age, several other factors were associated with significant differences in serum subclass concentrations. Female children had higher concentrations of IgG1 than males, and black subjects had significantly higher concentrations of IgG1, IgG2, and total IgG than whites. Although Km(1) and Gm(23) immunoglobulin allotypes had no relation to subclass concentrations when tested as single factors, the Km(1) allotype interacted significantly with race so that Km(1)-positive black children had higher IgG2 concentrations than other subjects. Our findings may explain, in part, recent observations of an association of the Km(1) allotype with altered immune responses of blacks to certain vaccines containing bacterial polysaccharides. In addition, our data indicate the need to control factors such as sex, race, and allotype in studies of subclass concentrations or immune responses.

Mitogen-induced human IgG subclass expression

To investigate human isotype expression among lymphocyte populations, we have studied IgG subclass production by splenocytes, tonsil cells, and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) after stimulation with a panel of nine mitogens. Response magnitudes varied with tissues: all mitogens produced the strongest responses with splenocytes and the smallest with PBL. In addition, the IgG subclass maximally stimulated by a particular mitogen also depended on the tissue studied. For example, LPS mainly stimulated IgG2 in PBL and IgG1 in spleen. Interestingly, the response patterns seen in splenocytes suggest a large and coordinate expression of IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses. Implications of these findings are discussed with respect to immunoglobulin gene organization and human disease states.

Mitogen-induced human IgG subclass expression

To investigate human isotype expression among lymphocyte populations, we have studied IgG subclass production by splenocytes, tonsil cells, and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) after stimulation with a panel of nine mitogens. Response magnitudes varied with tissues: all mitogens produced the strongest responses with splenocytes and the smallest with PBL. In addition, the IgG subclass maximally stimulated by a particular mitogen also depended on the tissue studied. For example, LPS mainly stimulated IgG2 in PBL and IgG1 in spleen. Interestingly, the response patterns seen in splenocytes suggest a large and coordinate expression of IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses. Implications of these findings are discussed with respect to immunoglobulin gene organization and human disease states.

A unique DR-related B cell differentiation antigen

The Ia or class II molecules in both mouse and man are the basis for the genetic control of the immune response. In addition to DR, other class II antigens have been described in man. We describe a new human Ia antigen K19, recognized by three monoclonal antibodies (HK-9, HK-19, and HK-20). This antigen has the general biochemical characteristics of an Ia antigen but is different from a DR antigen. Further, this antigen is found only on mature B lymphocytes and not on monocytes and activated T cells. Thus, this antigen may represent a new Ia-like molecule that is preferentially expressed on mature B cells.

A unique DR-related B cell differentiation antigen

The Ia or class II molecules in both mouse and man are the basis for the genetic control of the immune response. In addition to DR, other class II antigens have been described in man. We describe a new human Ia antigen K19, recognized by three monoclonal antibodies (HK-9, HK-19, and HK-20). This antigen has the general biochemical characteristics of an Ia antigen but is different from a DR antigen. Further, this antigen is found only on mature B lymphocytes and not on monocytes and activated T cells. Thus, this antigen may represent a new Ia-like molecule that is preferentially expressed on mature B cells.

Monoclonal antibodies to streptococcal group A carbohydrate. II. The VK1GAC light chain is preferentially associated with serum IgG3

A kappa-light chain variable region (V kappa) dominantly employed in the serum antibody response of A/J mice to streptococcal group A carbohydrate (GAC) has been termed VK1GAC. Examination of in vitro recombinants between the isolated heavy and light chains of VK1GAC+ and VK1GAC-anti-GAC hybridomas and non-GAC-binding myeloma proteins indicated that two antisera (anti-Id5 and anti-Id20) recognized the VK1GAC light chain when it was free in solution or paired with several heterologous heavy chains. Screening of a panel of A/J anti-GAC monoclonal antibodies with these antisera showed almost complete concordance between Id5 and Id20 expression and the presence of VK1GAC light chain as detected by its unique isoelectric focusing spectrotype. These antisera were used to examine serum expression of the VK1GAC light chain in normal and hyperimmune serum of A/J mice. Normal A/J serum contained from 20 to 100 micrograms Id5/ml serum, whereas only 1 to 10 micrograms Id20/ml serum was detected. The levels of both VK1GAC idiotypes increased dramatically 10- to 20-fold after hyperimmunization of mice with group A vaccine. When serum IgG from normal and immune mice was fractionated into the IgG subclasses (IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG3), it was found that the VK1GAC light chain does not pair randomly with heavy chains of the IgG subclasses, but rather is associated preferentially with heavy chains of the IgG3 subclass whether or not it is associated with antibodies to GAC. These results suggest that the heavy chain pairing exhibited by this VK product may not be random.

Unbalanced X chromosome mosaicism in B cells of mice with X-linked immunodeficiency

The immunodeficiency in CBA/N mice is reflected by abnormal development of a subset of B lymphocytes. However, it is not clear how xid, the mutant gene in CBA/N mice, affects the development of this subset. Specifically, it is not known if the xid gene influences the development of the B cell subset directly or indirectly by providing the improper developmental milieu through effects on other cells. We investigated this question using female mice heterozygous for two x chromosomal genes, xid and Pgk-1 (phosphoglycerate kinase-1). Since females are mosaic because of x chromosome inactivation, their lymphocytes can be studied for the choice of the x chromosome, using the two PGK-1 isoenzymes as the cytological marker. We find that B lymphocytes in the spleen prefer the x chromosome without xid while the remaining splenocytes and cells from other tissues do not. This suggests that xid affects B lymphocytes directly and not through their developmental milieu. Furthermore, our data suggest that the precursors for IgG1- and IgG3-producing cells may be both few and different.

Monoclonal antibodies to streptococcal group A carbohydrate. II. The VK1GAC light chain is preferentially associated with serum IgG3

A kappa-light chain variable region (V kappa) dominantly employed in the serum antibody response of A/J mice to streptococcal group A carbohydrate (GAC) has been termed VK1GAC. Examination of in vitro recombinants between the isolated heavy and light chains of VK1GAC+ and VK1GAC-anti-GAC hybridomas and non-GAC-binding myeloma proteins indicated that two antisera (anti-Id5 and anti-Id20) recognized the VK1GAC light chain when it was free in solution or paired with several heterologous heavy chains. Screening of a panel of A/J anti-GAC monoclonal antibodies with these antisera showed almost complete concordance between Id5 and Id20 expression and the presence of VK1GAC light chain as detected by its unique isoelectric focusing spectrotype. These antisera were used to examine serum expression of the VK1GAC light chain in normal and hyperimmune serum of A/J mice. Normal A/J serum contained from 20 to 100 micrograms Id5/ml serum, whereas only 1 to 10 micrograms Id20/ml serum was detected. The levels of both VK1GAC idiotypes increased dramatically 10- to 20-fold after hyperimmunization of mice with group A vaccine. When serum IgG from normal and immune mice was fractionated into the IgG subclasses (IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG3), it was found that the VK1GAC light chain does not pair randomly with heavy chains of the IgG subclasses, but rather is associated preferentially with heavy chains of the IgG3 subclass whether or not it is associated with antibodies to GAC. These results suggest that the heavy chain pairing exhibited by this VK product may not be random.

Monoclonal antibodies to streptococcal group A carbohydrate. I. A dominant idiotypic determinant is located on Vk

In an effort to better define the antibody repertoire to streptococcal group A carbohydrate (GAC), somatic cell hybrids were prepared from A/J mice immunized with streptococcal vaccine. Most antibodies were IgG3K and IgMK, while 2 of 26 antibodies were lambda type. Each of the IgG3 antibodies had a distinct isoelectric point consistent with previous estimates of clonal repertoires of approximately 200. IEF analysis of the L chains, however, showed that about half of the antibodies produce a common L chain, called VK1GAC, previously identified in A/J anti-GAC serum antibodies. Additional support for the structural similarity of these L chains was gained by developing an idiotype antiserum to VK1GAC. All proteins with the common L chain spectrotype react strongly with anti-VK1GAC. Thus, it appears that anti-GAC antibodies are composed of H chains bearing a few VH regions pairing with a few L chains.

Monoclonal antibodies to streptococcal group A carbohydrate. I. A dominant idiotypic determinant is located on Vk

In an effort to better define the antibody repertoire to streptococcal group A carbohydrate (GAC), somatic cell hybrids were prepared from A/J mice immunized with streptococcal vaccine. Most antibodies were IgG3K and IgMK, while 2 of 26 antibodies were lambda type. Each of the IgG3 antibodies had a distinct isoelectric point consistent with previous estimates of clonal repertoires of approximately 200. IEF analysis of the L chains, however, showed that about half of the antibodies produce a common L chain, called VK1GAC, previously identified in A/J anti-GAC serum antibodies. Additional support for the structural similarity of these L chains was gained by developing an idiotype antiserum to VK1GAC. All proteins with the common L chain spectrotype react strongly with anti-VK1GAC. Thus, it appears that anti-GAC antibodies are composed of H chains bearing a few VH regions pairing with a few L chains.

Improved diagnostic accuracy using monoclonal antibody group A streptococcal carbohydrate

Monoclonal mouse antibody to streptococcal group A carbohydrate was evaluated in diagnostic microbiology laboratory. A total of 262 isolates of beta-hemolytic streptococci were classified with commercial reagents and the monoclonal antibody to group A carbohydrate by using immunofluorescence and Lancefield precipitin tests. Both nonoclonal and commercial antibodies were identifically reactive by the precipitin test but significantly different by immunofluroescence. Monoclonal antibody gave the same reactivity as seen in the precipitin test, but commercial antibodies gave both false-positive and false-negative results. These results suggest that monoclonal reagents may be superior to conventional antisera.

A New Method of Applying the Sips Equation

The Sips equation is frequently used in immunochemistry to describe the relationship between antibody-binding site concentration (no[Ab]), antigen concentration, intrinsic affinity constant (K), and the heterogeneity index (a) of the affinity constant. Usually no[Ab] is determined before calculating the remaining parameters (K and a). A new method is proposed which does not require knowledge of no[Ab] nor an extensive calculation to determine K and a. The method can also be used to determine the antibody-binding site concentration without purified antibody or ligand saturation of the binding sites. This method can be applied to any antibody which binds a monovalent ligand and which can be obtained at a concentration greater than 1/K. Since the Sips equation can be applied to any ordinary chemical reaction by setting a = 1, the proposed method can be used generally to determine the affinity constant and the initial concentration of one of the reactants.

A new method of applying the Sips equation

The Sips equation is frequently used in immunochemistry to describe the relationship between antibody-binding site concentration (n0[Ab]), antigen concentration, intrinsic affinity constant (K), and the heterogeneity index (a) of the affinity constant. Usually n0[Ab] is determined before calculating the remaining parameters (K and a). A new method is proposed which does not require knowledge of n0[Ab] nor an extensive calculation to determine K and a. The method can also be used to determine the antibody-binding site concentration without purified antibody or ligand saturation of the binding sites. This method can be applied to any antibody which binds a monovalent ligand and which can be obtained at a concentration greater than 1/K. Since the Sips equation can be applied to any ordinary chemical reaction by setting a=1, the proposed method can be used generally to determine the affinity constant and the initial concentration of one of the reactants.