1
|
Stam JC, de Maat S, de Jong D, Arens M, van Lint F, Gharu L, van Roosmalen MH, Roovers RC, Strokappe NM, Wagner R, Kliche A, de Haard HJ, van Bergen En Henegouwen PM, Nijhuis M, Verrips CT. Directing HIV-1 for degradation by non-target cells, using bi-specific single-chain llama antibodies. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13413. [PMID: 35927444 PMCID: PMC9352707 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15993-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
While vaccination against HIV-1 has been so far unsuccessful, recently broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein were shown to induce long-term suppression in the absence of antiretroviral therapy in patients with antibody-sensitive viral reservoirs. The requirement of neutralizing antibodies indicates that the antibody mediated removal (clearance) of HIV-1 in itself is not efficient enough in these immune compromised patients. Here we present a novel, alternative approach that is independent of a functional immune system to clear HIV-1, by capturing the virus and redirecting it to non-target cells where it is internalized and degraded. We use bispecific antibodies with domains derived from small single chain Llama antibodies (VHHs). These bind with one domain to HIV-1 envelope proteins and with the other domain direct the virus to cells expressing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a receptor that is ubiquitously expressed in the body. We show that HIV envelope proteins, virus-like particles and HIV-1 viruses (representing HIV-1 subtypes A, B and C) are efficiently recruited to EGFR, internalized and degraded in the lysosomal pathway at low nM concentrations of bispecific VHHs. This directed degradation in non-target cells may provide a clearance platform for the removal of viruses and other unwanted agents from the circulation, including toxins, and may thus provide a novel method for curing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jord C Stam
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Steven de Maat
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dorien de Jong
- Translational Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mathia Arens
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Fenna van Lint
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lavina Gharu
- Translational Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mark H van Roosmalen
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Intervet, Wim de Körverstraat 35, 5831 AN, Boxmeer, The Netherlands
| | - Rob C Roovers
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,LAVA Therapeutics, Yalelaan 60, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nika M Strokappe
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ralf Wagner
- Molecular Microbiology and Gene Therapy, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Kliche
- Molecular Microbiology and Gene Therapy, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hans J de Haard
- Argenx, Industriepark Zwijnaarde 7, 9052, Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Paul M van Bergen En Henegouwen
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Monique Nijhuis
- Translational Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - C Theo Verrips
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,QVQ Holding BV, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Schriek AI, van Haaren MM, Poniman M, Dekkers G, Bentlage AEH, Grobben M, Vidarsson G, Sanders RW, Verrips T, Geijtenbeek TBH, Heukers R, Kootstra NA, de Taeye SW, van Gils MJ. Anti-HIV-1 Nanobody-IgG1 Constructs With Improved Neutralization Potency and the Ability to Mediate Fc Effector Functions. Front Immunol 2022; 13:893648. [PMID: 35651621 PMCID: PMC9150821 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.893648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The most effective treatment for HIV-1, antiretroviral therapy, suppresses viral replication and averts the disease from progression. Nonetheless, there is a need for alternative treatments as it requires daily administration with the possibility of side effects and occurrence of drug resistance. Broadly neutralizing antibodies or nanobodies targeting the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein are explored as alternative treatment, since they mediate viral suppression and contribute to the elimination of virus-infected cells. Besides neutralization potency and breadth, Fc-mediated effector functions of bNAbs also contribute to the in vivo efficacy. In this study multivalent J3, 2E7 and 1F10 anti-HIV-1 broadly neutralizing nanobodies were generated to improve neutralization potency and IgG1 Fc fusion was utilized to gain Fc-mediated effector functions. Bivalent and trivalent nanobodies, coupled using long glycine-serine linkers, showed increased binding to the HIV-1 Env and enhanced neutralization potency compared to the monovalent variant. Fusion of an IgG1 Fc domain to J3 improved neutralization potency compared to the J3-bihead and restored Fc-mediated effector functions such as antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis and trogocytosis, and natural killer cell activation. Due to their neutralization breadth and potency and their ability to induce effector functions these nanobody-IgG1 constructs may prove to be valuable towards alternative HIV-1 therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela I Schriek
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marlies M van Haaren
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Meliawati Poniman
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Arthur E H Bentlage
- Department of Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marloes Grobben
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gestur Vidarsson
- Department of Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rogier W Sanders
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Theo Verrips
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,VerLin BV, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Teunis B H Geijtenbeek
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Neeltje A Kootstra
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Steven W de Taeye
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marit J van Gils
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Obeng EM, Dzuvor CKO, Danquah MK. Anti-SARS-CoV-1 and -2 nanobody engineering towards avidity-inspired therapeutics. NANO TODAY 2022; 42:101350. [PMID: 34840592 PMCID: PMC8608585 DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2021.101350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
In the past two decades, the emergence of coronavirus diseases has been dire distress on both continental and global fronts and has resulted in the search for potent treatment strategies. One crucial challenge in this search is the recurrent mutations in the causative virus spike protein, which lead to viral escape issues. Among the current promising therapeutic discoveries is the use of nanobodies and nanobody-like molecules. While these nanobodies have demonstrated high-affinity interaction with the virus, the unpredictable spike mutations have warranted the need for avidity-inspired therapeutics of potent inhibitors such as nanobodies. This article discusses novel approaches for the design of anti-SARS-CoV-1 and -2 nanobodies to facilitate advanced innovations in treatment technologies. It further discusses molecular interactions and suggests multivalent protein nanotechnology and chemistry approaches to translate mere molecular affinity into avidity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugene M Obeng
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Christian K O Dzuvor
- Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Michael K Danquah
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga 615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Harmsen MM, van Hagen-van Setten M, Willemsen PTJ. Small-Scale Secretory VHH Expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2446:159-179. [PMID: 35157273 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2075-5_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
After isolation of a single-domain antibody (VHH) binding to an antigen of interest, the soluble VHH is often produced in Escherichia coli. However, targeting VHH expression to the secretory pathway of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) enables the secretion of correctly folded, soluble, disulfide-bonded, and N-glycosylated VHHs into the culture medium. Here, we describe the small-scale production of VHHs in baker's yeast in shaker flasks using both an episomal vector and a vector requiring genomic integration for higher VHH expression levels. This expression system results in the production of VHHs linked to the natural llama long hinge region including a single cysteine residue for partial dimerization. This format is especially suitable for the development of double antibody sandwich ELISAs by passive adsorption of unlabeled VHHs to polystyrene ELISA plates, antigen capture, and detection of the antigen of interest using a second biotinylated VHH. The procedures described here for detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus can also be applied to other antigens for which suitable VHHs are available.
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang Y, Zhang X, Lu C, Li X, Zhou J, Wang J. Lanthanum: A novel inducer for enhancement of fungal laccase production by Shiraia bambusicola. J RARE EARTH 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jre.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
6
|
Strokappe NM, Hock M, Rutten L, Mccoy LE, Back JW, Caillat C, Haffke M, Weiss RA, Weissenhorn W, Verrips T. Super Potent Bispecific Llama VHH Antibodies Neutralize HIV via a Combination of gp41 and gp120 Epitopes. Antibodies (Basel) 2019; 8:antib8020038. [PMID: 31544844 PMCID: PMC6640723 DOI: 10.3390/antib8020038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Broad and potent neutralizing llama single domain antibodies (VHH) against HIV-1 targeting the CD4 binding site (CD4bs) have previously been isolated upon llama immunization. Here we describe the epitopes of three additional VHH groups selected from phage libraries. The 2E7 group binds to a new linear epitope in the first heptad repeat of gp41 that is only exposed in the fusion-intermediate conformation. The 1B5 group competes with co-receptor binding and the 1F10 group interacts with the crown of the gp120 V3 loop, occluded in native Env. We present biophysical and structural details on the 2E7 interaction with gp41. In order to further increase breadth and potency, we constructed bi-specific VHH. The combination of CD4bs VHH (J3/3E3) with 2E7 group VHH enhanced strain-specific neutralization with potencies up to 1400-fold higher than the mixture of the individual VHHs. Thus, these new bivalent VHH are potent new tools to develop therapeutic approaches or microbicide intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nika M Strokappe
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- QVQ Holding bv, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Miriam Hock
- Institute de Biologie Structurale (IBS), CNRS, CEA, Université Grenoble Alpes, F-38000 Grenoble, France.
- Immunocore Ltd., 101 Park Drive, Milto, Abingdon OX14 4RY, UK.
| | - Lucy Rutten
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- QVQ Holding bv, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Laura E Mccoy
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Jaap W Back
- Pepscan B.V., Zuidersluisweg 2, 8243 RC Lelystad, The Netherlands.
| | - Christophe Caillat
- Institute de Biologie Structurale (IBS), CNRS, CEA, Université Grenoble Alpes, F-38000 Grenoble, France.
| | - Matthias Haffke
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Grenoble Outstation, 6 rue Jules Horowitz, 38042 Grenoble, France.
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Novartis Campus, 4002 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Robin A Weiss
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Winfried Weissenhorn
- Institute de Biologie Structurale (IBS), CNRS, CEA, Université Grenoble Alpes, F-38000 Grenoble, France.
| | - Theo Verrips
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- QVQ Holding bv, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Heukers R, Mashayekhi V, Ramirez-Escudero M, de Haard H, Verrips TC, van Bergen En Henegouwen PMP, Oliveira S. VHH-Photosensitizer Conjugates for Targeted Photodynamic Therapy of Met-Overexpressing Tumor Cells. Antibodies (Basel) 2019; 8:antib8020026. [PMID: 31544832 PMCID: PMC6640711 DOI: 10.3390/antib8020026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an approach that kills (cancer) cells by the local production of toxic reactive oxygen species upon the local illumination of a photosensitizer (PS). The specificity of PDT has been further enhanced by the development of a new water-soluble PS and by the specific delivery of PS via conjugation to tumor-targeting antibodies. To improve tissue penetration and shorten photosensitivity, we have recently introduced nanobodies, also known as VHH (variable domains from the heavy chain of llama heavy chain antibodies), for targeted PDT of cancer cells overexpressing the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Overexpression and activation of another cancer-related receptor, the hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR, c-Met or Met) is also involved in the progression and metastasis of a large variety of malignancies. In this study we evaluate whether anti-Met VHHs conjugated to PS can also serve as a biopharmaceutical for targeted PDT. VHHs targeting the SEMA (semaphorin-like) subdomain of Met were provided with a C-terminal tag that allowed both straightforward purification from yeast supernatant and directional conjugation to the PS IRDye700DX using maleimide chemistry. The generated anti-Met VHH-PS showed nanomolar binding affinity and, upon illumination, specifically killed MKN45 cells with nanomolar potency. This study shows that Met can also serve as a membrane target for targeted PDT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raimond Heukers
- QVQ Holding BV, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Vida Mashayekhi
- Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Mercedes Ramirez-Escudero
- Crystal & Structural Chemistry, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Hans de Haard
- Argenx BVBA, Industriepark-Zwijnaarde 7, 9052 Gent, Belgium.
| | - Theo C Verrips
- QVQ Holding BV, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Paul M P van Bergen En Henegouwen
- Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Sabrina Oliveira
- Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Pharmaceutics Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chen N, Wang J, Zhao Y, Deng Y. Metabolic engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for efficient production of glucaric acid at high titer. Microb Cell Fact 2018; 17:67. [PMID: 29729665 PMCID: PMC5935971 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-018-0914-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucaric acid is a high-value-added chemical that can be used in various fields. Because chemical oxidation of glucose to produce glucaric acid is not environmentally friendly, microbial production has attracted increasing interest recently. Biological pathways to synthesize glucaric acid from glucose in both Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae by co-expression of genes encoding myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase (Ino1), myo-inositol oxygenase (MIOX), and uronate dehydrogenase (Udh) have been constructed. However, low activity and instability of MIOX from Mus musculus was proved to be the bottleneck in this pathway. RESULTS A more stable miox4 from Arabidopsis thaliana was chosen in the present study. In addition, high copy delta-sequence integration of miox4 into the S. cerevisiae genome was performed to increase its expression level further. Enzymatic assay and quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that delta-sequence-based integrative expression increased MIOX4 activity and stability, thus increasing glucaric acid titer about eight times over that of episomal expression. By fed-batch fermentation supplemented with 60 mM (10.8 g/L) inositol, the multi-copy integrative expression S. cerevisiae strain produced 6 g/L (28.6 mM) glucaric acid from myo-inositol, the highest titer that had been ever reported in S. cerevisiae. CONCLUSIONS In this study, glucaric acid titer was increased to 6 g/L in S. cerevisiae by integrating the miox4 gene from A. thaliana and the udh gene from Pseudomonas syringae into the delta sequence of genomes. Delta-sequence-based integrative expression increased both the number of target gene copies and their stabilities. This approach could be used for a wide range of metabolic pathway engineering applications with S. cerevisiae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Chen
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology (NELCF), Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122 Jiangsu China
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122 Jiangsu China
| | - Jingya Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology (NELCF), Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122 Jiangsu China
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122 Jiangsu China
| | - Yunying Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology (NELCF), Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122 Jiangsu China
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122 Jiangsu China
| | - Yu Deng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology (NELCF), Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122 Jiangsu China
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122 Jiangsu China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gray ER, Brookes JC, Caillat C, Turbé V, Webb BLJ, Granger LA, Miller BS, McCoy LE, El Khattabi M, Verrips CT, Weiss RA, Duffy DM, Weissenhorn W, McKendry RA. Unravelling the Molecular Basis of High Affinity Nanobodies against HIV p24: In Vitro Functional, Structural, and in Silico Insights. ACS Infect Dis 2017; 3:479-491. [PMID: 28591513 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.6b00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Preventing the spread of infectious diseases remains an urgent priority worldwide, and this is driving the development of advanced nanotechnology to diagnose infections at the point of care. Herein, we report the creation of a library of novel nanobody capture ligands to detect p24, one of the earliest markers of HIV infection. We demonstrate that these nanobodies, one tenth the size of conventional antibodies, exhibit high sensitivity and broad specificity to global HIV-1 subtypes. Biophysical characterization indicates strong 690 pM binding constants and fast kinetic on-rates, 1 to 2 orders of magnitude better than monoclonal antibody comparators. A crystal structure of the lead nanobody and p24 was obtained and used alongside molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the molecular basis of these enhanced performance characteristics. They indicate that binding occurs at C-terminal helices 10 and 11 of p24, a negatively charged region of p24 complemented by the positive surface of the nanobody binding interface involving CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 loops. Our findings have broad implications on the design of novel antibodies and a wide range of advanced biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor R. Gray
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, Division of Medicine and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, 17-19 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AH, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer C. Brookes
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, Division of Medicine and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, 17-19 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AH, United Kingdom
| | - Christophe Caillat
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IBS, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, Grenoble, 38000, France
| | - Valérian Turbé
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, Division of Medicine and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, 17-19 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AH, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin L. J. Webb
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, The Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Luke A. Granger
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, The Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin S. Miller
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, Division of Medicine and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, 17-19 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AH, United Kingdom
| | - Laura E. McCoy
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, The Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | | | - C. Theo Verrips
- QVQ Holding B.V., Yalelaan 1, 3584CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Robin A. Weiss
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, The Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Dorothy M. Duffy
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, Division of Medicine and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, 17-19 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AH, United Kingdom
| | - Winfried Weissenhorn
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IBS, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, Grenoble, 38000, France
| | - Rachel A. McKendry
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, Division of Medicine and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, 17-19 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AH, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
De Coninck B, Verheesen P, Vos CM, Van Daele I, De Bolle MF, Vieira JV, Peferoen M, Cammue BPA, Thevissen K. Fungal Glucosylceramide-Specific Camelid Single Domain Antibodies Are Characterized by Broad Spectrum Antifungal Activity. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1059. [PMID: 28659884 PMCID: PMC5469901 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical crop protection is widely used to control plant diseases. However, the adverse effects of pesticide use on human health and environment, resistance development and the impact of regulatory requirements on the crop protection market urges the agrochemical industry to explore innovative and alternative approaches. In that context, we demonstrate here the potential of camelid single domain antibodies (VHHs) generated against fungal glucosylceramides (fGlcCer), important pathogenicity factors. To this end, llamas were immunized with purified fGlcCer and a mixture of mycelium and spores of the fungus Botrytis cinerea, one of the most important plant pathogenic fungi. The llama immune repertoire was subsequently cloned in a phage display vector to generate a library with a diversity of at least 108 different clones. This library was incubated with fGlcCer to identify phages that bind to fGlcCer, and VHHs that specifically bound fGlcCer but not mammalian or plant-derived GlcCer were selected. They were shown to inhibit the growth of B. cinerea in vitro, with VHH 41D01 having the highest antifungal activity. Moreover, VHH 41D01 could reduce disease symptoms induced by B. cinerea when sprayed on tomato leaves. Based on all these data, anti-fGlcCer VHHs show the potential to be used as an alternative approach to combat fungal plant diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara De Coninck
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU LeuvenLeuven, Belgium.,Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIBGhent, Belgium
| | | | - Christine M Vos
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU LeuvenLeuven, Belgium.,Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIBGhent, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | - Bruno P A Cammue
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU LeuvenLeuven, Belgium.,Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIBGhent, Belgium
| | - Karin Thevissen
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU LeuvenLeuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pabst TM, Wendeler M, Wang X, Bezemer S, Hermans P, Hunter AK. Camelid V H H affinity ligands enable separation of closely related biopharmaceuticals. Biotechnol J 2016; 12. [PMID: 27677057 PMCID: PMC5333455 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201600357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Interest in new and diverse classes of molecules such as recombinant toxins, enzymes, and blood factors continues to grow for use a biotherapeutics. Compared to monoclonal antibodies, these novel drugs typically lack a commercially available affinity chromatography option, which leads to greater process complexity, longer development timelines, and poor platformability. To date, for both monoclonal antibodies and novel molecules, affinity chromatography has been mostly reserved for separation of process‐related impurities such as host cell proteins and DNA. Reports of affinity purification of closely related product variants and modified forms are much rarer. In this work we describe custom affinity chromatography development using camelid VHH antibody fragments as "tunable" immunoaffinity ligands for separation of product‐related impurities. One example demonstrates high selectivity for a recombinant immunotoxin where no binding was observed for an undesired deamidated species. Also discussed is affinity purification of a coagulation factor through specific recognition of the gamma‐carboxylglutamic acid domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M Pabst
- MedImmune, Department of Purification Process Sciences, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Michaela Wendeler
- MedImmune, Department of Purification Process Sciences, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Xiangyang Wang
- MedImmune, Department of Purification Process Sciences, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | | | - Pim Hermans
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Naarden, The Netherlands
| | - Alan K Hunter
- MedImmune, Department of Purification Process Sciences, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Identification and characterization of laccase-type multicopper oxidases involved in dye-decolorization by the fungus Leptosphaerulina sp. BMC Biotechnol 2015; 15:74. [PMID: 26268358 PMCID: PMC4535763 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-015-0192-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fungal laccases are multicopper oxidases (MCOs) with high biotechnological potential due to their capability to oxidize a wide range of aromatic contaminants using oxygen from the air. Albeit the numerous laccase-like genes described in ascomycete fungi, ascomycete laccases have been less thoroughly studied than white-rot basidiomycetous laccases. A variety of MCO genes has recently been discovered in plant pathogenic ascomycete fungi, however little is known about the presence and function of laccases in these fungi or their potential use as biocatalysts. We aim here to identify the laccase-type oxidoreductases that might be involved in the decolorization of dyes by Leptosphaerulina sp. and to characterize them as potential biotechnological tools. Results A Leptosphaerulina fungal strain, isolated from lignocellulosic material in Colombia, produces laccase as the main ligninolytic oxidoreductase activity during decolorization of synthetic organic dyes. Four laccase-type MCO genes were partially amplified from the genomic DNA using degenerate primers based on laccase-specific signature sequences. The phylogenetic analysis showed the clustering of Lac1, Lac4 and Lac3 with ascomycete laccases, whereas Lac2 grouped with fungal ferroxidases (together with other hypothetical laccases). Lac3, the main laccase produced by Leptosphaerulina sp. in dye decolorizing and laccase-induced cultures (according to the shotgun analysis of both secretomes) was purified and characterized in this study. It is a sensu-stricto laccase able to decolorize synthetic organic dyes with high efficiency particularly in the presence of natural mediator compounds. Conclusions The searching for laccase-type MCOs in ascomycetous families where their presence is poorly known, might provide a source of biocatalysts with potential biotechnological interest and shed light on their role in the fungus. The information provided by the use of genomic and proteomic tools must be combined with the biochemical evaluation of the enzyme to prove its catalytic activity and applicability potential. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12896-015-0192-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
13
|
Tang H, Bao X, Shen Y, Song M, Wang S, Wang C, Hou J. Engineering protein folding and translocation improves heterologous protein secretion inSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Biotechnol Bioeng 2015; 112:1872-82. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.25596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hongting Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology; Shandong University; Jinan 250100 China
| | - Xiaoming Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology; Shandong University; Jinan 250100 China
| | - Yu Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology; Shandong University; Jinan 250100 China
| | - Meihui Song
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology; Shandong University; Jinan 250100 China
| | - Shenghuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology; Shandong University; Jinan 250100 China
| | - Chengqiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology; Shandong University; Jinan 250100 China
| | - Jin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology; Shandong University; Jinan 250100 China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Khaled AQ, Sana Y, Abdulrahman R, Raida K, Sami AH. Blocking of Histamine Release and IgE Binding to FcεRI on Human Basophils by Antibodies Produced in Camels. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2015; 7:583-9. [PMID: 26333705 PMCID: PMC4605931 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2015.7.6.583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The production of camel heavy-chain antihuman IgE (huIgE) that has the potential to block IgE-FcεRI interaction and histamine release by basophils. METHODS Camels were immunized with a synthetic loop peptide (SLP) designed in a multiple antigen peptide system (MAPS) forming SLP-MAPS immunogen. Camel polyclonal antibodies (PCAs) were produced, purified, characterized using Protein A & G, ELISA, and SDS-PAGE, and tested for their potency to block passive sensitization and histamine release of human basophils using flow cytometry (FCM) and ELISA, respectively. RESULTS FCM data indicated that camel conventional (IgG1) and heavy chain antibodies (HCAbs; IgG2, and IgG3) had blocking activities of 43.9%, 72%, and 96.6%, respectively. Moreover, both IgG2 and IgG3 achieved remarkable inhibition rates of 93.98% and 97.05% in histamine release, respectively, whereas the IgG1inhibiting activity was 60.05%. CONCLUSIONS Camel PCAs produced against SLP-MAPS were capable of blocking the IgE-receptor interaction and the release of histamine by basophils with superiority to HCAbs. These findings may pave the way toward the possible use of camel anti-huIgE HCAbs as blocking antibodies in the treatment of IgE-mediated allergy and asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Al Qaoud Khaled
- Department of Biological Sciences-Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan. .,Jordan Company for Antibody Production (MONOJO), Amman, Jordan
| | - Yousef Sana
- Department of Biological Sciences-Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | | | - Khalil Raida
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Philadelphia University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Abdel Hafez Sami
- Department of Biological Sciences-Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan.,World Islamic Science and Education University (WISE), Amman, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kim H, Yoo SJ, Kang HA. Yeast synthetic biology for the production of recombinant therapeutic proteins. FEMS Yeast Res 2015; 866:1-9. [PMID: 25130199 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-770-5_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The production of recombinant therapeutic proteins is one of the fast-growing areas of molecular medicine and currently plays an important role in treatment of several diseases. Yeasts are unicellular eukaryotic microbial host cells that offer unique advantages in producing biopharmaceutical proteins. Yeasts are capable of robust growth on simple media, readily accommodate genetic modifications, and incorporate typical eukaryotic post-translational modifications. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a traditional baker's yeast that has been used as a major host for the production of biopharmaceuticals; however, several nonconventional yeast species including Hansenula polymorpha, Pichia pastoris, and Yarrowia lipolytica have gained increasing attention as alternative hosts for the industrial production of recombinant proteins. In this review, we address the established and emerging genetic tools and host strains suitable for recombinant protein production in various yeast expression systems, particularly focusing on current efforts toward synthetic biology approaches in developing yeast cell factories for the production of therapeutic recombinant proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyunah Kim
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Su Jin Yoo
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Ah Kang
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Eifler N, Medaglia G, Anderka O, Laurin L, Hermans P. Development of a novel affinity chromatography resin for platform purification of lambda fabs. Biotechnol Prog 2014; 30:1311-8. [DOI: 10.1002/btpr.1958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nora Eifler
- Dept. BPRD Protein ProcessingTechnical Research and DevelopmentNovartis Pharma AG, Werk KlybeckBaselCH‐4002 Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Medaglia
- Dept. Biologics Clinical ManufacturingTechnical Research and DevelopmentNovartis Pharma AG, Werk KlybeckBaselCH‐4002 Switzerland
| | - Oliver Anderka
- Dept. PSP BiologicsTechnical Research and DevelopmentNovartis Pharma AG, Werk KlybeckBaselCH‐4002 Switzerland
| | - Linus Laurin
- GE Healthcare Bio‐Sciences ABBjörkgatan 30UppsalaSE‐751 84 Sweden
| | - Pim Hermans
- BAC BV, Life TechnologiesHuizerstraatweg 28Naarden1411 GP The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
De Meyer T, Muyldermans S, Depicker A. Nanobody-based products as research and diagnostic tools. Trends Biotechnol 2014; 32:263-70. [PMID: 24698358 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 303] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Since the serendipitous discovery 20 years ago of bona fide camelid heavy-chain antibodies, their single-domain antigen-binding fragments, known as VHHs or nanobodies, have received a progressively growing interest. As a result of the beneficial properties of these stable recombinant entities, they are currently highly valued proteins for multiple applications, including fundamental research, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Today, with the original patents expiring, even more academic and industrial groups are expected to explore innovative VHH applications. Here, we provide a thorough overview of novel implementations of VHHs as research and diagnostic tools, and of the recently evaluated production platforms for several VHHs and VHH-derived antibody formats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas De Meyer
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Gent, Belgium; Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Gent, Belgium
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Structural Biology Research Center, VIB, 1050 Brussel, Belgium; Research Unit of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussel, Belgium
| | - Ann Depicker
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Gent, Belgium; Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Gent, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hou J, Tyo K, Liu Z, Petranovic D, Nielsen J. Engineering of vesicle trafficking improves heterologous protein secretion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Metab Eng 2012; 14:120-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2012.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2011] [Revised: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 01/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
19
|
Gorlani A, Brouwers J, McConville C, van der Bijl P, Malcolm K, Augustijns P, Quigley AF, Weiss R, De Haard H, Verrips T. Llama antibody fragments have good potential for application as HIV type 1 topical microbicides. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2012; 28:198-205. [PMID: 21864083 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2011.0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent global need for preventive strategies against HIV-1 infections. Llama heavy-chain antibody fragments (VHH) are a class of molecules recently described as potent cross-clade HIV-1 entry inhibitors. We studied the potential of a VHH-based microbicide in an application-oriented fashion. We show that VHH can be inexpensively produced in high amounts in the GRAS organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae, resulting in a very pure and endotoxin free product. VHH are very stable under conditions they might encounter during transport, storage, or use by women. We developed active formulations of VHH in aqueous gel and compressed and lyophilized tablets for controlled release from an intravaginal device. The release profile of the VHH from, e.g., a vaginal ring suggests sufficient bioavailability and protective concentration of the molecule at the mucosal site at the moment of the infection. The ex vivo penetration kinetics through human tissues show that the VHH diffuse into the mucosal layer and open the possibility to create a second defense layer either by blocking the HIV receptor binding sites or by blocking the receptors of immune cells in the mucosa. In conclusion, our data show that VHH have a high potential for HIV-1 microbicide application because of their low production costs, their high stability, and their favorable release and tissue penetration properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gorlani
- Cellular Architecture and Dynamics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joachim Brouwers
- Laboratory for Pharmacotechnology and Biopharmacy, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Pieter van der Bijl
- Department of Pharmacology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Karl Malcolm
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Augustijns
- Laboratory for Pharmacotechnology and Biopharmacy, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anna Forsman Quigley
- MRC/UCL Centre for Medical Molecular Virology, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin Weiss
- MRC/UCL Centre for Medical Molecular Virology, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hans De Haard
- Cellular Architecture and Dynamics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Theo Verrips
- Cellular Architecture and Dynamics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Liu Z, Tyo KEJ, Martínez JL, Petranovic D, Nielsen J. Different expression systems for production of recombinant proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Biotechnol Bioeng 2012; 109:1259-68. [PMID: 22179756 DOI: 10.1002/bit.24409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Revised: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has become an attractive cell factory for production of commodity and speciality chemicals and proteins, such as industrial enzymes and pharmaceutical proteins. Here we evaluate most important expression factors for recombinant protein secretion: we chose two different proteins (insulin precursor (IP) and α-amylase), two different expression vectors (POTud plasmid and CPOTud plasmid) and two kinds of leader sequences (the glycosylated alpha factor leader and a synthetic leader with no glycosylation sites). We used IP and α-amylase as representatives of a simple protein and a multi-domain protein, as well as a non-glycosylated protein and a glycosylated protein, respectively. The genes coding for the two recombinant proteins were fused independently with two different leader sequences and were expressed using two different plasmid systems, resulting in eight different strains that were evaluated by batch fermentations. The secretion level (µmol/L) of IP was found to be higher than that of α-amylase for all expression systems and we also found larger variation in IP production for the different vectors. We also found that there is a change in protein production kinetics during the diauxic shift, that is, the IP was produced at higher rate during the glucose uptake phase, whereas amylase was produced at a higher rate in the ethanol uptake phase. For comparison, we also refer to data from another study, (Tyo et al. submitted) in which we used the p426GPD plasmid (standard vector using URA3 as marker gene and pGPD1 as expression promoter). For the IP there is more than 10-fold higher protein production with the CPOTud vector compared with the standard URA3-based vector, and this vector system therefore represent a valuable resource for future studies and optimization of recombinant protein production in yeast.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zihe Liu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
The production of VHHs in microorganisms is relatively straightforward, however the amount of VHH produced per volume unit can vary substantially from hardly detectable to hundreds of milligrams per liter. Expression in Escherichia coli is more commonly used at initial research phase, since production of VHHs for large-scale application in E. coli is for a number of reasons not preferred. Otherwise VHH production in GRAS organisms such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae fits very well with industrial fermentation processes, and in fact the only commercially available VHHs are produced in S. cerevisiae. Immediately after the discovery of heavy chain only antibodies, which are per definition devoid of light chains, it was investigated whether many problems encountered with the production of conventional antibodies in lower eukaryotes were absent during the production of VHHs. Here we provide a protocol for the expression of VHH genes in S. cerevisiae in a fed-batch fermentation process. This protocol is also suitable for the production of multivalent VHHs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gorlani
- Department of Biomolecular Imaging, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Engineering platforms for directed evolution of Laccase from Pycnoporus cinnabarinus. Appl Environ Microbiol 2011; 78:1370-84. [PMID: 22210206 DOI: 10.1128/aem.07530-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
While the Pycnoporus cinnabarinus laccase (PcL) is one of the most promising high-redox-potential enzymes for environmental biocatalysis, its practical use has to date remained limited due to the lack of directed evolution platforms with which to improve its features. Here, we describe the construction of a PcL fusion gene and the optimization of conditions to induce its functional expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, facilitating its directed evolution and semirational engineering. The native PcL signal peptide was replaced by the α-factor preproleader, and this construct was subjected to six rounds of evolution coupled to a multiscreening assay based on the oxidation of natural and synthetic redox mediators at more neutral pHs. The laccase total activity was enhanced 8,000-fold: the evolved α-factor preproleader improved secretion levels 40-fold, and several mutations in mature laccase provided a 13.7-fold increase in k(cat). While the pH activity profile was shifted to more neutral values, the thermostability and the broad substrate specificity of PcL were retained. Evolved variants were highly secreted by Aspergillus niger (∼23 mg/liter), which addresses the potential use of this combined-expression system for protein engineering. The mapping of mutations onto the PcL crystal structure shed new light on the oxidation of phenolic and nonphenolic substrates. Furthermore, some mutations arising in the evolved preproleader highlighted its potential for heterologous expression of fungal laccases in yeast (S. cerevisiae).
Collapse
|
23
|
Gorlani A, Hulsik DL, Adams H, Vriend G, Hermans P, Verrips T. Antibody engineering reveals the important role of J segments in the production efficiency of llama single-domain antibodies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Protein Eng Des Sel 2011; 25:39-46. [PMID: 22143875 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzr057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Variable domains of llama heavy-chain antibodies (VHH) are becoming a potent tool for a wide range of biotechnological and medical applications. Because of structural features typical of their single-domain nature, they are relatively easy to produce in lower eukaryotes, but it is not uncommon that some molecules have poor secretion efficiency. We therefore set out to study the production yield of VHH. We computationally identified five key residues that are crucial for folding and secretion, and we validated their importance with systematic site-directed mutations. The observation that all key residues were localised in the V segment, in proximity of the J segment of VHH, led us to study the importance of J segment in secretion efficiency. Intriguingly, we found that the use of specific J segments in VHH could strongly influence the production yield. Sequence analysis and expression experiments strongly suggested that interactions with chaperones, especially with the J segment, are a crucial aspect of the production yield of VHH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Gorlani
- Biomolecular Imaging Group, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Integrated recirculating foam fractionation for the continuous recovery of biosurfactant from fermenters. Biochem Eng J 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2011.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
25
|
Characterisation of HFBII biosurfactant production and foam fractionation with and without antifoaming agents. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2011; 90:911-20. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-011-3137-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2010] [Revised: 01/17/2011] [Accepted: 01/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
26
|
Rahbarizadeh F, Ahmadvand D, Sharifzadeh Z. Nanobody; an old concept and new vehicle for immunotargeting. Immunol Invest 2011; 40:299-338. [PMID: 21244216 DOI: 10.3109/08820139.2010.542228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The use of antibodies in cancer therapy has come a long way since the day Paul Ehrlich described the concept and Kohler and Milstein devised the hybridoma technology to bring this theory to reality. The synthesis of murine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) was the first success in this field, leading to the invention of chimerization, the production of variable fragments (Fv) with the progression to domain antibodies (dAb) and later humanization technologies to maximize the clinical utility of murine mAbs. It was just by chance that dAbs were found to exist in ?heavy chain? immunoglobulins from Camelidae family and cartilaginous fish. These unique antibody fragments interact with antigen by virtue of only one single variable domain, referred to as VHH or nanobody. Several characteristics make nanobody use superior to the abovementioned antibodies. They are non-immunogenic and show high thermal and chemical stability. There are several reports of raising specific nanobodies against enzymes, haptens, pathogens, toxins and tumor markers, which are outlined in this paper. All these characteristics make them strong candidates as targeting agents for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Rahbarizadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Hinz A, Lutje Hulsik D, Forsman A, Koh WWL, Belrhali H, Gorlani A, de Haard H, Weiss RA, Verrips T, Weissenhorn W. Crystal structure of the neutralizing Llama V(HH) D7 and its mode of HIV-1 gp120 interaction. PLoS One 2010; 5:e10482. [PMID: 20463957 PMCID: PMC2864739 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2010] [Accepted: 04/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 entry into host cells is mediated by the sequential binding of the envelope glycoprotein gp120 to CD4 and a chemokine receptor. Antibodies binding to epitopes overlapping the CD4-binding site on gp120 are potent inhibitors of HIV entry, such as the llama heavy chain antibody fragment V(HH) D7, which has cross-clade neutralizing properties and competes with CD4 and mAb b12 for high affinity binding to gp120. We report the crystal structure of the D7 V(HH) at 1.5 A resolution, which reveals the molecular details of the complementarity determining regions (CDR) and substantial flexibility of CDR3 that could facilitate an induced fit interaction with gp120. Structural comparison of CDRs from other CD4 binding site antibodies suggests diverse modes of interaction. Mutational analysis identified CDR3 as a key component of gp120 interaction as determined by surface plasmon resonance. A decrease in affinity is directly coupled to the neutralization efficiency since mutations that decrease gp120 interaction increase the IC50 required for HIV-1 IIIB neutralization. Thus the structural study identifies the long CDR3 of D7 as the key determinant of interaction and HIV-1 neutralization. Furthermore, our data confirm that the structural plasticity of gp120 can accommodate multiple modes of antibody binding within the CD4 binding site.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Hinz
- Unit of Virus Host Cell Interactions (UVHCI), UMI 3265, Université Joseph Fourier-EMBL-CNRS, Grenoble, France
| | - David Lutje Hulsik
- Unit of Virus Host Cell Interactions (UVHCI), UMI 3265, Université Joseph Fourier-EMBL-CNRS, Grenoble, France
- Department of Cellular Architecture and Dynamics, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Forsman
- Division of Infection and Immunity, MRC/UCL Centre for Medical Molecular Virology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Willie Wee-Lee Koh
- Division of Infection and Immunity, MRC/UCL Centre for Medical Molecular Virology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hassan Belrhali
- Unit of Virus Host Cell Interactions (UVHCI), UMI 3265, Université Joseph Fourier-EMBL-CNRS, Grenoble, France
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Grenoble, France
| | - Andrea Gorlani
- Department of Cellular Architecture and Dynamics, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hans de Haard
- Department of Cellular Architecture and Dynamics, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Robin A. Weiss
- Division of Infection and Immunity, MRC/UCL Centre for Medical Molecular Virology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Theo Verrips
- Department of Cellular Architecture and Dynamics, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Winfried Weissenhorn
- Unit of Virus Host Cell Interactions (UVHCI), UMI 3265, Université Joseph Fourier-EMBL-CNRS, Grenoble, France
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Passive immunization with llama single-domain antibody fragments reduces foot-and-mouth disease transmission between pigs. Vaccine 2009; 27:1904-11. [PMID: 19368770 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.01.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2008] [Revised: 01/21/2009] [Accepted: 01/22/2009] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
We aim to develop a method that confers rapid protection against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) by passive immunization with recombinant llama single-domain antibody fragments (VHHs). Previously constructed genetic fusions of two VHHs (VHH2s) that either neutralizes FMDV or binds to porcine immunoglobulin to increase the serum half-life, conferred only limited protection to pigs. We therefore now generated VHH3s containing an additional FMDV binding VHH. Two VHH3s neutralized FMDV more potently than single VHHs and were highly produced by yeast cells. Injection of a mixture of these two VHH3s 24h before FMD challenge infection of pigs reduced and delayed the development of clinical disease, viraemia and viral shedding. Furthermore, it significantly (P=0.023) delayed FMD transmission. Thus, we have shown a proof of concept of passive FMD immunoprophylaxis using VHHs.
Collapse
|
29
|
Hmila I, Abdallah R BAB, Saerens D, Benlasfar Z, Conrath K, Ayeb ME, Muyldermans S, Bouhaouala-Zahar B. VHH, bivalent domains and chimeric Heavy chain-only antibodies with high neutralizing efficacy for scorpion toxin AahI'. Mol Immunol 2008; 45:3847-56. [PMID: 18614235 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2008.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2008] [Revised: 04/14/2008] [Accepted: 04/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Many efforts aim at solving the serious problems encountered with immunotherapy against scorpion envenoming. The most attractive approach consists in generating single-chain antibody fragments (scFv) as their pharmaco-kinetic properties should match closely those of the scorpion toxins. Although high affinity scFv reagents have been generated in the past, their production level, stability, and toxin neutralizing capacity remain disappointingly poor. In the current study, we identified one Nanobody (Nb), a single-domain antigen-binding fragment of a dromedary Heavy-chain antibody (HCAb) that recognizes specifically the Androctonus australis hector AahI' toxin. This Nb has excellent production, stability and solubility characteristics. With this Nb we further manufactured a tandem linked bivalent construct and assembled a HCAb with improved antigen binding due to avidity effects. All these constructs were shown in mouse models to possess a scorpion toxin neutralization capacity that exceeds by far all previous attempts with scFv-based materials, even when used at lower doses. It is therefore clear that in the near future Nanobodies will be at the core of novel serotherapeutics as they combine multiple benefits over other reagents to treat scorpion envenomed patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Issam Hmila
- Laboratoire des Venins et Toxines, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, 13 Place Pasteur, BP-74, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Josic D, Kovač S. Application of proteomics in biotechnology – Microbial proteomics. Biotechnol J 2008; 3:496-509. [DOI: 10.1002/biot.200700234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
31
|
Affiliation(s)
- Shawn E. Kuhmann
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021
| | - Oliver Hartley
- Department of Structural Biology and Bioinformatics, Centre Médical Universitaire, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland;
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Current awareness on yeast. Yeast 2007. [DOI: 10.1002/yea.1575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
|
33
|
Harmsen MM, De Haard HJ. Properties, production, and applications of camelid single-domain antibody fragments. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2007; 77:13-22. [PMID: 17704915 PMCID: PMC2039825 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-007-1142-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 555] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2007] [Revised: 07/25/2007] [Accepted: 07/30/2007] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Camelids produce functional antibodies devoid of light chains of which the single N-terminal domain is fully capable of antigen binding. These single-domain antibody fragments (VHHs or Nanobodies®) have several advantages for biotechnological applications. They are well expressed in microorganisms and have a high stability and solubility. Furthermore, they are well suited for construction of larger molecules and selection systems such as phage, yeast, or ribosome display. This minireview offers an overview of (1) their properties as compared to conventional antibodies, (2) their production in microorganisms, with a focus on yeasts, and (3) their therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M M Harmsen
- Institute for Animal Science and Health (ID-Lelystad) of Wageningen University and Research Centre, Edelhertweg 15, Lelystad, The Netherlands.
| | | |
Collapse
|