Epitope mapping of human VWF A3 recognized by monoclonal antibody SZ-123 and SZ-125 using MALDI mass spectrometry

High Resolution Mapping of Bactericidal Monoclonal Antibody Binding Epitopes on Staphylococcus aureus Antigen MntC

The Staphylococcus aureus manganese transporter protein MntC is under investigation as a component of a prophylactic S.aureus vaccine. Passive immunization with monoclonal antibodies mAB 305-78-7 and mAB 305-101-8 produced using MntC was shown to significantly reduce S. aureus burden in an infant rat model of infection. Earlier interference mapping suggested that a total of 23 monoclonal antibodies generated against MntC could be subdivided into three interference groups, representing three independent immunogenic regions. In the current work binding epitopes for selected representatives of each of these interference groups (mAB 305-72-5 – group 1, mAB 305-78-7 – group 2, and mAB 305-101-8 – group 3) were mapped using Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry (DXMS). All of the identified epitopes are discontinuous, with binding surface formed by structural elements that are separated within the primary sequence of the protein but adjacent in the context of the three-dimensional structure. The approach was validated by co-crystallizing the Fab fragment of one of the antibodies (mAB 305-78-7) with MntC and solving the three-dimensional structure of the complex. X-ray results themselves and localization of the mAB 305-78-7 epitope were further validated using antibody binding experiments with MntC variants containing substitutions of key amino acid residues. These results provided insight into the antigenic properties of MntC and how these properties may play a role in protecting the hostagainst S. aureus infection by preventing the capture and transport of Mn²⁺, a key element that the pathogen uses to evade host immunity.

Staphylococcus aureus protein MntC is a metal-binding protein of the ABC-type transporter involved in the acquisition of an essential nutrient, Mn²⁺, by the pathogen. An earlier study demonstrated that use of MntC as an antigen in experimental vaccine can provide protection against staphylococcal infections in animals and identified three groups of protective monoclonal antibodies induced by the protein. In the current work we employed Deuterium-Hydrogen Exchange Mass Spectrometry (DXMS) to determine binding sites of selected representatives from each of those three groups. DXMS results were further validated using X-ray crystallography, site-directed mutagenesis and functional studies. Locations of the binding sites and results of the functional studies were used to draw conclusion on molecular mechanisms of protection afforded by MntC: antibodies belonging to two of the groups are predicted to interfere with Mn²⁺ transfer from the protein to the transmembrane channel pore, while the third group of the antibodies is expected to interfere with Mn²⁺ binding to MntC itself. The net result in both cases is impaired Mn²⁺ transport across the bacterial membrane and increased susceptibility of the bacterium to the oxidative stress, likely due to the reduced activity of superoxide dismutase which requires Mn²⁺ as an essential co-factor for activity.

Anti-human VWF monoclonal antibody SZ-123 prevents arterial thrombus formation by inhibiting VWF-collagen and VWF-platelet interactions in Rhesus monkeys

The interactions between collagen, von Willebrand factor (VWF), and glycoprotein Ib (GPIb) are crucial for hemostasis and thrombosis. This axis represents a promising target for the development of new antithrombotic agents. In this study, we investigate the in vivo antithrombotic efficacy of an anti-VWF monoclonal antibody SZ-123 and its potential underlying mechanisms. Cyclic flow reductions (CFRs), an indicator of arterial thrombosis, were measured in the femoral artery of anesthetized Rhesus monkeys before and after intravenous administration of SZ-123. Ex vivo VWF binding to collagen, platelet agglutination, platelet count, and template bleeding time were used as measurements of antithrombotic activity. In addition, plasma VWF and SZ-123 levels, and VWF occupancy were measured by ELISA. Administration of 0.1, 0.3, and 0.6 mg/kg SZ-123 resulted in 45.3%, 78.2%, and 100% reductions in CFRs, respectively. When 0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg SZ-123 were administered, 100% of VWF was occupied by the antibody. Moreover, 100% ex vivo inhibition of VWF-collagen binding and 60-95% inhibition of platelet agglutination were observed from 15 min to 1 h. None of the doses resulted in significant prolongation of bleeding time. In vitro experiments revealed that SZ-123 not only blocks the collagen-VWF A3 interaction but also indirectly inhibits VWF A1 binding to GPIbα induced by ristocetin. Thus, we demonstrate that SZ-123 prevents in vivo arterial thrombus formation under high shear conditions by inhibiting VWF A3-collagen and VWF A1-platelet interactions and does not significantly prolong bleeding time.