The influence of pH and ionic strength on the coating of peptides of herpes simplex virus type 1 in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Development and validation of carbodiimide-activated ELISA plate for quantifying IgG levels against Streptococcus pneumoniae capsular polysaccharides

Background: Conventional microtiter plates lack the surface strength needed for effective binding of pneumococcal polysaccharide antigens. This study tackles the limitation by altering the surface of polystyrene plates through carbodiimide activation under acidic pH conditions.Method: The microtiter plates were activated with carbodiimide coupling agents, N,N'-Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) and N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). They were subsequently coated with 13 pneumococcal antigens at a concentration of 5 μg/ml with a pH of 3.5. The IgG antibody titer was assessed utilizing the World Health Organization (WHO) ELISA protocol for 30 human serum samples. In addition, validation experiments were conducted to evaluate specificity and precision.Results: The modified plates exhibited two-times higher antibody titers compared to conventional plates across all 13 serotypes. Observations revealed elevated antibody levels, with geometric concentrations ranging between 0.96 μg/ml and 4.24 μg/ml.Conclusion: Carbodiimide activation and acidic pH modification of microtiter plates enhance sensitivity and specificity in detecting pneumococcal antibodies, critical for vaccination planning and immunity assessment.

A Blood Test for the Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune chronic disease characterized by inflammation and demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS). Despite numerous studies conducted, valid biomarkers enabling a definitive diagnosis of MS are not yet available. The aim of our study was to identify a marker from a blood sample to ease the diagnosis of MS. In this study, since there is evidence connecting the serotonin pathway to MS, we used an ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) to detect serum MS-specific auto-antibodies (auto-Ab) against the extracellular loop 1 (ECL-1) of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor subtype 2A (5-HT2A). We utilized an ELISA format employing poly-D-lysine as a pre-coating agent. The binding of 208 serum samples from controls, both healthy and pathological, and of 104 serum samples from relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients was tested. We observed that the serum-binding activity in control cohort sera, including those with autoimmune and neurological diseases, was ten times lower compared to the RRMS patient cohort (p = 1.2 × 10-47), with a sensitivity and a specificity of 98% and 100%, respectively. These results show that in the serum of patients with MS there are auto-Ab against the serotonin receptor type 2A which can be successfully used in the diagnosis of MS due to their high sensitivity and specificity.

Inhibition of astrocyte hemichannel improves recovery from spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes severe disability, and the current inability to restore function to the damaged spinal cord leads to lasting detrimental consequences to patients. One strategy to reduce SCI morbidity involves limiting the spread of secondary damage after injury. Previous studies have shown that connexin 43 (Cx43), a gap junction protein richly expressed in spinal cord astrocytes, is a potential mediator of secondary damage. Here, we developed a specific inhibitory antibody, mouse-human chimeric MHC1 antibody (MHC1), that inhibited Cx43 hemichannels, but not gap junctions, and reduced secondary damage in 2 incomplete SCI mouse models. MHC1 inhibited the activation of Cx43 hemichannels in both primary spinal astrocytes and astrocytes in situ. In both SCI mouse models, administration of MHC1 after SCI significantly improved hind limb locomotion function. Remarkably, a single administration of MHC1 30 minutes after injury improved the recovery up to 8 weeks post-SCI. Moreover, MHC1 treatment decreased gliosis and lesion sizes, increased white and gray matter sparing, and improved neuronal survival. Together, these results suggest that inhibition of Cx43 hemichannel function after traumatic SCI reduces secondary damage, limits perilesional gliosis, and improves functional recovery. By targeting hemichannels specifically with an antibody, this study provides a potentially new, innovative therapeutic approach in treating SCI.

A novel tandem repeat cloning technique for creation of multiple short peptide repeats to differentiate closely related antigens

Antibody cross-reactivity is a problem often associated with closely related antigens. This study was aimed to develop a method enabling differentiation of closely related toxins based on antigen designing strategy. The method involves identification of disparate amino acids (AA) confined to target antigen in comparison with two or more closely related antigens, their assembly into a DNA oligomer and further cloning as six tandem repeats (TR) using restriction and ligation strategy into a desired vector and finally generation of antigen specific antibodies. The practical utility of this method was demonstrated by generating and testing the specificity of polyclonal antibodies against staphylococcal enterotoxin C (SEC). Cross-reactivity is a problem often associated with SEC in immunoassays due to its amino acid sequence identity with staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) (40-60%). To circumvent the same, the above-mentioned strategy was applied. Unique AA of SEC (36 AA) in comparison to SEB were selected, reassembled and with deduced corresponding nucleotides, an oligomer of 117 bases was designed. Using primers with restriction overhangs, three constructs were created each with two repeats using a common restriction site. The resulting three constructs were sequentially cloned into alternating restriction sites of pRSET A vector in directional orientation, expressed in E. coli for rTR/SEC protein which was used to generate specific polyclonal antibodies against SEC. Specificity was compared with antibody raised against whole SEC recombinant protein using Western blot and dot blot assays. High specificity was achieved through the developed strategy signifying its possible application to address cross-reactivity problem associated with closely related antigens.

Development of an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for detection of cyathane diterpenoids

Background

So-called cyathane type diterpenoids are produced as secondary metabolites by basidiomycetes. Based on their antibacterial, fungicidal, and cytotoxic properties, cyathane type terpenoids represent interesting target compounds in fungal biotechnology.

Results

An indirect competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay has been developed for detection of cyathane type diterpenoids. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies were raised against a mixture of striatal A and B conjugated to bovine serum albumin. The conditions for direct attachment of the hapten striatal B to a solid phase by passive adsorption were optimized. The cross reactivities of the striatals A, C and D, of the striatins A and B, and of the erinacines C and P to striatal B were determined. The validation study showed that the ELISA was precise and sensitive. The average IC₅₀ of striatal B was 36.0 ng mL⁻¹ with an inter-assay coefficient of variation (CV) of 13.2% (n = 5). Recoveries from striatal B spiked samples in the assay were in the range of 97.3 – 125.9%. A good correlation between the striatal B concentration measured by the ELISA and by HPLC-DAD (y = 1.1122× – 0.1585, R² = 0.9942) was obtained from linear regression analysis. The suitability of the ELISA for detection of cyathane type diterpenoids in submerged cultures and fruiting bodies of H. erinaceus was studied. It showed cross reactivity with supernatants from submerged cultures and extracts thereof, but did not show cross reactivity with extracts from fruiting bodies.

Conclusions

The developed method is appropriate for qualitative and quantitative detection of cyathane diterpenoids in complex mixtures. Due to its high sensitivity and specificity, it represents an ideal screening method for discovering new cyathane diterpenoids and new potential producers of them.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12896-014-0098-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Monoclonal antibodies requiring coating buffer with low pH for efficient antigen capture in sandwich ELISA: the rarities or practically important phenomena?

This article reexamines some opinions concerning pH requirements for optimal immobilization of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) by passive adsorption in antigen capture ELISA. It was discovered that substitution of "classical" sodium phosphate (pH 7.5) and carbonate (pH 9.5) coating solutions by acid (pH 2.8) buffers maximized antigen capture 4 out of 10 different tested anti-HBsAg mAbs, resulting in a 1.5-2.5 increase of binding curve coefficients. By measuring both mAbs amounts and functionality, the enhancement effect was attributed to the better preservation of solid phase antibodies activity.

Stages in ELISA

This chapter gives general information on essential practical features of ELISAs. These can be summarized as follows: 1. Adsorption of antigen or antibody to the plastic solid phase. 2. Addition of the test sample and subsequent reagents. 3. Incubation of reactants. 4. Separation of bound and free reactants by washing. 5. Addition of enzyme-labeled reagent. 6. Addition of enzyme detection system (color development). 7. Visual or spectrophotometric reading of the assay.

Highly sensitive optical detection of specific protein in breast cancer cells using microstructured fiber in extremely low sample volume

A simple optical method using hollow-core photonic crystal fiber for protein detection has been described. In this study, estrogen receptor (ER) from a MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell lysates immobilized inside a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber was detected using anti-ER primary antibody with either Alexa Fluor 488 (green fluorescent dye) or 555 (red Fluorescent dye) labeled Goat anti-rabbit IgG as the secondary antibody. The fluorescence fingerprints of the ERalpha protein were observed under fluorescence microscope, and its optical characteristics were analyzed. The ERalpha protein detection by this proposed method is based on immuno binding from sample volume as low as 50 nL. This method is expected to offer great potential as a biosensor for medical diagnostics and therapeutics applications.

Production of anti-peptide antisera

The protocols described in this unit can be used for generating and testing anti-peptide antisera, assuming that a scientist has already selected and conjugated peptides for experimental vaccines. Described are immunization and bleeding of experimental animals, a simple ELISA for antiserum screening, and affinity purification of the serum, including preparation of columns.

New multiple antigenic peptide-based enzyme immunoassay for detection of simian immunodeficiency virus infection in nonhuman primates and humans

Infections with human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2, respectively) are zoonotic infections. In Africa, the potential exists for additional cross-species transmissions from at least 33 different species of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected nonhuman primates (NHPs) through hunting and butchering of these animals for food. Here we describe a highly sensitive and specific enzyme immunoassay (EIA) with chemically modified, multiple antigenic peptides (MAPs) developed for the detection and discrimination of antibodies to SIV genetic lineages. The SIV EIA was developed by using a comprehensive array of MAPs covering two envelope gene regions from all of the SIV lineages for which env sequences were available. Assay sensitivity was evaluated by using 63 plasma or serum samples obtained from primates naturally or experimentally infected with SIVs from 10 genetic lineages. Assay specificity was determined by using 97 known SIV-negative plasma specimens from these same species. Also used in the evaluations were 369 human samples: 198 HIV seronegative, 170 HIV-1 and/or HIV-2 seropositive, and 1 from a human SIVsm infection. Overall assay sensitivity and specificity were 100% with both immunodominant region (IDR) and V3 region MAPs. Although SIV env sequences from talapoin monkeys were not available for specific MAP inclusion, 5 (100%) of 5 SIVtal-infected samples were detected through cross-reactivity with other SIV IDR MAPs used in the assay. The one human SIVsm infection was identified. In conclusion, our SIV MAP EIA proved to be highly sensitive and specific for detecting SIV infections in NHPs and humans. As shown with SIV-infected talapoin monkeys, this assay has the potential to detect previously unidentified SIV strains and should be suitable for sentinel surveillance for potential new cross-species transmissions of SIVs to humans.

Production and characterization of peptide mimotopes of phenolic glycolipid-I ofMycobacterium leprae

Phenolic glycolipid-I (PGL-I), a Mycobacterium leprae-specific antigen, has been widely used for the serodiagnosis of leprosy and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of leprosy. In an effort to produce an alternate antigen of PGL-I, the mimotope peptides of PGL-I, W(T/R)LGPY(V/M), were obtained using a monoclonal antibody, III603.8, specific to PGL-I by a phage library. The biotin-labeled predominant mimotope peptide of PGLP1, WTLGPYV, bound to III603.8 in a dose-dependent manner in an immunoassay. However, PGLP1 did not bind to anti-PGL-I antibodies in the serum samples from leprosy patients that were reactive to PGL-I. Although the mimotope peptide of WTLGPYV was not effective as an alternate antigen of PGL-I for the serodiagnosis of leprosy, but it would be of interest to know how the mimotope peptides mimic the role of PGL-I antigen in the pathogenesis of M. leprae infection.

Development of generic continuous-flow enzyme immunoassay system for analysis of aminoglycosides in serum

A simple generic continuous-flow enzyme immunoassay (CFEIA) for analysis of aminoglycosides in serum has been successfully developed. The developed assay employed a specific monoclonal antibody and beta-galactosidase (beta-GAL) enzyme as label. The assay involves an off-line competitive binding reaction between the analyte and free labelled analyte for the binding sites of the antibody. After equilibrium is reached, the sample was injected into the flow system. The bound antibody complexes with the analyte and the labelled analyte were trapped in a protein G column, while the unbound free labelled analyte was eluted and detected colorimetrically down-stream, after reaction with chlorophenolic red-beta-D-galactopyranoside as a substrate for the beta-GAL enzyme. The concentration of the analyte in a sample was quantified by its ability to inhibit the binding of the analyte-enzyme conjugate to the antibody, and the signal was directly proportional to the concentration of the analyte in the original sample. The optimum conditions for the developed CFEIA were investigated and applied to the analysis of tobramycin, as a representative example of the aminoglycosides, in serum samples. The detection limit of the assay was 0.06 microgml(-1). The assay showed good precision; the coefficients of variation were 2.49-4.33 and 3.30-6.82% for intra- and inter-assay precision, respectively. Serum matrix constituents and the endogenous compounds did not interfere with the assay. Analytical recovery of spiked tobramycin, in the concentration range between 0.5 and 8.0 microgml(-1), was 101.55+/-3.14. The assay results correlated well with those obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography (r=0.991). All the obtained results strongly demonstrate that the developed CFEIA is a suitable method for a rapid and reliable analysis of aminoglycosides in serum.

Antibody responses to the repetitive Plasmodium falciparum antigen Pf332 in humans naturally primed to the parasite

Antibodies to the degenerate repeats of EB200, a part of the Plasmodium falciparum antigen Pf332, are protective in monkeys. To analyse the prevalence, magnitude and specificity of antibodies to EB200 in malaria-exposed humans, the IgG antibody reactivity with recombinant EB200 protein as well as with crude malaria antigen was determined in Senegalese donors (n = 100; 4-87 years). Antibody reactivity with EB200 was low or absent in children below 15 years but was prevalent and significantly higher in older donors. In comparison, all individuals displayed reactivity with a crude malaria antigen preparation, which also increased with age. The reactivity with the crude malaria antigen was correlated to the reactivity with EB200, suggesting that the low levels of IgG to EB200 found in some adult donors reflected a limited degree of recent exposure to parasites rather than a selective non-responsiveness to Pf332. Comparison of serological and clinical data showed that high levels of antibodies to crude malaria antigen and to EB200 were predictive of fewer future clinical attacks of malaria. A reactivity pattern very similar to that found in Senegalese donors was observed in Liberian adults where 80% of the sera showed reactivity with EB200 and all peptides were recognized by between 60 and 100% of the donors. This strong reactivity with EB200-derived overlapping peptides suggests that the epitopes in EB200, to a large extent, are linear. In the light of previous data on the parasite neutralizing capacity of antibodies to Pf332, the present results emphasize the potential interest of Pf332-derived sequences for inclusion in a subunit vaccine against P. falciparum malaria.

Comparing tandem repeats and multiple antigenic peptides as the antigens to detect antibodies by enzyme immunoassay

Short synthetic peptides are useful alternatives to whole lysate or recombinant proteins as the antigens used for serodiagnosis of bacterial or viral infections. However, certain known antigenic peptides displayed low seroreactivities in direct enzyme immunoassay. This was believed to be due to the low coating efficiency, a constrained orientation, or loss of flexibility required for optimal antibody binding. Using a model peptide system derived from the V3-loop of HIV-1 gp120, we demonstrated that low antigenicity could be overcome by using either tandem repeats (TR) or multiple antigenic peptides (MAPs) which contained the same amino acid sequence as the monomeric peptide. In our model system, a four-branch MAP was a better choice compared to the tandem repeats because of the MAP's slightly higher sensitivity and lower cost of production.

Synthesis of mono- and bifunctional peptide-dextran conjugates for the immobilization of peptide antigens on ELISA plates: properties and application

Dextran has been used as a carrier molecule for the synthesis of monofunctional peptide-dextran conjugates. The immunodetection of such carrier immobilized peptides on ELISA plates was compared to that of peptides adsorbed directly to immunoplates. The main features observed with peptide-dextran conjugates were as follows: only small amounts of peptide (1-2 mg) were necessary for coupling via alpha- or epsilon-amino groups to NaIO4-activated dextran (4 mg); the coupling yield was up to 68%; an amino acid analysis of the conjugate enabled the amount of carrier immobilized peptide to be calculated; an estimated 15-17 peptides were bound per dextran molecule (MW 73,500); using a carbohydrate as carrier reduces the possibility of non-specific interactions because no hydrophobic or ionic sites and no protein-like epitopes exist on the carrier apart from the peptide ligand. It can be assumed that some peptide ligands provide the forces for an interaction with the plate surface whereas other remain free for the interaction with the antibody. Thus, the detection with monoclonal anti-peptide antibodies allowed peptide-dextran conjugates to be used at coating concentrations of 1-3 nM peptide, corresponding to 0.6-2.6 ng peptide-dextran per well. In contrast, concentrations of 150-500 nM were required for coating with peptides. The applicability of monofunctional peptide-dextran conjugates was demonstrated by investigating the titer and specificity of a polyclonal anti-peptide serum developed against human gastrointestinal glutathione peroxidase. The introduction of biotin as a second ligand of the dextran conjugate permitted its capture on streptavidin coated plates. This synthesis of bifunctional peptide-biotin-dextran conjugates opens up additional possibilities for applications.

Direct coating of poly(lys) or acetyl-thio-acetyl peptides to polystyrene: the effects in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Direct adsorption of small peptides to polystyrene surfaces is often not satisfactory. Therefore, a simple and general coating procedure to improve the coating efficiency of small synthetic peptide antigens to polystyrene is described. In this study, the binding capacities of four small synthetic peptides N-terminally linked to various moieties during synthesis were compared to their parent counterparts in terms of the amount of peptide coat concentration required to achieve 50% of the maximum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay signal. Elongation of a short epitope sequence by an N-terminal acetyl-thio-acetyl (Ata) group or a lysyl moiety resulted in an enormous reduction in peptide coat concentration for all tested peptides of net two to four orders of magnitude when corrected for chain elongation. The optimal length of the lysyl moiety depended on the length of the model peptide. Replacement of both extensions by analogues (i.e., Ata analogues and other basic amino acid residues in the case of the lysyl moiety) was possible without reducing their enhancing properties to a great extent. Additional experiments showed that a lysyl moiety consisting of a linear stretch of seven lysyl moiety consisting of a linear stretch of seven lysyl residues was more effective in comparison to a branched lysyl construct and could easily compete with the multiple antigen peptide approach.

Generation of antibodies to human IL-12 and amphiregulin by immunization of Balb/c mice with diepitope multiple antigen peptides

Six peptide sequences derived from the human proteins/oligopeptides IL-12, amphiregulin and FALL-39 were synthesized in order to raise specific antibodies in Balb/c mice. Although peptides are valuable tools for generating specific antibodies, they are often poor immunogens due to their small size and lack of relevant T-cell epitopes. To circumvent these limitations, the human peptides were co-synthesized in diepitope multiple antigen peptides (MAP) with a known H-2d-restricted T helper-cell epitope. The importance of including a T-cell epitope in the diepitope MAPs was demonstrated by the fact that only one of the human peptides was immunogenic as a monoepitope MAP, lacking the T-cell epitope. Conversely, all diepitope MAPs generated potent antibody responses to the desired human peptides as well as to the T-cell epitope. A certain degree of variability of the antibody responses to the diepitope MAPs indicated that the alterable component, i.e. the human B-cell epitope, influenced the T-cell help elicited by the T-cell epitope. Still, the relative conformity of the B-cell responses suggests that this strategy is generally applicable for a rational production of specific antibodies. Moreover, antiserum to four diepitope MAPs recognized the corresponding full-length human protein/oligopeptide as did monoclonal antibodies made against IL-12-and amphiregulin-based MAPs.

Predominance of H-2d- and H-2k-restricted T-cell epitopes in the highly repetitive Plasmodium falciparum antigen Pf332

Genetic restriction of immune responses to malaria antigens is an important issue for a better comprehension of malaria immunity as well as for development of subunit vaccines. To experimentally define the major histocompatibility complex restriction of immune responses to the highly repetitive Plasmodium falciparum high-molecular-weight antigen Pf332, H-2-congenic mice were immunized with EB200, a recombinant fragment of Pf332 consisting of degenerate repeat motifs. Strong B- and T-cell responses were elicited in H-2d and H-2k mice whereas responses in H-2b, H-2q and H-2s mice were of lower magnitude. The T-cell specificity elicited by EB200 was defined by in vitro proliferative responses to a panel of overlapping peptides spanning EB200. Dominant epitopes were identified for H-2d and H-2k mice, respectively, and an additional epitope was recognized by all five mouse strains. Selected EB200-derived peptides were further investigated for their ability to elicit T-cell help when injected as multiple antigen peptides. Defined H-2d- and H-2k-restricted T-cell epitopes generated high antibody levels in the respective mouse strains, as did several peptides lacking defined epitopes indicating the presence of additional H-2d- and H-2k-restricted, cryptic or subdominant T-cell epitopes in EB200. The biased H-2 restriction pattern of T-cell epitopes in Pf332 and, as previously reported, in structurally related repeats in the malaria antigens Pf11.1 and Pf155/RESA may be explained by a shared motif for H-2d and H-2k class II-restricted T-cell epitopes, as revealed by alignment of these sequences.

Preferential labeling of alpha-amino N-terminal groups in peptides by biotin: application to the detection of specific anti-peptide antibodies by enzyme immunoassays

Experimental conditions (pH 6.5, 24 h reaction, peptide:biotin ratio 1:5) were defined for preferential incorporation of the biotin molecule in the N-terminal alpha-amino group of peptides. This strategy could be helpful in numerous applications when an entire peptide chain must remain accessible for antibody or receptor binding. We illustrate this advantage in a solid-phase enzyme immunoassay designed to detect antibodies specific for bovine beta-lactoglobulin present in rabbit or human sera. This test involves synthetic peptides biotinylated in different positions and immobilized on a solid phase. The use of biotin/streptavidin interactions permitted more efficient detection of specific anti-peptide antibodies than solid phases prepared using conventional passive-adsorption techniques. The highest levels of antibody binding were measured when biotinylation occurred at the N-terminal extremity of immobilized peptides.

Dimerization of an antigenic peptide leads to strong interaction with its antibody

A sequential epitope reacting with a monoclonal antibody against Panulirus interruptus hemocyanin was localized in the C-terminal CNBr peptide. As the antibody reacted with about equal affinity with different subunits of this and with hemocyanin from another spiny lobster, Palinurus vulgaris, the epitope was assigned to a conserved sequence region. The CNBr peptide, which was linked to another peptide via a disulfide bridge, was reduced and reoxidized. As a result, not the heterodimer but only the two disulfide-linked homodimers were formed. The dimeric C-terminal peptide had a much higher affinity for the monoclonal antibody than the monomeric peptide. This may be explained by the presence of two independent mobile interaction sites in each of the two reacting molecules.

Cross-linking of Fas by antibodies to a peculiar domain of gp120 V3 loop can enhance T cell apoptosis in HIV-1-infected patients

Previous studies have demonstrated that T cell-reactive antibodies in HIV-1 infection contribute to lymphocyte depletion by cytotoxicity that involves differential membrane targets, such as the 43.5-kD receptor on CEM cells. Here, we show that these antibodies bind Fas as result of a molecular mimicry of the gp120. Both flow cytometry and immunoblotting using the human Fas-transfected mouse WC8 lymphoma revealed positive binding of immunoglobulin G from several patients to a 43.8-kD membrane receptor that also reacts with the CH11 anti-Fas monoclonal antibody. Specificity to Fas was further confirmed to chimeric recombinant human Fas-Fc by ELISA, whereas overlapping peptide mapping of a Fas domain (VEINCTR-N) shared by gp120 V3 loop demonstrated a predominant affinity to the full-length 10-mer peptide. Four anti-Fas affinity preparations greatly increased the subdiploid DNA peak of CEM cells similar to agonist ligands of Fas. In addition, anti-Fas immunoglobulin G strongly inhibited the [3H]thymidine uptake of CEM cells in proliferative assays, inducing a suppression as high as provoked by both CH11 mAb and recombinant human Fas ligand. Since anti-Fas were reactive to gp120, it is conceivable that antibodies binding that domain within the V3 region are effective cross-linkers of Fas and increase apoptosis in peripheral T cells. These results suggest that autologous stimulation of the Fas pathway, rather than of lymphocytotoxic antibodies, may aggravate lymphopenia in a number of HIV-1+ subjects.

Comparison of three methods for competitive binding of monoclonal antibodies. The localization of antigenic sites for monoclonal antibodies on Panulirus interruptus hemocyanin

The competitive binding of a panel of monoclonal antibodies against hemocyanin of Panulirus interruptus hemocyanin was investigated with three different methods. A competitive-binding immunoassay method was more successful in the determination of ternary complexes than gel electrophoresis and gel filtration. The latter two methods could only be applied with antibodies possessing a higher affinity. Eleven monoclonal antibodies were assigned to groups on the basis of their interactions with five antigenic regions.

Immunological identification of A1 adenosine receptors in brain cortex

The A1 adenosine receptor from pig brain cortex has been identified by means of two antipeptide antibodies against two domains of the receptor molecule: PC/10 antiserum was raised against a part of the third intracellular loop, and PC/20 antiserum was raised against a part of the second extracellular loop. PC/10 antibody was able to recognize a 39-kDa band that corresponded to the A1 receptor, as demonstrated by immunoblotting and by immunoprecipitation of the molecule cross-linked to [125I](R)-2-azido-N2-p-hydroxy(phenylisopropyl)adenosine. Besides the 39-kDa band, PC/20 also recognized a 74-kDa form that does not seem to correspond to a receptor-G protein complex. The occurrence of the two bands was detected and analyzed in samples from different species and tissues showing a heterogeneous distribution of both. The 74-kDa form can be converted into the 39-kDa form by treatment with agonists or antagonists of A1 adenosine receptors. These results suggest that A1 adenosine receptor can occur in dimers and that the dimer-monomer conversion might be regulated by adenosine as the physiological ligand. Since the 74-kDa aggregates were not recognized by PC/10, it is likely that part of the third intracellular loop participates in the protein-protein interaction.

Binding kinetics of monoclonal antibody using antigen-beta-galactosidase hybrid protein: application to measurement of peptide antigenicity

A simple method for determination of binding kinetics of a solid-phase antibody using antigen-beta-galactosidase hybrid protein was evaluated. To minimize conformational change of the antigen binding site of the antibody when directly binding to a microtiter plate, the microtiter plate was precoated with protein A. The binding and free antigen concentrations were directly obtained from the beta-galactosidase activity. This method can be used for analyses of the equilibrium dissociation constant (KD), and the association (Kass) and dissociation (Kdiss) rate constants. Peptide antigenicity was also analyzed by competitive ELISA using this method. Since both antigen-beta-galactosidase and the peptide used are localized in the fluid-phase, the proper affinity constant (KA) of the peptide can be estimated from the KD value of the antigen-beta-galactosidase-antibody interaction, and from the IC50 value of the peptide.

Hydrocoating: a new method for coupling biomolecules to solid phases

Solid-phase immunoassays such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays require one of the assay components to be immobilized. Most frequently this is achieved by passive adsorption of the antigen or antibody to a hydrophobic polymer surface composed of, e.g., polystyrene. Alternatively the biomolecule can be bound indirectly via passively adsorbed carrier proteins or directly via functional groups on the solid phase using cross-linking agents. Here we describe a new technique--hydrocoating--for covalent immobilization of biomolecules, such as peptides, in highly hydrophilic surroundings. Peptides were immobilized on microtiter plates via covalent bonds to an activated hydrophilic polymer. Soluble dextran was activated using 2,2,2-triflouroethanesulphonyl chloride (tresyl chloride) leading to activation of hydroxyl groups on the dextran polymer. This activated dextran molecule was immobilized on a surface containing amino groups leaving a sufficient number of active groups for secondary binding of other biomolecules. Peptides, that were either undetectable or poorly recognized when adsorbed on polystyrene, were readily recognized when immobilized by the hydrocoating technique. Furthermore, peptides immobilized by this method were recognized 5-10-fold better compared to the same peptides immobilized covalently on a surface containing secondary amino groups. The technique appears to provide an alternative to passive adsorption of biomolecules on solid phases and may be useful in the future development of immunoassays.

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against Panulirus interruptus hemocyanin

Since the primary and higher-order structures of hemocyanin from the crustacean arthropod Panulirus interruptus have been elucidated completely, it should be possible to determine which regions of this immunogenic molecule are recognized most often by antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies were raised against subunits a and b of this hemocyanin, and fourteen of them were further characterized. The produced antibodies were of class IgG, subclasses 1 or 2a. Most of them had dissociation constants on the order of magnitude 10(-8)-10(-10), a few had lower affinities. Most clones showed no or negligible cross-reactivity with other crustacean hemocyanins. The reactivity of most other clones diminished with increasing sequence difference between the investigated hemocyanins. However, in a few instances a stronger reactivity with other hemocyanins was observed than with that from Panulirus interruptus. After complete denaturation of the hemocyanin there was no reaction with the monoclonal antibodies, indicating that the latter recognize conformational epitopes. Only one monoclonal antibody reacted with denatured hemocyanin. This antibody was also the only one which reacted with a CNBr digest, which means that it recognizes a sequential epitope. Several antibodies showed a faint reaction on Western blots, indicating the presence of some refolded native structure. Limited proteolysis of the hemocyanin molecule results in the formation of a 18 kDa fragment, representing domain 1, and a 55 kDa fragment representing domains 2 and 3. It was determined on Western blots of the digest on which fragment epitopes for eleven of the monoclonal antibodies were located.

Multiple deficiencies of mitochondrial DNA- and nuclear-encoded subunits of respiratory NADH dehydrogenase detected with peptide- and subunit-specific antibodies in mitochondrial myopathies

Antibodies have been raised against synthetic peptides corresponding to several computer-predicted epitopes of three mtDNA-encoded subunits, ND4, ND5 and ND6, of the human respiratory chain NADH dehydrogenase (Complex I). Antibodies were characterized by a sensitive immunoblotting assay using proteins from human skeletal muscle mitochondria and by immunoprecipitation of radio-labeled HeLa cell mitochondrial translation products. Only antibodies against two of six selected peptides of the ND4 subunit, i.e., the C-terminal peptide and an internal peptide close to the C-terminus, reacted in both assays with the subunit. Antibodies raised against an internal peptide close to the N-terminus of the ND5 subunit and antibodies raised against an internal epitope of the ND6 subunit also reacted in both the immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation assays. The antibodies described above and other Complex I subunit- or holoenzyme-specific antibodies were used to investigate the subunit deficiencies of the respiratory NADH dehydrogenase in the skeletal muscle of patients affected by mitochondrial myopathies associated with Complex I defects. The reduction in enzyme activity correlated in an immunoblot assay with a decrease of four mtDNA-encoded subunits of the enzyme, as well as with a decrease of other subunits of Complex I encoded in the nDNA. The present work provides the first evidence of a decrease in NADH dehydrogenase subunits encoded in the mitochondrial genome in myopathy patients.

Autoantibodies directed against ribosomal P proteins: use of a multiple antigen peptide as the coating agent in ELISA

Autoantibodies directed against the ribosomal proteins P0, P1 and P2 (P proteins) are specific for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and there are some evidences that they could be related to the neuropsychiatric manifestations of the disease. In this study, a multiple antigen peptide (MAP) carrying four copies of the C-terminal peptide (13 residues) of the P2 protein, which is a common epitope of the three P proteins, was prepared for use in an ELISA assay. It was employed to detect antibodies directed against the ribosomal P proteins in 102 SLE patients and the results were compared with those obtained using immunoblotting (IB). With this new ELISA, antiribosomal P protein antibodies were found in 15/102 SLE sera. These results correlated well with the results of IB. Furthermore, we confirmed that naturally occurring antiribosomal P protein antibodies are directed mainly against the epitope containing the C-terminal sequence and shared by the three P proteins. MAP appears to be an excellent coating agent for ELISA assays designed to detect anti-P antibodies. Further experiments showed the superiority of MAP, compared to the free peptide, in the detection of weakly positive sera. This ELISA can also be used for the serological follow-up of SLE patients.

Identification of the core residues of the epitope of a monoclonal antibody raised against glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus type 1 by screening of a random peptide library

Random peptide libraries (RPL) displayed on the surface of a filamentous bacteriophage can be used to identify peptide ligands that interact with target molecules. We have used a 15-amino acid residue RPL displayed on bacteriophage M13 to identify the core residues within the epitope of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) A16 which interacts with a continuous epitope restricted to amino acid residues 9 to 19 in the N-terminal region of glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus type 1 (gD-1). The single peptide sequence obtained after three rounds of selection contained identical residues at three positions compared to the authentic gD-1 sequence. Synthetic peptides were prepared based on the sequence of the original epitope and the phage-derived epitope. The binding constants (Ka) with mAb A16 were determined using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor technology. The RPL-derived peptide and peptide 9-19 of gD-1 had approximately the same affinity for mAb A16. This suggests that those residues within the epitope that are essential for binding were identified. The synthesis of shorter versions of the RPL-derived peptide restricted the binding region to seven amino acid residues. These results show that minimal information retrieved from the screening of an RPL combined with peptide synthesis can characterize the epitope of an mAb with high resolution. Immunization of mice with the phage-derived peptide protected against a challenge with a lethal dose of herpes simplex virus type 1 equally well as the gD-1 derived peptide.

An immunodominant epitope in a functional domain near the N-terminus of human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor identified by cross-reaction of synthetic peptides with neutralizing anti-protein and anti-peptide antibodies

We produced polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against recombinant human (rh) granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and performed studies of epitope mapping by ELISA, using five synthetic peptides corresponding to sequences along this molecule. Additionally, anti-peptide MAbs were generated. The antibody ability to inhibit rhGM-CSF activity was determined using as bioassay the MO7e cell line, which is dependent on hGM-CSF for growth in vitro. An immunodominant epitope able to induce the highest neutralization antibody titers was identified near the N terminus of hGM-CSF. A synthetic peptide 14-24, homologous to a sequence including part of the first alpha-helix of the molecule, was recognized by neutralizing anti-protein antibodies. Similarly, MAbs anti- 14-24 cross-reacted with rhGM-CSF and specifically blocked its function. Replacement of Val16 or Asn17 with alanine greatly reduced the antibody-binding capacity to peptide 14-24, whereas substitution of Gln20 or Glu21 was less critical. Monoclonal antibodies generated against residues 30-41 (corresponding to an intrahelical loop) and 79-91 (homologous to a sequence including part of the third alpha-helix) or its analog [Ala88](79-91)beta Ala-Cys, were conformation dependent and nonneutralizing: they failed to react or bound poorly to rhGM-CSF in ELISA, but readily recognized the homologous sequence in the denatured protein, by Western blotting.

Linear epitopes of HIV-1, presented as hybrids with Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase or synthetic peptides

HIV-1 B cell epitopes from gp41, the T cell epitope of p34pol, and a cluster of B and T epitopes from p17gag were selected. The epitopes were presented as synthetic peptides and as either N- or C-terminal insertions into beta-galactosidase. Hybrids were efficiently expressed in E. coli and easily purified when epitopes were inserted at the beta-galactosidase C terminus. Sera from HIV-1-infected individuals reacted in peptide- and hybrid protein-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) mostly with the immunodominant site of gp41. The second site of gp41 and also sites from p17 and p34 appeared to be immunorecessive. A few of the HIV-1-positive sera exhibited several immunorecessive reactivities. HIV-1-positive sera from the former Soviet Union and Cuba had reactivities similar to those of American, African, and west European sera. Some sera could not be evaluated as specifically HIV-1 seropositive because of their broad reactivities with a multitude of peptides and proteins, unrelated to HIV-1. Extensive tests were performed to define unspecific reactivities by absorption, blocking, and sandwich ELISAs. The application of the hybrid protein assay substantially improved the specificity of the ELISA tests. Thus, hybrid protein-based ELISAs appeared to be more suitable than peptide-based ELISAs, especially for the evaluation of immunorecessive reactivities.

A versatile synthetic peptide-based ELISA for identifying antibody epitopes

A simple, versatile and very inexpensive procedure for cross-linking synthetic peptides to the polystyrene surfaces of micro-well assay plates for use in ELISA was developed. The method is based on the use of poly-L-lysine (PLL) as the anchor protein for synthetic peptides which were then easily and covalently linked to the PLL using glutaraldehyde. The synthetic peptides used for the study were based on the amino acid sequence of the equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) envelope sequence and evaluated as antigens in an ELISA designed to detect antibodies in serum of EIAV-infected horses and ponies. The ELISA using cross-linked peptides proved to be significantly more sensitive when compared to assays where passively coated peptides were used. In one instance, a peptide was identified that was not recognized by any of our antisera and appeared not to bind to the assay plates. However, once this peptide was cross-linked to the assay plate it proved to be very useful for detecting EIAV-specific antibodies. This cross-linking approach functioned equally well with peptides of various charges and sizes and did not appear to alter epitopes contained in the peptides.

Identification of B-cell epitopes on the S4 subunit of pertussis toxin

The main purpose of the present study was to identify B-cell epitopes on the S4 subunit of pertussis toxin (PT) by the synthetic peptide approach. Two strategies were followed: (i) screening of two series of overlapping peptides (12- and 25-residue peptides) covering the entire S4 sequence by a panel of murine monoclonal anti-PT antibodies and various polyclonal anti-PT antisera in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and (ii) analysis of the S4 amino acid sequence by a predictive algorithm followed by synthesis and immunization of mice with the predicted peptides coupled to diphtheria toxoid. The anti-peptide conjugate antisera were tested in an ELISA for cross-reactivity with native PT, B oligomer, and S4. Screening of the free peptides in an ELISA by the PT antisera indicated the presence of six B-cell epitope-containing domains covered by residues 18 to 32, 33 to 46, 39 to 52, 51 to 65, 71 to 84, and 91 to 106. None of the peptides, however, were recognized by the monoclonal anti-PT antibodies in an ELISA. Immunization with six computer-predicted peptides (B1 to B6) and three potential T-cell epitopes (T1 to T3) gave rise to very high antibody responses towards the homologous conjugates. With the exception of the anti-T1/diphtheria toxoid antisera, all anti-peptide conjugate antisera cross-reacted with PT in an ELISA at different levels. None of these anti-peptide conjugate antisera, however, showed any PT-neutralizing effect as measured by the Chinese hamster ovary cell assay and the leukocytosis-promoting activity test. The results of the present study suggest that discontinuous epitopes are predominant in the S4 subunit of native PT.

Immunogenicity of overlapping synthetic peptides covering the entire sequence of Haemophilus influenzae type b outer membrane protein P2

Haemophilus influenzae type b is a major cause of bacterial meningitis in young children. Antibodies against the outer membrane protein P2 are protective in the infant rat model of bacteremia. To identify conserved, surface-exposed, and protective epitopes of P2, 17 overlapping peptides covering the entire sequence of the protein were synthesized. Antisera from mice, guinea pigs, and rabbits raised against chromatographically purified P2 were tested for their reactivities to the peptides by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Three major linear immunodominant B-cell epitopes were mapped to residues 53 to 81, 241 to 265, and 314 to 341 of mature P2. Human convalescent-phase antisera also reacted strongly with these three epitopes. Rabbit antisera against all peptide-keyhole limpet hemocyanin conjugates except two peptides containing residues 8 to 19 and 302 to 319 recognized the corresponding peptides in ELISA and reacted with P2 on immunoblots. Immunization with all unconjugated peptides, except the 19 N-terminal residues, induced very strong peptide-specific antibody responses, and these antisera reacted with P2 on immunoblots. Rabbit antisera raised against peptides corresponding to residues 1 to 14, 125 to 150, 193 to 219, and 241 to 319 also recognized P2 purified from H. influenzae nontypeable isolates. Identification of these immunodominant B-cell epitopes and conserved regions is a first step toward the rational design of a universal H. influenzae vaccine.

Identification of surface-exposed B-cell epitopes recognized by Haemophilus influenzae type b P1-specific monoclonal antibodies

A panel of P1 synthetic peptides was synthesized to map the surface-exposed epitopes of Haemophilus influenzae type b outer membrane protein P1 recognized by three murine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs 7C8, 3E12, and 6B1). By using peptide-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, MAbs 6B1, 7C8, and 3E12 were shown to recognize distinct epitopes localized within residues 60 to 88, 165 to 193, and 400 to 437 of mature P1, respectively. Since MAb 7C8 was shown previously to be protective against certain H. influenzae type b subtypes in the infant rat model of bacteremia, its cognate epitope was further characterized by using truncated peptide analogs. Fine mapping of the 7C8 epitope by competitive inhibition studies revealed that it was localized within residues 184 and 193.