Immunochemical studies on monoclonal antibodies to stearyl-isomaltotetraose from C58/J and a C57BL/10 nude mouse

Carbohydrate microarrays for the recognition of cross-reactive molecular markers of microbes and host cells

We describe here the development of a carbohydrate-based microarray to extend the scope of biomedical research on carbohydrate-mediated molecular recognition and anti-infection responses. We have demonstrated that microbial polysaccharides can be immobilized on a surface-modified glass slide without chemical conjugation. With this procedure, a large repertoire of microbial antigens (approximately 20,000 spots) can be patterned on a single micro-glass slide, reaching the capacity to include most common pathogens. Glycoconjugates of different structural characteristics are shown here to be applicable for microarray fabrication, extending the repertoires of diversity and complexity of carbohydrate microarrays. The printed microarrays can be air-dried and stably stored at room temperature for long periods of time. In addition, the system is highly sensitive, allowing simultaneous detection of a broad spectrum of antibody specificities with as little as a few microliters of serum specimen. Finally, the potential of carbohydrate microarrays is demonstrated by the discovery of previously undescribed cellular markers, Dex-Ids.

T-Independent IgA Responses to Microbial Polysaccharides

There is accumulating evidence indicating the presence in vivo of T-independent routes of IgA response in addition to the conventional T-dependent IgA response. Factors influencing these alternative pathways of IgA responses may include the structural characteristics of a stimulating antigen, the nature of responding B cells, and the microenvironment. The structural complexity of polysaccharide antigens has made it difficult to summarize a general scheme for the antibody responses they induce. Instead, one may expect that each individual polysaccharide may be able to create a unique microenvironment by activation of specific cell populations in the repertoires of non-T cell types. A specific pattern of B cell response may thus be elicited by TI stimulation. Recognition of such a unique property of a TI antigens is necessary for us to better understand the T-independent IgA response. Information obtained may have an impact on the development of vaccination strategies directed at the mucosal immunity mediated by IgA antibodies.

Reaction of germinal centers in the T-cell-independent response to the bacterial polysaccharide alpha(1-->6)dextran

Primary immunization of BALB/c mice with alpha(1-->6)dextran (DEX), a native bacterial polysaccharide, induces an unexpected pattern of splenic B-cell responses. After a peak of antibody-secreting B-cell response at day 4, deposition of dextran-anti-dextran immune complexes, as revealed by staining with both dextran and antibodies to dextran, occurs and persists in splenic follicles until at least the fourth week after immunization. Antigen-specific B cells appear and proliferate in such follicles, leading by day 11 to development of DEX-specific germinal centers as characterized by the presence of distinct regions of DEX+ peanut agglutinin-positive (PNA+) cells. At this time, fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis also reveals the appearance of a distinct population of DEX+ PNA+ splenic B cells. In contrast, DEX+ PNA- cells, characterized by intense cytoplasmic staining, are present outside of splenic follicles, peak at day 4 to day 5, and persist until at least day 28. The frequency of these cells correlates with DEX-specific antibody-secreting cells, as detected by the ELISA-spot assay. Thus, in addition to the expected plasma cellular response, the typical T-cell-independent type II antigen, DEX, surprisingly also elicits the formation of antigen-specific germinal centers. These observations raise fundamental questions about the roles of germinal centers in T-cell-independent immune responses.

A monoclonal IgM kappa from a blood group B individual with specificity for alpha-galactosyl epitopes on partially hydrolyzed blood group B substance

We have characterized a human monoclonal IgM kappa, designated IgMDON, from a blood group B individual. IgMDON is specific for alpha-galactosyl residues on blood group B substance; its fine specificity as defined by hemagglutination, quantitative precipitin, and inhibition ELISA assays was for the defucosylated terminal Gal(alpha 1-3)Gal epitope. Gal(alpha 1-3)Gal epitopes are also found on a variety of normal and pathogenic intestinal bacteria, and polyclonal IgG antibodies with the same specificity are found in the serum of nearly all normal individuals. The specificity of IgMDON was also quite similar to that of a human antiserum, serum 262, obtained by immunizing an individual with blood group B substance that had been subjected to mild acid hydrolysis (BP1). The possible ways whereby IgMDON might have arisen are discussed.

Variable region cDNA sequences of three mouse monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies specific for anti-alpha(1----6)dextrans with groove- or cavity-type combining sites

The variables regions of three syngeneic anti-idiotypic antibodies (Ab2s) were cloned and sequenced. They are encoded by different VL genes, two are from different members of V kappa-Ox1 superfamily. The H chains are encoded by VH genes belonging to three different VH families, J558, Q52 and 7183. Together with a previous report from this laboratory, the nucleotide sequences of four Ab2s to anti-alpha(1----6)dextrans have been presented. They are derived from a number of unrelated germline genes, and differ from similar studies in anti-NP, anti-GAT and anti-Ars systems. Three of four Ab2s in the anti-alpha(1----6)dextran system appear to have D-D fusions, which has also been reported in several other Ab2s.

Analysis of the interaction between an alpha (1----6)dextran-specific mouse hybridoma antibody and dextran B512 by affinity electrophoresis

Carbohydrates are common environmental antigens. As dextran B512 is composed of a repeating structure of simple antigenic determinants, it is widely used to study the immunochemical properties of immunoglobulins. Two-dimensional affinity electrophoresis patterns of a mouse monoclonal antidextran antibody (35.8.2H; IgG1, BALB/c) were produced to obtain insights into the microheterogeneity of the monoclonal antibody. The monoclonal antibody was separated into about six spots which had an identical affinity to dextran B512, but differed in their isoelectric points (pI). In addition, the pH dependence of the binding affinity of this antidextran to dextran B512 was examined. By comparing affinities obtained by affinity electrophoresis between weakly basic (pH 9.5) and weakly acidic (pH 3.8) discontinuous buffer systems, the latter showed an affinity about 500 times lower than the former. The change in the affinity was investigated with a continuous pH gradient by an affinity titration curve and was seen to change markedly at about pH 6. This suggests that the histidine at residue 34 in the light-chain CDR1 is largely responsible for the dextran binding.

Specificity and variable region cDNA sequence of an isogeneic monoclonal antiidiotype to an anti-alpha(1----6)dextran

We have characterized a monoclonal isogeneic antiidiotype, IdB5.7, from a BALB/c mouse immunized with the anti-alpha(1----6)dextran C57BL/6 45.21.1. It defined a hapten-inhibitable idiotope expressed on four of the 2 myeloma and 37 hybridoma anti-alpha(1----6)dextrans tested. Sequence comparison of Id+ and Id- anti-alpha(1----6)dextrans suggested that two extra amino acids at VH 100A and 100B and different residues at VH 101 abolish the expression of the idiotope in the Id- anti-alpha(1----6)dextrans. Sequence analysis of the VH of IdB5.7 showed a CDR1 longer than usual and a D segment in CDR3 formed by the fusion of two D minigenes. The IdB5.7 V kappa uses the V kappa 1 germline gene K5.1 with a few substitutions. The D-D fusion in VH CDR3 is a feature which has been reported in several other antiidiotypic antibodies.

The influence of T cells on the immunoglobulin repertoire and the affinity maturation of the immune response against dextran B512 in C57BL/6 mice

A collection of hybridomas from C57BL/6 mice producing antibodies to dextran B512 was analysed and found to reflect the immune response in vivo with regard to immunoglobulin class expression, T cell dependency and antibody affinity. IgM-, IgG-3, and IgG-2b, and IgA-producing hybridomas were found. IgG3-producing hybridomas were obtained from nude mice, indicating T cell independent IgG3 synthesis. All monoclonal antibodies were of kappa light chain. A major anti-dextran idiotype was expressed in many monoclonals. Secondary immune responses to dextran were also suppressed at the hybridoma cell level. However, hybridomas from secondary responses produced antibodies expressing the major idiotype, suggesting that anti-idiotype mediated suppression was not responsible for the reduced secondary response. Most monoclonals belonged to the VHJ558 family, but the IgG3-producing hybridomas showed a preferential use of genes from the VHX24 family. All monoclonals were directed against internal structures of the dextran molecule. The affinity for dextran of the IgG antibodies produced in secondary immune responses was drastically increased, even when the mice were immunized with thymus-independent forms of dextran, indicating that T helper cells need not be involved in affinity maturation of the immune response.

Serum antibody and cellular immune response in mice to dextran B512

Serum antibodies to dextran started to appear 3 days after immunization of C57BL/6 mice. Synthesis of IgM antibodies was followed by IgG3 and IgGA. Other immunoglobulin classes (IgG1, IgG2b, and IgG2a) were very low or absent. The immune response to dextran was also thymus independent with regard to IgG3 and IgA synthesis as demonstrated by the use of nu/nu mice. CBA and C57BL/6 mice were high responders to dextran with regard to IgM synthesis. C57BL/6 mice produced high levels of IgG3 and IgA antibodies, whereas CBA, A/J, and A.TL only synthesized IgM antibodies. A/J and A.TL strains were most frequently low responders with regard to IgM synthesis and CBA/N mice were completely nonresponders with regard to all immunoglobulin classes. The ability to produce anti-dextran antibodies increased with age in high responder strains. This was most pronounced for IgG3 and IgA antibodies, which reached adult levels 3 months after birth. The affinity of anti-dextran antibodies was high and homogeneous in antisera from C57BL/6 mice. Preimmune matural antibodies and antibodies from immunized low responder strains had a low and variable affinity for dextran.

An immunochemical analysis of precipitating and non-precipitating idiotype-anti-idiotype reactions

Two monoclonal IgG3 syngeneic anti-idiotypes are described which form soluble and insoluble complexes with anti-alpha(1----6)dextran hybridoma and myeloma proteins. Specific precipitation was seen when purified anti-alpha(1----6)dextrans were added to ascitic fluid containing IgG3 kappa anti-idiotype. Analysis of the supernatants of the idiotype-anti-idiotype precipitates demonstrated the presence of soluble complexes whose mobilities in polyacrylamide gels could, in some cases, be distinguished from that of free anti-idiotype. An IgG1 kappa anti-idiotype is described which did not form precipitates with anti-alpha(1----6)dextrans unless 3% PEG 6000 was added.

Glycosylation of a VH residue of a monoclonal antibody against alpha (1----6) dextran increases its affinity for antigen

We have observed that antidextran hybridomas with potential N-linked glycosylation sites in VH have higher affinity for polymeric dextran and for isomaltoheptaose than those lacking potential glycosylation sites. In these studies we have used gene transfection and expression techniques to verify that the carbohydrate addition sites in VH were used. The carbohydrate of the VH region was accessible for binding by the lectin Con A. By ELISA analysis it was demonstrated that the aKa of the antibody for dextran was influenced by the presence of carbohydrate in VH, with the aglycosylated antibody having an aKa 15-fold lower than its untreated counterpart. The aKa for antigen of antibodies that contain carbohydrate only in their constant region was unaffected by lack of carbohydrate. Thus, not only the amino acid sequence of the variable region but also its carbohydrate moieties can determine the magnitude of the antigen-antibody interaction.

The specificities of polyclonal and monoclonal anti-idiotypes to anti-alpha(1----6)dextrans; possible correlations of idiotype with amino acid sequence

The specificities of polyclonal and monoclonal anti-idiotypes to three anti-alpha(1----6)dextrans-10.16.1, QUPC52, and W3129--were examined by competition ELISA. A major idiotype was defined by two polyclonal and two monoclonal anti-idiotypes to 10.16.1, and a polyclonal anti-idiotype to QUPC52. Another monoclonal anti-idiotype to 10.16.1 defines a non-overlapping determinant. One monoclonal anti-idiotype to 10.16.1 and one to W3129 were hapten inhibitable. By comparing amino acid sequences of Id+ and Id- anti-alpha(1----6)dextrans, the major idiotype was assigned to residues in VH CDR3, with a possible contribution from VH CDR2, a conclusion supported by the hapten inhibition results. Both a monoclonal and a previously described polyclonal anti-idiotype to W3129 define a determinant found on only W3129, among the anti-alpha(1----6)dextrans tested.