1
|
Williams LE, Frishman WH. Botulinum Toxin: A Potential Cardiovascular Agent? Cardiol Rev 2023:00045415-990000000-00169. [PMID: 37889014 DOI: 10.1097/crd.0000000000000582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is a toxin with a wide repertoire of well-known applications in cosmetics and medicine, such as treating migraine headaches, spasticity, and achalasia, and it has generally been shown to be safe and well-tolerated. In addition to its current successes in clinical practice, studies have also demonstrated the potential of BoNT to be used as a therapeutic agent for many cardiovascular conditions. Prior investigations, as well as trials currently underway, have showcased the safety and potential efficacy of BoNT in applications such as treating ischemia-reperfusion injury, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure. While further study in humans, as well as improved statistical power in efficacy studies, are needed before its prospective use as a treatment for the aforementioned conditions, one might consider BoNT a potential cardiovascular agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Williams
- From the Department of Medicine, New York Medical College/Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY
| | - William H Frishman
- Departments of Medicine and Cardiology, New York Medical College/Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
IŞIK M, BİLİCİ Z, ÇİNE N, ÖZTÜRK S. Usage of Peptide Antigens for Antibody-Based BoNT Detection System. KOCAELI ÜNIVERSITESI SAĞLIK BILIMLERI DERGISI 2021. [DOI: 10.30934/kusbed.935903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
3
|
Walper SA, Lasarte Aragonés G, Sapsford KE, Brown CW, Rowland CE, Breger JC, Medintz IL. Detecting Biothreat Agents: From Current Diagnostics to Developing Sensor Technologies. ACS Sens 2018; 3:1894-2024. [PMID: 30080029 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.8b00420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although a fundamental understanding of the pathogenicity of most biothreat agents has been elucidated and available treatments have increased substantially over the past decades, they still represent a significant public health threat in this age of (bio)terrorism, indiscriminate warfare, pollution, climate change, unchecked population growth, and globalization. The key step to almost all prevention, protection, prophylaxis, post-exposure treatment, and mitigation of any bioagent is early detection. Here, we review available methods for detecting bioagents including pathogenic bacteria and viruses along with their toxins. An introduction placing this subject in the historical context of previous naturally occurring outbreaks and efforts to weaponize selected agents is first provided along with definitions and relevant considerations. An overview of the detection technologies that find use in this endeavor along with how they provide data or transduce signal within a sensing configuration follows. Current "gold" standards for biothreat detection/diagnostics along with a listing of relevant FDA approved in vitro diagnostic devices is then discussed to provide an overview of the current state of the art. Given the 2014 outbreak of Ebola virus in Western Africa and the recent 2016 spread of Zika virus in the Americas, discussion of what constitutes a public health emergency and how new in vitro diagnostic devices are authorized for emergency use in the U.S. are also included. The majority of the Review is then subdivided around the sensing of bacterial, viral, and toxin biothreats with each including an overview of the major agents in that class, a detailed cross-section of different sensing methods in development based on assay format or analytical technique, and some discussion of related microfluidic lab-on-a-chip/point-of-care devices. Finally, an outlook is given on how this field will develop from the perspective of the biosensing technology itself and the new emerging threats they may face.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott A. Walper
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Code 6900, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
| | - Guillermo Lasarte Aragonés
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Code 6900, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
- College of Science, George Mason University Fairfax, Virginia 22030, United States
| | - Kim E. Sapsford
- OMPT/CDRH/OIR/DMD Bacterial Respiratory and Medical Countermeasures Branch, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland 20993, United States
| | - Carl W. Brown
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Code 6900, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
- College of Science, George Mason University Fairfax, Virginia 22030, United States
| | - Clare E. Rowland
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Code 6900, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
- National Research Council, Washington, D.C. 20036, United States
| | - Joyce C. Breger
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Code 6900, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
| | - Igor L. Medintz
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Code 6900, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wijesuriya SD, Pongo E, Tomic M, Zhang F, Garcia-Rodriquez C, Conrad F, Farr-Jones S, Marks JD, Horwitz AH. Antibody engineering to improve manufacturability. Protein Expr Purif 2018; 149:75-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
|
5
|
Thyagarajan B, Potian JG, McArdle JJ, Baskaran P. Perturbation to Cholesterol at the Neuromuscular Junction Confers Botulinum Neurotoxin A Sensitivity to Neonatal Mice. Toxicol Sci 2018. [PMID: 28645175 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfx127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) cleaves SNAP25 at the motor nerve terminals and inhibits stimulus evoked acetylcholine release. This causes skeletal muscle paralysis. However, younger neonatal mice (<P7; <7-days old) are resistant to the neuroparalytic effects of BoNT/A. That is, invivo injection of BoNT/A at the innervations of Extensor digitorum longus muscle in the hindlimbs inhibited the toe spread reflex within 24 hours following BoNT/A injection in adult mouse and in older (>P7) mice. However, neonatal mice younger than 7 days-age remained unaffected by BoNT/A injection. Also, BoNT/A inhibited stimulus evoked acetylcholine release and stimulus-evoked twitch tension of diaphragm nerve muscle preparations (NMPs) of adult mouse and >P7 neonates but not that of <P7. Moreover, NMPs of <P7 showed decreased uptake of fluorescent BoNT/A compared to >P7. However, cholesterol depletion using methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) sensitized <P7 neonates to BoNT/A and facilitated BoNT/A uptake into NMPs obtained from <P7 neonates. Further, MβCD (10 mM; 30 min pretreatment) increased the interaction between synaptic vesicle protein 2 and BoNT/A. Also, cholesterol depletion increased the miniature endplate current in adult NMPs. Interestingly, cholesterol replenishment, invitro, delayed the onset of inhibitory effect of BoNT/A. Collectively, our data suggest that cholesterol rich lipid microdomains are involved in BoNT/A uptake mechanisms during development. Our data demonstrate that cholesterol depletion sensitized neonatal mice (<P7) to BoNT/A while replenishing cholesterol delayed the onset of inhibitory actin of BoNT/A. This suggests that membrane cholesterol modulates neurotoxin sensitivity at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baskaran Thyagarajan
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071
| | - Joseph G Potian
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey 07103
| | - Joseph J McArdle
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey 07103
| | - Padmamalini Baskaran
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hansbauer EM, Skiba M, Endermann T, Weisemann J, Stern D, Dorner MB, Finkenwirth F, Wolf J, Luginbühl W, Messelhäußer U, Bellanger L, Woudstra C, Rummel A, Fach P, Dorner BG. Detection, differentiation, and identification of botulinum neurotoxin serotypes C, CD, D, and DC by highly specific immunoassays and mass spectrometry. Analyst 2016; 141:5281-97. [PMID: 27353114 DOI: 10.1039/c6an00693k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) serotypes C and D and their mosaic variants CD and DC cause severe cases of botulism in animal husbandry and wildlife. Epidemiological data on the exact serotype or toxin variant causing outbreaks are rarely available, mainly because of their high sequence identity and the lack of fast and specific screening tools to detect and differentiate the four similar toxins. To fill this gap, we developed four highly specific sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) able to detect and differentiate botulinum neurotoxins type BoNT/C, D, CD, and DC based on four distinct combinations of specific monoclonal antibodies targeting both conserved and divergent subdomains of the four toxins. Here, highly sensitive detection with detection limits between 2 and 24 pg mL(-1) was achieved. The ELISAs were extensively validated and results were compared with data obtained by quantitative real-time PCR using a panel of Clostridium botulinum strains, real sample materials from veterinary botulism outbreaks, and non-BoNT-producing Clostridia. Additionally, in order to verify the results obtained by ELISA screening, the new monoclonal antibodies were used for BoNT enrichment and subsequent detection (i) on a functional level by endopeptidase mass spectrometry (Endopep-MS) assays and (ii) on a protein sequence level by LC-MS/MS spectrometry. Based on all technical information gathered in the validation study, the four differentiating ELISAs turned out to be highly reliable screening tools for the rapid analysis of veterinary botulism cases and should aid future field investigations of botulism outbreaks and the acquisition of epidemiological data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Hansbauer
- Biological Toxins, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Berlin, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Berger T, Eisenkraft A, Bar-Haim E, Kassirer M, Aran AA, Fogel I. Toxins as biological weapons for terror-characteristics, challenges and medical countermeasures: a mini-review. DISASTER AND MILITARY MEDICINE 2016; 2:7. [PMID: 28265441 PMCID: PMC5330008 DOI: 10.1186/s40696-016-0017-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Toxins are hazardous biochemical compounds derived from bacteria, fungi, or plants. Some have mechanisms of action and physical properties that make them amenable for use as potential warfare agents. Currently, some toxins are classified as potential biological weapons, although they have several differences from classic living bio-terror pathogens and some similarities to manmade chemical warfare agents. This review focuses on category A and B bio-terror toxins recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Botulinum neurotoxin, staphylococcal enterotoxin B, Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin, and ricin. Their derivation, pathogenesis, mechanism of action, associated clinical signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment are discussed in detail. Given their expected covert use, the primary diagnostic challenge in toxin exposure is the early detection of morbidity clusters, apart from background morbidity, after a relatively short incubation period. For this reason, it is important that clinicians be familiar with the clinical manifestations of toxins and the appropriate methods of management and countermeasures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Berger
- Surgeon General Headquarters, IDF Medical Corps, Tel Hashomer, Israel ; Department of Internal Medicine, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Arik Eisenkraft
- Surgeon General Headquarters, IDF Medical Corps, Tel Hashomer, Israel ; Institute for Research in Military Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel ; NBC Protection Division, IMOD, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Erez Bar-Haim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Michael Kassirer
- Surgeon General Headquarters, IDF Medical Corps, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Adi Avniel Aran
- Surgeon General Headquarters, IDF Medical Corps, Tel Hashomer, Israel ; Pediatric Critical Care Unit, Children's Hospital, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY USA
| | - Itay Fogel
- Surgeon General Headquarters, IDF Medical Corps, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Monoclonal Antibodies Targeting the Alpha-Exosite of Botulinum Neurotoxin Serotype/A Inhibit Catalytic Activity. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135306. [PMID: 26275214 PMCID: PMC4537209 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The paralytic disease botulism is caused by botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT), multi-domain proteins containing a zinc endopeptidase that cleaves the cognate SNARE protein, thereby blocking acetylcholine neurotransmitter release. Antitoxins currently used to treat botulism neutralize circulating BoNT but cannot enter, bind to or neutralize BoNT that has already entered the neuron. The light chain endopeptidase domain (LC) of BoNT serotype A (BoNT/A) was targeted for generation of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that could reverse paralysis resulting from intoxication by BoNT/A. Single-chain variable fragment (scFv) libraries from immunized humans and mice were displayed on the surface of yeast, and 19 BoNT/A LC-specific mAbs were isolated by using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Affinities of the mAbs for BoNT/A LC ranged from a KD value of 9.0×10−11 M to 3.53×10−8 M (mean KD 5.38×10−9 M and median KD 1.53×10−9 M), as determined by flow cytometry analysis. Eleven mAbs inhibited BoNT/A LC catalytic activity with IC50 values ranging from 8.3 ~73×10−9 M. The fine epitopes of selected mAbs were also mapped by alanine-scanning mutagenesis, revealing that the inhibitory mAbs bound the α-exosite region remote from the BoNT/A LC catalytic center. The results provide mAbs that could prove useful for intracellular reversal of paralysis post-intoxication and further define epitopes that could be targeted by small molecule inhibitors.
Collapse
|
9
|
Balali-Mood M, Moshiri M, Etemad L. Medical aspects of bio-terrorism. Toxicon 2013; 69:131-42. [PMID: 23339855 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Revised: 01/02/2013] [Accepted: 01/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bioterrorism is a terrorist action involving the intentional release or dissemination of a biological warfare agent (BWA), which includes some bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, fungi or biological toxins. BWA is a naturally occurring or human-modified form that may kill or incapacitate humans, animals or plants as an act of war or terrorism. BWA is a weapon of choice for mass destruction and terrorism, because of the incubation period, less effective amount than chemical warfare agents, easily distribution, odorless, colorless, difficult to detect, no need of specialized equipment for production and naturally distribution which can easily be obtained. BWA may be disseminating as an aerosol, spray, explosive device, and by food or water. CLASSIFICATION Based on the risk for human health, BWAs have been prioritized into three categories of A, B and C. Category A includes microorganisms or toxins that easily spread, leading to intoxication with high death rates such as Anthrax, Botulism, Plague, Smallpox, Tularemia and Viral hemorrhagic fevers. Category B has lower toxicity with wider range, including Staphylococcal Entrotoxin type B (SEB), Epsilon toxin of Clostridium perfringens, Ricin, Saxotoxins, Abrin and Trichothecene mycotoxins. The C category includes emerging pathogens that could also be engineered for mass spread such as Hanta viruses, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, Nipah virus, the tick-borne encephalitis viruses, hemorrhagic fever viruses and yellow fever. CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF BIOTOXINS IN HUMAN: Clinical features and severity of intoxication depend on the agent and exposed dose, route of entry, individual variation and environmental factors. Onset of symptoms varies from 2-24 h in Ricin to 24-96 h in Botulism. Clinical manifestations also vary from irritation of the eyes, skin and mucus membranes in T2 toxin to an acute flaccid paralysis of bilateral cranial nerve impairment of descending manner in botulism. Most of the pyrogenic toxins such as SEB produce the same signs and symptoms as toxic shock syndrome including a rapid drop in blood pressure, elevated temperature, and multiple organ failure. MANAGEMENT There is no specific antidote or effective treatment for most of the biotoxins. The clinical management is thus more supportive and symptomatic. Fortunately vaccines are now available for most of BWA. Therefore, immunization of personnel at risk of exposure is recommended. CONCLUSION Biotoxins are very wide and bioterrorism is a heath and security threat that may induce national and international problems. Therefore, the security authorities, health professional and even public should be aware of bioterrorism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Balali-Mood
- Medical Toxicology Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91735-348, Islamic Republic of Iran.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sergey M. Bezrukov
- Program in Physical Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Time-dependent botulinum neurotoxin serotype A metalloprotease inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2011; 19:7338-48. [PMID: 22082667 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2011.10.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2011] [Revised: 10/13/2011] [Accepted: 10/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are the most lethal of biological substances, and are categorized as class A biothreat agents by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are currently no drugs to treat the deadly flaccid paralysis resulting from BoNT intoxication. Among the seven BoNT serotypes, the development of therapeutics to counter BoNT/A is a priority (due to its long half-life in the neuronal cytosol and its ease of production). In this regard, the BoNT/A enzyme light chain (LC) component, a zinc metalloprotease responsible for the intracellular cleavage of synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa, is a desirable target for developing post-BoNT/A intoxication rescue therapeutics. In an earlier study, we reported the high throughput screening of a library containing 70,000 compounds, and uncovered a novel class of benzimidazole acrylonitrile-based BoNT/A LC inhibitors. Herein, we present both structure-activity relationships and a proposed mechanism of action for this novel inhibitor chemotype.
Collapse
|
12
|
Li B, Peet NP, Butler MM, Burnett JC, Moir DT, Bowlin TL. Small molecule inhibitors as countermeasures for botulinum neurotoxin intoxication. Molecules 2010; 16:202-20. [PMID: 21193845 PMCID: PMC6259422 DOI: 10.3390/molecules16010202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2010] [Revised: 12/20/2010] [Accepted: 12/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are the most potent of known toxins and are listed as category A biothreat agents by the U.S. CDC. The BoNT-mediated proteolysis of SNARE proteins inhibits the exocytosis of acetylcholine into neuromuscular junctions, leading to life-threatening flaccid paralysis. Currently, the only therapy for BoNT intoxication (which results in the disease state botulism) includes experimental preventative antibodies and long-term supportive care. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify and develop inhibitors that will serve as both prophylactic agents and post-exposure ‘rescue’ therapeutics. This review focuses on recent progress to discover and develop small molecule inhibitors as therapeutic countermeasures for BoNT intoxication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Li
- Microbiotix, Inc., One Innovation Drive, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1-508-757-2800; Fax: +1-508-757-1999
| | - Norton P. Peet
- Microbiotix, Inc., One Innovation Drive, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | | | - James C. Burnett
- Target, Structure-Based Drug Discovery Group, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., National Cancer Institute at Frederick, 1050 Boyles Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; E-Mail: (J.C.B.)
| | - Donald T. Moir
- Microbiotix, Inc., One Innovation Drive, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Terry L. Bowlin
- Microbiotix, Inc., One Innovation Drive, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Polymer partitioning and ion selectivity suggest asymmetrical shape for the membrane pore formed by epsilon toxin. Biophys J 2010; 99:782-9. [PMID: 20682255 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2010.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2010] [Revised: 04/27/2010] [Accepted: 05/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Using poly-(ethylene glycol)s of different molecular weights, we probe the channels formed in planar lipid bilayers by epsilon toxin secreted by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium perfringens. We find that the pore is highly asymmetric. The cutoff size of polymers entering the pore through its opening from the cis side, the side of toxin addition, is approximately 500 Da, whereas the cutoff size for the polymers entering from the trans side is approximately 2300 Da. Comparing these characteristic molecular weights with those reported earlier for OmpF porin and the alpha-Hemolysin channel, we estimate the radii of cis and trans openings as 0.4 nm and 1.0 nm, respectively. The simplest geometry corresponding to these findings is that of a truncated cone. The asymmetry of the pore is also confirmed by measurements of the reversal potential at oppositely directed salt gradients. The moderate anionic selectivity of the channel is salted-out more efficiently when the salt concentration is higher at the trans side of the pore.
Collapse
|
14
|
Conway JO, Sherwood LJ, Collazo MT, Garza JA, Hayhurst A. Llama single domain antibodies specific for the 7 botulinum neurotoxin serotypes as heptaplex immunoreagents. PLoS One 2010; 5:e8818. [PMID: 20098614 PMCID: PMC2809108 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0008818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2009] [Accepted: 12/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are currently 7 known serotypes of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) classified upon non-cross reactivity of neutralizing immunoglobulins. Non-neutralizing immunoglobulins, however, can exhibit cross-reactivities between 2 or more serotypes, particularly mosaic forms, which can hamper the development of highly specific immunoassays, especially if based on polyclonal antisera. Here we employ facile recombinant antibody technology to subtractively select ligands to each of the 7 BoNT serotypes, resulting in populations with very high specificity for their intended serotype. METHODS AND FINDINGS A single llama was immunized with a cocktail of 7 BoNT toxoids to generate a phage display library of single domain antibodies (sdAb, VHH or nanobodies) which were selected on live toxins. Resulting sdAb were capable of detecting both toxin and toxin complex with the best combinations able to detect 100s-10s of pg per 50 microL sample in a liquid bead array. The most sensitive sdAb were combined in a heptaplex assay to identify each of the BoNT serotypes in buffer and milk and to a lesser extent in carrot juice, orange juice and cola. Several anti-A(1) sdAb recognized A2 complex, showing that subtype cross-reactivity within a serotype was evident. Many of our sdAb could act as both captor and tracer for several toxin and toxin complexes suggesting sdAb can be used as architectural probes to indicate BoNT oligomerisation. Six of 14 anti-A clones exhibited inhibition of SNAP-25 cleavage in the neuro-2A assay indicating some sdAb had toxin neutralizing capabilities. Many sdAb were also shown to be refoldable after exposure to high temperatures in contrast to polyclonal antisera, as monitored by circular dichroism. CONCLUSIONS Our panel of molecularly flexible antibodies should not only serve as a good starting point for ruggedizing assays and inhibitors, but enable the intricate architectures of BoNT toxins and complexes to be probed more extensively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jerry O. Conway
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Laura J. Sherwood
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - M. Thelma Collazo
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - John A. Garza
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Andrew Hayhurst
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bourgeois SL, Doherty MJ. Bioterrorism and biologic warfare. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am 2009; 17:299-330, vii. [PMID: 18088788 DOI: 10.1016/j.coms.2005.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Biologic agents have been used throughout history to influence battles. Recently, biologic agents have been used as terrorist weapons. A review of the history of biologic weapons and a medical overview of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Category A and B agents is provided, including history, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, microbiology/virology, diagnosis, treatment, and each agent's use or potential use as a weapon. Background information on public health issues surrounding bioterrorism and the role of oral and maxillofacial surgeons in a bioterrorist event also is provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sidney L Bourgeois
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, National Capital Consortium, National Naval Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20889, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Botulism: cause, effects, diagnosis, clinical and laboratory identification, and treatment modalities. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2008; 1:122-34. [PMID: 18388640 DOI: 10.1097/dmp.0b013e318158c5fd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Botulism is a neuroparalytic disease caused by neurotoxins produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are among the most potent naturally occurring toxins and are a category A biological threat agent. The 7 toxin serotypes of BoNTs (serotypes A-G) have different toxicities, act through 3 different intracellular protein targets, and exhibit different durations of effect. Botulism may follow ingestion of food contaminated with BoNT, from toxin production of C botulinum present in the intestine or wounds, or from inhalation of aerosolized toxin. Intoxication classically presents as an acute, symmetrical, descending flaccid paralysis. Early diagnosis is important because antitoxin therapy is most effective when administered early. Confirmatory testing of botulism with BoNT assays or C botulinum cultures is time-consuming, and may be insensitive in the diagnosis of inhalational botulism and in as many as 32% of food-borne botulism cases. Therefore, the decision to initiate botulinum antitoxin therapy is primarily based on symptoms and physical examination findings that are consistent with botulism, with support of epidemiological history and electrophysiological testing. Modern clinical practice and antitoxin treatment has reduced botulism mortality rates from approximately 60% to < or =10%. The pentavalent botulinum toxoid is an investigational product and has been used for more than 45 years in at-risk laboratory workers to protect against toxin serotypes A to E. Due to declining immunogenicity and potency of the pentavalent botulinum toxoid, novel vaccine candidates are being developed.
Collapse
|
17
|
Johnson SL, Chen LH, Harbach R, Sabet M, Savinov A, Cotton NJH, Strongin A, Guiney D, Pellecchia M. Rhodanine Derivatives as Selective Protease Inhibitors Against Bacterial Toxins. Chem Biol Drug Des 2008; 71:131-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-0285.2007.00617.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
18
|
Burnett JC, Ruthel G, Stegmann CM, Panchal RG, Nguyen TL, Hermone AR, Stafford RG, Lane DJ, Kenny TA, McGrath CF, Wipf P, Stahl AM, Schmidt JJ, Gussio R, Brunger AT, Bavari S. Inhibition of metalloprotease botulinum serotype A from a pseudo-peptide binding mode to a small molecule that is active in primary neurons. J Biol Chem 2006; 282:5004-5014. [PMID: 17092934 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m608166200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
An efficient research strategy integrating empirically guided, structure-based modeling and chemoinformatics was used to discover potent small molecule inhibitors of the botulinum neurotoxin serotype A light chain. First, a modeled binding mode for inhibitor 2-mercapto-3-phenylpropionyl-RATKML (K(i) = 330 nM) was generated, and required the use of a molecular dynamic conformer of the enzyme displaying the reorientation of surface loops bordering the substrate binding cleft. These flexible loops are conformationally variable in x-ray crystal structures, and the model predicted that they were pivotal for providing complementary binding surfaces and solvent shielding for the pseudo-peptide. The docked conformation of 2-mercapto-3-phenylpropionyl-RATKML was then used to refine our pharmacophore for botulinum serotype A light chain inhibition. Data base search queries derived from the pharmacophore were employed to mine small molecule (non-peptidic) inhibitors from the National Cancer Institute's Open Repository. Four of the inhibitors possess K(i) values ranging from 3.0 to 10.0 microM. Of these, NSC 240898 is a promising lead for therapeutic development, as it readily enters neurons, exhibits no neuronal toxicity, and elicits dose-dependent protection of synaptosomal-associated protein (of 25 kDa) in a primary culture of embryonic chicken neurons. Isothermal titration calorimetry showed that the interaction between NSC 240898 and the botulinum A light chain is largely entropy-driven, and occurs with a 1:1 stoichiometry and a dissociation constant of 4.6 microM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James C Burnett
- Target Structure-based Drug Discovery Group, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., and the National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | - Gordon Ruthel
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | - Christian M Stegmann
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) and Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Neurology and Neurological Sciences, and the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, and the
| | - Rekha G Panchal
- Target Structure-based Drug Discovery Group, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., and the National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | - Tam L Nguyen
- Target Structure-based Drug Discovery Group, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., and the National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | - Ann R Hermone
- Target Structure-based Drug Discovery Group, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., and the National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | - Robert G Stafford
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | - Douglas J Lane
- Target Structure-based Drug Discovery Group, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., and the National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | - Tara A Kenny
- Target Structure-based Drug Discovery Group, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., and the National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | - Connor F McGrath
- Target Structure-based Drug Discovery Group, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., and the National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | - Peter Wipf
- Combinatorial Chemistry Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
| | - Andrea M Stahl
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | - James J Schmidt
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | - Rick Gussio
- Information Technology Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | - Axel T Brunger
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) and Departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Neurology and Neurological Sciences, and the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, and the.
| | - Sina Bavari
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland 21702.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
The term toxin refers in a specific way to a toxic substance of biologic origin; that is, a true toxin is a poison produced by a living organism. The purpose of this article is to review some of the most potentially dangerous toxins of concern today. Mechanisms of action, routes of exposure, diagnostic tools, and treatment recommendations are addressed. In addition, current therapeutic uses for certain toxins are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Salzman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 W. Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
This retrospective chart review examines the safety of high-dose (> or = 15 U/kg body weight or > or = 800 total units) botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX, Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA) in children and young adults with spasticity. Ninety-four children weighing < 45 kg received a mean total dose of 334.1 U or 19.1 U/kg. Fourteen young adults weighing > or = 45 kg received a mean total dose of 927.3 U or 15.2 U/kg. Adverse events were reported by 3 of the 108 patients (2.8%) and included single instances of rash and enuresis. The only serious adverse event consisted of mild, generalized botulism in a 13-year-old patient who received a 23 U/kg dose to the hamstrings and gastrocnemius/soleus bilaterally. No serious adverse events were noted in children weighing < 45 kg who received botulinum toxin type A doses of 15 to 22 U/kg of body weight or in young adults > or = 45 kg who received total doses of 800 to 1200 U in a single injection protocol. High-dose botulinum toxin type A is safe for the treatment of spasticity in children and young adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward M Goldstein
- Child Neurology Associates, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite Children's Medical Center, Marcus Institute Division of Child Neurology, Atlanta, GA 30342, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Schutzer and colleagues give guidance for physicians who believe that one of their patients has been a victim of an act of bioterror or another biocrime.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven E Schutzer
- Department of Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
Ricin is a potent toxin found within the beans of the castor plant. Ricin's widespread availability makes it a viable biological weapon. Ricin intoxication mimics a variety of disease states, thus a low threshold of suspicion must be maintained to recognize a potential epidemic. Treatment is largely supportive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Spivak
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|