Catch and measure-mass spectrometry-based immunoassays in biomarker research

Highly sensitive and multiplexed mass spectrometric immunoassay techniques and clinical applications

Immunoassay is one of the most important clinical techniques for disease/pathological diagnosis. Mass spectrometry (MS) has been a popular and powerful readout technique for immunoassays, generating the mass spectrometric immunoassays (MSIAs) with unbeatable channels for multiplexed detection. The sensitivity of MSIAs has been greatly improved with the development of mass labels from element labels to small-molecular labels. MSIAs are also expended from the representative element MS-based methods to the laser-based organic MS and latest ambient MS, improving in both technology and methodology. Various MSIAs present high potential for clinical applications, including the biomarker screening, the immunohistochemistry, and the advanced single-cell analysis. Here, we give an overall review of the development of MSIAs in recent years, highlighting the latest improvement of mass labels and MS techniques for clinical immunoassays.

Conjugating immunoassays to mass spectrometry: Solutions to contemporary challenges in clinical diagnostics

Developments in immunoassays and mass spectrometry have independently influenced diagnostic technology. However, both techniques possess unique strengths and limitations, which define their ability to meet evolving requirements for faster, more affordable and more accurate clinical tests. In response, hybrid techniques, which combine the accessibility and ease-of-use of immunoassays with the sensitivity, high throughput and multiplexing capabilities of mass spectrometry are continually being explored. Developments in antibody conjugation methodology have expanded the role of these biomolecules to applications outside of conventional colorimetric assays and histology. Furthermore, the range of different mass spectrometry ionisation and analysis technologies has enabled its successful adaptation as a detection method for numerous clinically relevant immunological assays. Several recent examples of combined mass spectrometry-immunoassay techniques demonstrate the potential of these methods as improved diagnostic tests for several important human diseases. The present challenges are to continue technological advancements in mass spectrometry instrumentation and develop improved bioconjugation methods, which can overcome their existing limitations and demonstrate the clinical significance of these hybrid approaches.

Induction and repression effects on CYP and transporter protein abundance by azole mixture uptake in rat liver

Detection of mixture effects is a major challenge in current experimental and regulatory toxicology. Robust markers are needed that are easy to quantify and responsive to chemical stressors in a broad dose range. Several hepatic enzymes and proteins related to drug metabolism like cytochrome-P-450 (CYP) enzymes and transporters have been shown to be responsive to pesticide active substances in a broad dose range and are therefore good candidates to be used as markers for mixture toxicity. Even though they can be well quantified at the mRNA level, quantification on the protein level is challenging because most of these proteins are membrane bound. Here we report the development of mass spectrometry-based assays using triple-x-proteomics (TXP) antibodies in combination with targeted selected ion monitoring (tSIM) to quantify changes of protein levels due to exposure to mixtures of pesticide active substances. Our results indicate that changes on the protein level of CYP1A1, ABCB2, ABCC3 are in line with observations on the mRNA and enzyme activity level and are indicative of mixture effects. Therefore, the tests are promising to reveal effects by chemical mixture effects in toxicological studies in rats.

Critical reagent screening and characterization: benefits and approaches for protein biomarker assays by hybrid LC–MS

In recent years, hybrid ligand-binding assays (LBAs)/LC–MS assays have been increasingly used for quantitation of protein biomarkers in biological matrices. However, unlike in LBAs where the importance of critical reagent screening and characterization is well understood and widely reported, benefits of well-characterized hybrid LC–MS assay reagents are frequently underestimated. Two groups of analyte-specific reagents, binding reagents and assay calibrators, are considered the critical reagents for biomarker assays. In this article, we summarize the similarities and differences of critical reagents used in LBAs and hybrid LC–MS assays, overview the benefits and approaches of critical reagent screening, characterization, antibody conjugation and discuss bioanalytical considerations in hybrid LC–MS assay development for robust measurements of protein biomarkers in biological matrices.

Perspectives on potentiating immunocapture-LC-MS for the bioanalysis of biotherapeutics and biomarkers

The integration of ligand-binding assay and LC-MS/MS (immunocapture-LC-MS) has unleashed the combined advantages of both powerful techniques for addressing the ever increasing bioanalytical challenges for biotherapeutics and biomarker assays. The highly specific, selective and sensitive characteristics of the immunocapture-LC-MS-based assays have enabled the determination of biotherapeutics and biomarkers in biomatrices with ease of method development, less requirements on key reagents as well as structural specificity for endogenous and engineered biomolecules. In addition, the versatile immunocapture-LC-MS technology has expanded into many challenging areas to enhance mechanistic studies of drug interactions with their targets. This paper intends to summarize our perspectives on enhancing the use of immunocapture-LC-MS in drug discovery and development for emerging new modalities.

Mass Spectrometry-Based Immunoassay for the Quantification of Banned Ruminant Processed Animal Proteins in Vegetal Feeds

The ban of processed animal proteins (PAPs) in feed for farmed animals introduced in 2001 was one of the main EU measures to control the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) crisis. Currently, microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are the official methods for the detection of illegal PAPs in feed. However, the progressive release of the feed ban, recently with the legalization of nonruminant PAPs for the use in aquaculture, requires the development of alternative methods to determine the species origin and the source (legal or not). Additionally, discussions about the need for quantitative tests came up, particularly if the zero-tolerance-concept is replaced by introducing PAP thresholds. To address this issue, we developed and partially validated a multiplex mass spectrometry-based immunoassay to quantify ruminant specific peptides in vegetal cattle feed. The workflow comprises a new sample preparation procedure based on a tryptic digestion of PAPs in suspension, a subsequent immunoaffinity enrichment of the released peptides, and a LC-MS/MS-based analysis for peptide quantification using isotope labeled standard peptides. For the very first time, a mass spectrometry-based method is capable of detecting and quantifying illegal PAPs in animal feed over a concentration range of 4 orders of magnitude with a detection limit in the range of 0.1% to 1% (w/w).

Advancing the immunoaffinity platform AFFIRM to targeted measurements of proteins in serum in the pg/ml range

There is a great need for targeted protein assays with the capacity of sensitive measurements in complex samples such as plasma or serum, not the least for clinical purposes. Proteomics keeps generating hundreds of biomarker candidates that need to be transferred towards true clinical application through targeted verification studies and towards clinically applicable analysis formats. The immunoaffinity assay AFFIRM (AFFInity sRM) combines the sensitivity of recombinant single chain antibodies (scFv) for targeted protein enrichment with a specific mass spectrometry readout through selected reaction monitoring (SRM) in an automated workflow. Here we demonstrate a 100 times improved detection capacity of the assay down to pg/ml range through the use of oriented antibody immobilization to magnetic beads. This was achieved using biotin-tagged scFv coupled to streptavidin coated magnetic beads, or utilizing the FLAG tag for coupling to anti-FLAG antibody coated magnetic beads. An improved multiplexing capacity with an 11-plex setup was also demonstrated compared to a previous 3-plex setup, which is of great importance for the analysis of panels of biomarker targets.

How iMALDI can improve clinical diagnostics

Protein mass spectrometry (MS) is an indispensable tool to detect molecular signatures that can be associated with cellular dysregulation and disease.

Peptide and Protein Quantification Using Automated Immuno-MALDI (iMALDI)

Mass spectrometry (MS) is one of the most commonly used technologies for quantifying proteins in complex samples, with excellent assay specificity as a result of the direct detection of the mass-to-charge ratio of each target molecule. However, MS-based proteomics, like most other analytical techniques, has a bias towards measuring high-abundance analytes, so it is challenging to achieve detection limits of low ng/mL or pg/mL in complex samples, and this is the concentration range for many disease-relevant proteins in biofluids such as human plasma. To assist in the detection of low-abundance analytes, immuno-enrichment has been integrated into the assay to concentrate and purify the analyte before MS measurement, significantly improving assay sensitivity. In this work, the immuno- Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (iMALDI) technology is presented for the quantification of proteins and peptides in biofluids, based on immuno-enrichment on beads, followed by MALDI-MS measurement without prior elution. The anti-peptide antibodies are functionalized on magnetic beads, and incubated with samples. After washing, the beads are directly transferred onto a MALDI target plate, and the signals are measured by a MALDI-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) instrument after the matrix solution has been applied to the beads. The sample preparation procedure is simplified compared to other immuno-MS assays, and the MALDI measurement is fast. The whole sample preparation is automated with a liquid handling system, with improved assay reproducibility and higher throughput. In this article, the iMALDI assay is used for determining the peptide angiotensin I (Ang I) concentration in plasma, which is used clinically as readout of plasma renin activity for the screening of primary aldosteronism (PA).

Advancing the global proteome survey platform by using an oriented single chain antibody fragment immobilization approach

Increasing the understanding of a proteome and how its protein composition is affected by for example different diseases, such as cancer, has the potential to improve strategies for early diagnosis and therapeutics. The Global Proteome Survey or GPS is a method that combines mass spectrometry and affinity enrichment with the use of antibodies. The technology enables profiling of complex proteomes in a species independent manner. The sensitivity of GPS, and other methods relying on affinity enrichment, is largely affected by the activity of the exploited affinity reagent. We here present an improvement of the GPS platform by utilizing an antibody immobilization approach which ensures a controlled immobilization process of the antibody to the magnetic bead support. More specifically, we make use of an antibody format that enables site-directed biotinylation and use this in combination with streptavidin coated magnetic beads. The performance of the expanded GPS platform was evaluated by profiling yeast proteome samples. We demonstrate that the oriented antibody immobilization strategy increases the ability of the GPS platform and results in larger fraction of functional antibodies. Additionally, we show that this new antibody format enabled in-solution capture, i.e. immobilization of the antibodies after sample incubation. A workflow has been established that permit the use of an oriented immobilization strategy for the GPS platform.

Mass Spectrometric Immunoassays in Characterization of Clinically Significant Proteoforms

Proteins can exist as multiple proteoforms in vivo, as a result of alternative splicing and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), as well as posttranslational processing. To address their clinical significance in a context of diagnostic information, proteoforms require a more in-depth analysis. Mass spectrometric immunoassays (MSIA) have been devised for studying structural diversity in human proteins. MSIA enables protein profiling in a simple and high-throughput manner, by combining the selectivity of targeted immunoassays, with the specificity of mass spectrometric detection. MSIA has been used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of single and multiple proteoforms, distinguishing between normal fluctuations and changes related to clinical conditions. This mini review offers an overview of the development and application of mass spectrometric immunoassays for clinical and population proteomics studies. Provided are examples of some recent developments, and also discussed are the trends and challenges in mass spectrometry-based immunoassays for the next-phase of clinical applications.

Antibodies as means for selective mass spectrometry

For protein analysis of biological samples, two major strategies are used today; mass spectrometry (MS) and antibody-based methods. Each strategy offers advantages and drawbacks. However, combining the two using an immunoenrichment step with MS analysis brings together the benefits of each method resulting in increased sensitivity, faster analysis and possibility of higher degrees of multiplexing. The immunoenrichment can be performed either on protein or peptide level and quantification standards can be added in order to enable determination of the absolute protein concentration in the sample. The combination of immunoenrichment and MS holds great promise for the future in both proteomics and clinical diagnostics. This review describes different setups of immunoenrichment coupled to mass spectrometry and how these can be utilized in various applications.

Development of Phage-Based Antibody Fragment Reagents for Affinity Enrichment of Bacterial Immunoglobulin G Binding Proteins

Disease and death caused by bacterial infections are global health problems. Effective bacterial strategies are required to promote survival and proliferation within a human host, and it is important to explore how this adaption occurs. However, the detection and quantification of bacterial virulence factors in complex biological samples are technically demanding challenges. These can be addressed by combining targeted affinity enrichment of antibodies with the sensitivity of liquid chromatography-selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (LC-SRM MS). However, many virulence factors have evolved properties that make specific detection by conventional antibodies difficult. We here present an antibody format that is particularly well suited for detection and analysis of immunoglobulin G (IgG)-binding virulence factors. As proof of concept, we have generated single chain fragment variable (scFv) antibodies that specifically target the IgG-binding surface proteins M1 and H of Streptococcus pyogenes. The binding ability of the developed scFv is demonstrated against both recombinant soluble protein M1 and H as well as the intact surface proteins on a wild-type S. pyogenes strain. Additionally, the capacity of the developed scFv antibodies to enrich their target proteins from both simple and complex backgrounds, thereby allowing for detection and quantification with LC-SRM MS, was demonstrated. We have established a workflow that allows for affinity enrichment of bacterial virulence factors.

Selected Reaction Monitoring Mass Spectrometry for Absolute Protein Quantification

Absolute quantification of target proteins within complex biological samples is critical to a wide range of research and clinical applications. This protocol provides step-by-step instructions for the development and application of quantitative assays using selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mass spectrometry (MS). First, likely quantotypic target peptides are identified based on numerous criteria. This includes identifying proteotypic peptides, avoiding sites of posttranslational modification, and analyzing the uniqueness of the target peptide to the target protein. Next, crude external peptide standards are synthesized and used to develop SRM assays, and the resulting assays are used to perform qualitative analyses of the biological samples. Finally, purified, quantified, heavy isotope labeled internal peptide standards are prepared and used to perform isotope dilution series SRM assays. Analysis of all of the resulting MS data is presented. This protocol was used to accurately assay the absolute abundance of proteins of the chemotaxis signaling pathway within RAW 264.7 cells (a mouse monocyte/macrophage cell line). The quantification of Gi2 (a heterotrimeric G-protein α-subunit) is described in detail.

Mass spectrometry - an alternative in growth hormone measurement

Growth hormone (GH) constitutes a set of closely related protein isoforms. In clinical practice, the disagreement of test results between commercially available ligand-binding assays is still an ongoing issue, and incomplete knowledge about the particular function of the different forms leaves an uncertainty of what should be the appropriate measurand. Mass spectrometry is promising to be a way forward. Not only is it capable of providing SI-traceable reference values for the calibration of current GH-tests, but it also offers an independent approach to highly reliable mass-selective quantification of individual GH-isoforms. This capability may add to reliability in doping control too. The article points out why and how.

Development of multiplex mass spectrometric immunoassay for detection and quantification of apolipoproteins C-I, C-II, C-III and their proteoforms

The impetus for discovery and evaluation of protein biomarkers has been accelerated by recent development of advanced technologies for rapid and broad proteome analyses. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based protein assays hold great potential for in vitro biomarker studies. Described here is the development of a multiplex mass spectrometric immunoassay (MSIA) for quantification of apolipoprotein C-I (apoC-I), apolipoprotein C-II (apoC-II), apolipoprotein C-III (apoC-III) and their proteoforms. The multiplex MSIA assay was fast (∼ 40 min) and high-throughput (96 samples at a time). The assay was applied to a small cohort of human plasma samples, revealing the existence of multiple proteoforms for each apolipoprotein C. The quantitative aspect of the assay enabled determination of the concentration for each proteoform individually. Low-abundance proteoforms, such as fucosylated apoC-III, were detected in less than 20% of the samples. The distribution of apoC-III proteoforms varied among samples with similar total apoC-III concentrations. The multiplex analysis of the three apolipoproteins C and their proteoforms using quantitative MSIA represents a significant step forward toward better understanding of their physiological roles in health and disease.

Quantitative mass spectrometric immunoassay for the chemokine RANTES and its variants

The chemokine RANTES plays a key role in inflammation, cell recruitment and T cell activation. RANTES is heterogenic and exists as multiple variants in vivo. Herein we describe the development and characterization of a fully quantitative mass spectrometric immunoassay (MSIA) for analysis of intact RANTES and its proteoforms in human serum and plasma samples. The assay exhibits linearity over a wide concentration range (1.56-200ng/mL), intra- and inter-assay precision with CVs <10%, and good linearity and recovery correlations. The assay was tested in different biological matrices, and it was benchmarked against an existing RANTES ELISA. The new RANTES MSIA was used to analyze RANTES and its proteoforms in a small clinical cohort, revealing the quantitative distribution and frequency of the native and truncated RANTES proteoforms.

BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

In the last two decades, RANTES has been studied extensively due to its association with numerous clinical conditions, including kidney-related, autoimmune, cardiovascular, viral and metabolic pathologies. Although a single gene product, RANTES is expressed in a range of cells and tissues presenting with different endogenously produced variants and PTMs. The structural variety and population diversity that has been identified for RANTES necessitate developing advanced methodologies that can provide insight into the protein heterogeneity and its function and regulation in disease. In this work we present a simple, efficient and high-throughput mass spectrometric immunoassay (MSIA) method for analysis of RANTES proteoforms. RANTES MSIA can detect and analyze RANTES proteoforms and provide an insight into the endogenous protein modifications.

AFFIRM--a multiplexed immunoaffinity platform that combines recombinant antibody fragments and LC-SRM analysis

Targeted measurements of low abundance proteins in complex mixtures are in high demand in many areas, not the least in clinical applications measuring biomarkers. We here present the novel platform AFFIRM (AFFInity sRM) that utilizes the power of antibody fragments (scFv) to efficiently enrich for target proteins from a complex background and the exquisite specificity of SRM-MS based detection. To demonstrate the ability of AFFIRM, three target proteins of interest were measured in a serum background in single-plexed and multiplexed experiments in a concentration range of 5-1000 ng/mL. Linear responses were demonstrated down to low ng/mL concentrations with high reproducibility. The platform allows for high throughput measurements in 96-well format, and all steps are amendable to automation and scale-up. We believe the use of recombinant antibody technology in combination with SRM MS analysis provides a powerful way to reach sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility as well as the opportunity to build resources for fast on-demand implementation of novel assays.

Targeted quantification of C-reactive protein and cystatin c and its variants by immuno-MALDI-MS

The most common technologies for quantitative determination of protein biomarkers are immunoassays, which exist in various formats. Immunoassays offer sensitive and fast protein quantification, but can hardly discriminate between protein variants. Post-translational modifications and genetic variants increase protein microheterogeneity and may play important roles in biological processes. Mass spectrometry combined with immunoaffinity enrichment detects protein microheterogeneity and can quantify different isoforms. We here present an immuno-MALDI-MS approach for the combined quantification of two important biomarkers of inflammation and renal function, C-reactive protein (CRP) and cystatin C, respectively. Antibodies were immobilized onto reversed-phase tips, which allows easy and flexible sample processing. Quantification was performed in singleplex and duplex assays, and characteristics were evaluated for different internal standards, i.e., PEGylated and polyhistidine-tagged proteins. The best performances were obtained for polyhistidine-tagged standards with respect to limits of detection (CRP, 0.10 μg/mL; cystatin C, 0.003 μg/mL) and coefficients of variation (CRP, 2.4-7.0%; cystatin C, 3.0-8.9%). The methods were benchmarked against immunoturbidimetry and nephelometry and demonstrated good between-assay agreement (R(2) = 0.989 for CRP; R(2) = 0.939 for cystatin C). Several variants of cystatin C were identified and quantified, while none were observed for CRP. This immuno-MALDI method describes a novel approach for targeted quantitative investigation of protein microheterogeneity and is well suited for assessment of biomarker status in precious samples from biobanks due to its low sample consumption.