Identification of a novel protective human monoclonal antibody, LXY8, that targets the key neutralizing epitopes of staphylococcal enterotoxin B

A highly neutralizing human monoclonal antibody targeting a novel linear epitope on staphylococcal enterotoxin B

Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB), produced by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), is a powerful superantigen that induces severe immune disruption and toxic shock syndrome (TSS) upon binding to MHC-II and TCR. Despite its significant impact on the pathogenesis of S. aureus, there are currently no specific therapeutic interventions available to counteract the mechanism of action exerted by this toxin. In this study, we have identified a human monoclonal antibody, named Hm0487, that specifically targets SEB by single-cell sequencing using PBMCs isolated from volunteers enrolled in a phase I clinical trial of the five-antigen S. aureus vaccine. X-ray crystallography studies revealed that Hm0487 exhibits high affinity for a linear B cell epitope in SEB (SEB138-147), which is located distantly from the site involved in the formation of the MHC-SEB-TCR ternary complex. Furthermore, in vitro studies demonstrated that Hm0487 significantly impacts the interaction of SEB with both receptors and the binding to immune cells, probably due to an allosteric effect on SEB rather than competing with receptors for binding sites. Moreover, both in vitro and in vivo studies validated that Hm0487 displayed efficient neutralizing efficacy in models of lethal shock and sepsis induced by either SEB or bacterial challenge. Our findings unveil an alternative mechanism for neutralizing the pathogenesis of SEB by Hm0487, and this antibody provides a novel strategy for mitigating both SEB-induced toxicity and S. aureus infection.

Phage Display as a Medium for Target Therapy Based Drug Discovery, Review and Update

Phage libraries are now amongst the most prominent approaches for the identification of high-affinity antibodies/peptides from billions of displayed phages in a specific library through the biopanning process. Due to its ability to discover potential therapeutic candidates that bind specifically to targets, phage display has gained considerable attention in targeted therapy. Using this approach, peptides with high-affinity and specificity can be identified for potential therapeutic or diagnostic use. Furthermore, phage libraries can be used to rapidly screen and identify novel antibodies to develop immunotherapeutics. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several phage display-derived peptides and antibodies for the treatment of different diseases. In the current review, we provided a comprehensive insight into the role of phage display-derived peptides and antibodies in the treatment of different diseases including cancers, infectious diseases and neurological disorders. We also explored the applications of phage display in targeted drug delivery, gene therapy, and CAR T-cell.

A novel MARV glycoprotein-specific antibody with potentials of broad-spectrum neutralization to filovirus

Marburg virus (MARV) is one of the filovirus species that cause deadly hemorrhagic fever in humans, with mortality rates up to 90%. Neutralizing antibodies represent ideal candidates to prevent or treat virus disease. However, no antibody has been approved for MARV treatment to date. In this study, we identified a novel human antibody named AF-03 that targeted MARV glycoprotein (GP). AF-03 possessed a high binding affinity to MARV GP and showed neutralizing and protective activities against the pseudotyped MARV in vitro and in vivo. Epitope identification, including molecular docking and experiment-based analysis of mutated species, revealed that AF-03 recognized the Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1) binding domain within GP1. Interestingly, we found the neutralizing activity of AF-03 to pseudotyped Ebola viruses (EBOV, SUDV, and BDBV) harboring cleaved GP instead of full-length GP. Furthermore, NPC2-fused AF-03 exhibited neutralizing activity to several filovirus species and EBOV mutants via binding to CI-MPR. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that AF-03 represents a promising therapeutic cargo for filovirus-caused disease.

The SEB1741 Aptamer Is an Efficient Tool for Blocking CD4+ T Cell Activation Induced by Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a protein produced by Staphylococcus aureus, which is toxic to humans. It is well known for its ability to stimulate the exacerbated activation of proinflammatory CD4+ T cells (Th1 profile), and in vitro studies have been conducted to understand its mechanism of action and its potential use as an immune therapy. However, the efficiency of the SEB1741 aptamer in blocking SEB has not been experimentally demonstrated.

METHODS

Enrichment CD4+ T cells were stimulated with SEB, and as a blocker, we used the SEB1741 aptamer, which was previously synthesised by an "in silico" analysis, showing high affinity and specificity to SEB. The efficiency of the SEB1741 aptamer in blocking CD4+ T cell activation was compared with that of an anti-SEB monoclonal antibody. Flow cytometry and Bio-Plex were used to evaluate the T-cell function.

RESULTS

In vitro, SEB induced the activation of CD4+ T cells and favoured a Th1 profile; however, the SEB1741 aptamer was highly efficient in decreasing the frequency of CD4+ T cells positive to ki-67 and CD69 cells, this means that proliferation and activation of CD4+ T cells was decreased. Moreover, the production of interleukin 2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) was affected, suggesting that the Th1 profile is not present when the SEB1441 aptamer is used. Thus, the SEB1741 function was similar to that of anti-SEB.

CONCLUSIONS

The SEB1741 aptamer is a valuable tool for blocking CD4+ T cell activation and the subsequent release of proinflammatory cytokines by SEB stimulation.

Screening and Identification of a Novel Anti-Siglec-15 Human Antibody 3F1 and Relevant Antitumor Activity

Sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin-15 is an important immunosuppressive molecule considered to be a key target in next-generation tumor immunotherapy. In this study, we screened 22 high-affinity antibodies that specifically recognize human Siglec-15 by using a large human phage antibody library, and five representative sequences were selected for further study. The results showed the binding activity of five antibodies to Siglec-15 (EC50 ranged from 0.02368 μg/mL to 0.07949 μg/mL), and in two Siglec-15-overexpressed cell lines, three antibodies had the strongest binding activity, so the two clones were discarded for further study. Subsequently, the affinity of three antibodies were measured by bio-layer interferometry technology (5-9 × 10E-09M). As the reported ligands of Siglec-15, the binding activity of Siglec-15 and sialyl-Tn, cluster of differentiation 44, myelin-associated glycoprotein, and leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 4C can be blocked by three of the antibodies. Among these, 3F1 had a competitive advantage. Then, the antibody 3F1 showed an obvious antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity effect (EC50 was 0.85 μg/mL). Further, antibody 3F1 can reverse the inhibitory effect of Siglec-15 on lymphocyte proliferation (especially CD4+T and CD8+T) and cytokine release Interferon-γ. Given the above results, 3F1 was selected as a candidate for the in vivo pharmacodynamics study. In the tumor model of Balb/c Nude mice, 3F1 (10 mg/kg) showed certain antitumor effects [tumor growth inhibition (TGI) was 31.5%], while the combination of 3F1 (5 mg/kg) and Erbitux (5 mg/kg) showed significant antitumor effects (TGI was 48.7%) compared with the PBS group. In conclusion, novel human antibody 3F1 has antitumor activity and is expected to be an innovative candidate drug targeting Siglec-15 for tumor immunotherapy. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Siglec-15 is considered as an important target in the next generation of tumor immunotherapy. 3F1 is expected to be the most promising potential candidate for targeting Siglec-15 for cancer treatment and could provide a reference for the development of antitumor drugs.

Structure-guided affinity maturation of a novel human antibody targeting the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein

The continuous mutation of SARS-CoV-2 has presented enormous challenges to global pandemic prevention and control. Recent studies have shown evidence that the genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid proteins is relatively conserved, and their biological functions are being confirmed. There is increasing evidence that the N protein will not only provide a specific diagnostic marker but also become an effective treatment target. In this study, 2G4, which specifically recognizes the N protein, was identified by screening a human phage display library. Based on the computer-guided homology modelling and molecular docking method used, the 3-D structures for the 2G4 scFv fragment (VH-linker-VL structure, with (G4S)3 as the linker peptide in the model), SARS-CoV-2 N protein and its complex were modelled and optimized with a suitable force field. The binding mode and key residues of the 2G4 and N protein interaction were predicted, and three mutant antibodies (named 2G4-M1, 2G4-M2 and 2G4-M3) with higher affinity were designed theoretically. Using directed point mutant technology, the three mutant antibodies were prepared, and their affinity was tested. Their affinity constants of approximately 0.19 nM (2G4-M1), 0.019 nM (2G4-M2) and 0.075 nM (2G4-M3) were at least one order of magnitude lower than that of the parent antibody (3 nM; 2G4, parent antibody), as determined using a biolayer interferometry (BLI) assay. It is expected that high-affinity candidates will be used for diagnosis and even as potential therapeutic drugs for the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

A Novel Humanized Anti-Abrin A Chain Antibody Inhibits Abrin Toxicity In Vitro and In Vivo

Abrin, a type-II ribosome inactivating protein from the seed of Abrus precatorius, is classified as a Category B bioterrorism warfare agent. Due to its high toxicity, ingestion by animals or humans will lead to death from multiple organ failure. Currently, no effective agents have been reported to treat abrin poisoning. In this study, a novel anti-abrin neutralizing antibody (S008) was humanized using computer-aided design, which possessed lower immunogenicity. Similar to the parent antibody, a mouse anti-abrin monoclonal antibody, S008 possessed high affinity and showed a protective effect against abrin both in vitro and in vivo, and protected mice that S008 was administered 6 hours after abrin. S008 was found that it did not inhibit entry of abrin into cells, suggesting an intracellular blockade capacity against the toxin. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that S008 is a high affinity anti-abrin antibody with both a neutralizing and protective effect and may be an excellent candidate for clinical treatment of abrin poisoning.

Computational Construction of a Single-Chain Bi-Paratopic Antibody Allosterically Inhibiting TCR-Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B Binding

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) simultaneously crosslinks MHC class II antigen and TCR, promoting proliferation of T cells and releasing a large number of toxic cytokines. In this report, we computationally examined the possibility of using a single-chain biparatopic bispecific antibody to target SEB and prevent TCR binding. The design was inspired by the observation that mixing two anti-SEB antibodies 14G8 and 6D3 can block SEB-TCR activation, and we used 14G8-6D3-SEB tertiary crystal structure as a template. Twelve simulation systems were constructed to systematically examine the effects of the designed bispecific scFV MB102a, including isolated SEB, MB102a with different linkers, MB102a-SEB complex, MB102a-SEB-TCRβ complex, MB102a-SEB-TCR-MHC II complex, and MB102a-SEB-MHC II. Our all atom molecular dynamics simulations (total 18,900 ns) confirmed that the designed single-chain bispecific antibody may allosterically prevent SEB-TCRβ chain binding and inhibit SEB-TCR-MHC II formation. Subsequent analysis indicated that the binding of scFV to SEB correlates with SEB-TCR binding site motion and weakens SEB-TCR interactions.