Isolation of scFv fragments specific for monokine induced by interferon-gamma (MIG) using phage display

Isolation and characterizations of a novel recombinant scFv antibody against exotoxin A of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

BACKGROUND

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the leading cause of nosocomial infections, especially in people with a compromised immune system. Targeting virulence factors by neutralizing antibodies is a novel paradigm for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant pseudomonas infections. In this respect, exotoxin A is one of the most potent virulence factors in P. aeruginosa. The present study was carried out to identify a novel human scFv antibody against the P. aeruginosa exotoxin A domain I (ExoA-DI) from a human scFv phage library.

METHODS

The recombinant ExoA-DI of P. aeruginosa was expressed in E. coli, purified by Ni-NTA column, and used for screening of human antibody phage library. A novel screening procedure was conducted to prevent the elimination of rare specific clones. The phage clone with high reactivity was evaluated by ELISA and western blot.

RESULTS

Based on the results of polyclonal phage ELISA, the fifth round of biopanning leads to the isolation of several ExoA-DI reactive clones. One positive clone with high affinity was selected by monoclonal phage ELISA and used for antibody expression. The purified scFv showed high reactivity with the recombinant domain I and full-length native exotoxin A.

CONCLUSIONS

The purified anti-exotoxin A scFv displayed high specificity against exotoxin A. The human scFv identified in this study could be the groundwork for developing a novel therapeutic agent to control P. aeruginosa infections.

High sensitive single chain variable fragment screening from a microcystin-LR immunized mouse phage antibody library and its application in immunoassay

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is one of common high-toxic biotoxins produced by cyanobacteria in waterbody. A high sensitive and convenient detection method is necessary for monitoring for MC-LR. To establish a high sensitive indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IC-ELISA) based on single chain variable fragment (scFv) for detecting MC-LR, 16 positive anti-MC-LR phage scFv particles were screened out from a MC-LR-immunized mouse phage scFv library, which was successfully constructed with the capacity of 8.67 × 10⁷ CFU/mL. The most positive anti-MC-LR phage scFv (MscFv7) was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli (E.coli) HB2151. The molecular weight (M.W.) of expressed protein was about 30 kDa, and the concentration of purified protein was 512.6 μg/mL analyzed by SDS-PAGE and protein quantitative respectively. The IC-ELISA based on MscFv7-scFv for MC-LR shows a half-maximum inhibition (IC₅₀) of 0.471 μg/L and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.044 μg/L, which is below the maximum residue limit standard (MRLs) of 1.0 μg/L in drinking water. The MscFv7-scFv has a strong cross-recognition for MC-RR and MC-YR with cross-reactivity (CRs) of 93.1% and 85.9%, respectively, but weak for MC-LW with that of 9.7%, even non-recognition for MC-WR, MC-LF and MC-LY. The recovery rates of IC-ELISA to detect MC-LR spiked in different cleanliness of water samples were 81.2-106.3% with CVs of 2.62-10.22% at intra-assay and inter-assay. The results showed that we obtained a high sensitive anti-MC-LR scFv, and the established IC-ELISA based on MscFv7-scFv should be promising for ultrasensitive monitoring MC-LR, MC-RR and MC-YR in water samples.

Phage antibody library screening for the selection of novel high-affinity human single-chain variable fragment against gastrin receptor: an in silico and in vitro study

BACKGROUND

As a membrane G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) family, gastrin/cholecystokinin-2 receptor (CCK2R) plays a key role in the initiation and development of gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVES

Targeting CCK2R by immunotherapeutics such as single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) may provide an effective treatment modality against gastric cancer. Thus, the main objective of this study was to isolate scFvs specific to CCK2R.

METHODS

To isolate scFvs specific to the CCK2R, we capitalized on a semi-synthetic diverse phage antibody library (PAL) and a solution-phase biopanning process. The library was panned against a biotinylated peptide of the second extracellular loop (ECL2) of CCK2R. After four rounds of biopanning, the selected soluble scFv clones were screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and examined for specific binding to the peptide. The selected scFvs were purified using immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC). The binding affinity and specificity of the scFvs were examined by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR), immunoblotting and flow cytometry assays and molecular docking using ZDOCK v3.0.2.

RESULTS

Ten different scFvs were isolated, which displayed binding affinity ranging from 0.68 to 8.0 (nM). Immunoblotting and molecular docking analysis revealed that eight scFvs were able to detect the denatured form of CCK2R protein. Of the isolated scFvs, two scFvs showed high-binding affinity to the human gastric adenocarcinoma AGS cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our findings, a couple of the selected scFvs showed markedly high-binding affinity to immobilized CCK2R peptide and CCK2R-overexpressing AGS cells. Therefore, these scFvs are proposed to serve as targeting and/or treatment agents in the diagnosis and immunotherapy of CCK2R-positive tumors. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

A gold nanoparticle-single-chain fragment variable antibody as an immunoprobe for rapid detection of morphine by dipstick

Gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based optical assays are of significant interest since the molecular phenomenon can be examined easily with change in the color of AuNPs. Herein, we report the development of a dipstick using a AuNP-labeled single-chain fragment variable (scFv) antibody for the detection of morphine. The scFv antibodies for morphine were developed using phage display-based antibody library. Immunoglobulin variable regions of heavy (V H)- and light (V L)-chain genes were connected via a glycine-serine linker isolated from murine immune repertoire and cloned into the expression vector pIT2. The scFv was produced in Escherichia coli HB2151, yielding a functional protein with a molecular weight of approximately 32 kDa. The morphine scFv was labeled with gold nanoparticles and used as an optical immunoprobe in a dipstick. The competitive dipstick assay characterized the ability of the scFv antibody to recognize free morphine. The detection range was 1-1000 ng mL-1 with a limit of detection (LOD) of 5 ng mL-1 under optimal conditions, and the IC50 value was 14 ng mL-1 for morphine. The developed optical dipstick kit of scFv antibody was capable of specifically binding to free morphine and its analogs in a solution in less than 5 min and could be useful for on-site screening of a real sample in blood, urine, and saliva.

Shirazi F. Isolation and Characterization of Novel Phage Displayed scFv Fragment for Human Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha and Molecular Docking Analysis of Their Interactions

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) expression amplifies to excess amounts in several disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Although, Anti-TNF biologics have revolutionized the treatment of these autoimmune diseases, formation of anti-drug antibodies (ADA) has dramatically affected their use. The next generation antibodies (e.g. Fab, scFv) have not only reduced resulted immunogenicity, but also proved several benefits including better tumor penetration and more rapid blood clearance. Using affinity selection procedures in this study, a scFv antibody clone was isolated from naïve Tomlinson I phage display library that specifically recognizes and binds to TNF-α. The TNF-α recombinant protein was expressed in genetically engineered Escherichia coli SHuffle^® T7 Express, for the first time, which is able to express disulfide-bonded recombinant proteins into their correctly folded states. ELISA-based affinity characterization results indicated that the isolated novel 29.2 kDa scFv binds TNF-α with suitable affinity. In-silico homology modeling study using 'ModWeb' as well as molecular docking study using Hex program confirmed the scFv and TNF-α interactions with a scFv-TNF- α binding energy of around -593 kj/mol which is well in agreement with our ELSIA results. The cloned scFv antibody may be potentially useful for research and therapeutic applications in the future.

An anti-CAPN5 intracellular antibody acts as an inhibitor of CAPN5-mediated neuronal degeneration

CAPN5 has been linked to autosomal dominant neovascular inflammatory vitreoretinopathy (ADNIV). Activation of CAPN5 may increase proteolysis and degradation of a wide range of substrates to induce degeneration in the retina and the nerve system. Thus, we developed an inhibitory intracellular single chain variable fragment (scFv) against CAPN5 as a potential way to rescue degeneration in ADNIV disease or in neuronal degeneration. We report that overexpression CAPN5 increases the levels of the auto-inflammatory factors toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), interleukin 1 alpha (IL1alpha), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and activated caspase 3 in 661W photoreceptor-like cells and SHSY5Y neuronal-like cells. Both C4 and C8 scFvs specifically recognize human/mouse CAPN5 in 661W cells and SHSY5Y cells, moreover, both the C4 and C8 scFvs protected cells from CAPN5-induced apoptosis by reducing the levels of activated caspase 3 and caspase 9. The cellular expression C4 scFv reduced levels of the pro-inflammatory factor IL1-alpha activated caspase 3 in cells after CAPN5 overexpression. We suggest that CAPN5 expression has important functional consequences in auto-inflammatory processes, and apoptosis in photoreceptor like cells and neural-like cells. Importantly, the specific intracellular targeting of antibody fragments blocking activation of CAPN5 act as inhibitors of CAPN5 functions in neural like cells, thus, our data provides a novel potential tool for therapy in CAPN5-mediated ADNIV or neurodegenerative diseases.

Development of a Novel Human Single Chain Antibody Against EGFRVIII Antigen by Phage Display Technology

Purpose: EGFRvIII as the most common mutant variant of the epidermal growth factor receptor is resulting from deletion of exons 2-7 in the coding sequence and junction of exons 1 and 8 through a novel glycine residue. EGFRvIII is highly expressed in glioblastoma, carcinoma of the breast, ovary, and lung but not in normal cells. The aim of the present study was identification of a novel single chain antibody against EGFRvIII as a promising target for cancer therapy. Methods: In this study, a synthetic peptide corresponding to EGFRvIII protein was used for screening a naive human scFv phage library. A novel five-round selection strategy was used for enrichment of rare specific clones. Results: After five rounds of screening, six positive scFv clones against EGFRvIII were selected using monoclonal phage ELISA, among them, only three clones had expected size in PCR reaction. The specific interaction of two of the scFv clones with EGFRvIII was confirmed by indirect ELISA. One phage clone with higher affinity in scFv ELISA was purified for further analysis. The purity of the produced scFv antibody was confirmed using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting analyses. Conclusion: In the present study, a human anti- EGFRvIII scFv with high affinity was first identified from a scFv phage library. This study can be the groundwork for developing more effective diagnostic and therapeutic agents against EGFRvIII expressing cancers.

Isolation and characterization of a novel human scFv inhibiting EGFR vIII expressing cancers

EGFRvIII, a mutant form of epidermal growth factor receptor is highly expressed in glioblastoma, carcinoma of the breast, ovary, and lung but not in normal cells. This tumor specific antigen has emerged as a promising candidate for antibody based therapy of several cancers. The aim of the present study was isolation and characterization of a human single chain antibody against EGFRvIII as a promising target for cancer therapy. For this, a synthetic peptide corresponding to EGFRvIII protein was used for screening the naive human scFv phage library. Selection was performed using a novel screening strategy for enrichment of rare specific clones. After five rounds of screening, six positive scFv clones against EGFRvIII were selected using monoclonal phage ELISA, among them, a clone with an amber mutation in VH CDR2 coding sequence showed higher reactivity. The mutation was corrected through site directed mutagenesis and then scFv fragment was expressed after subcloning into the bacterial expression vector. Expression in BL21 pLysS resulted in a highly soluble scFv appeared in soluble fraction of E. coli lysate. Bioinformatic in silico analysis between scFv and EGFRvIII sequences confirmed specific binding of desired scFv to EGFRvIII in CDR regions. The specific reactivity of the purified scFv with native EGFRvIII was confirmed by cell based ELISA and western blot. In conclusion, human anti- EGFRvIII scFv isolated from a scFv phage library displayed high reactivity with EGFRvIII. The scFv isolated in this study can be the groundwork for developing more effective diagnostic and therapeutic agents against EGFRvIII expressing cancers.

Selection and Characterization of Single Chain Antibody Fragments Specific for Hsp90 as a Potential Cancer Targeting Molecule

Heat shock proteins play an essential role in facilitating malignant transformation and they have been recognized as important factors in human cancers. One of the key elements of the molecular chaperones machinery is Hsp90 and it has recently become a target for anticancer therapeutic approaches. The potential and importance of Hsp90-directed agents becomes apparent when one realizes that disruption of Hsp90 function may influence over 200 oncogenic client proteins. Here, we described the selection and characterization of Hsp90-specific antibody fragments from commercially available Tomlinson I and J phage display libraries. The affinities of Hsp90-binding scFv variants were measured using SPR method. Then, based on the best clone selected, we performed the affinity maturation procedure and obtained valuable Hsp90-specific clones. The selected binders were expressed and applied for immunostaining, ELISA and SPR analysis using model cancer cell lines. All performed experiments confirmed the ability of selected antibodies to interact with the Hsp90. Therefore, the presented Hsp90-specific scFv, might be a starting point for the development of a novel antibody-based strategy targeting cancer.

Single chain fragment variable antibodies developed by using as target the 3rd fibronectin type III homologous repeat fragment of human neural cell adhesion molecule L1 promote cell migration and neuritogenesis

L1CAM plays important roles during ontogeny, including promotion of neuronal cell migration and neuritogenesis, and stimulation of axonal outgrowth, fasciculation and myelination. These functions are at least partially exerted through a 16-mer amino acid sequence in the third fibronectin type III-like repeat of L1, which associates with several interaction partners, including integrins, other adhesion molecules and growth factor receptors. Here, using the Tomlinson I library for phage display, we obtained two single-chain variable fragment antibodies (scFvs) against this peptide sequence of human L1, hereafter called H3 peptide. Both scFvs recognize the H3 peptide and the extracellular domain of L1, as tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining of L1 expresssing cells. Furthermore, both scFvs reduce U-87 MG cell adhesion to fibronectin, while stimulating cell migration. Application of scFvs to human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells promote process outgrowth. Similar to triggering of endogenous L1 functions at the cell surface, both scFvs activate the signal transducers Erk and Src in these cells. Our results indicate that scFvs against a functionally pivotal domain in L1 trigger its regeneration-beneficial functions in vitro, encouraging thoughts on therapy of neurodegenerative diseases in the hope to ameliorate human nervous system diseases.

Antibody fragments directed against different portions of the human neural cell adhesion molecule L1 act as inhibitors or activators of L1 function

The neural cell adhesion molecule L1 plays important roles in neuronal migration and survival, neuritogenesis and synaptogenesis. L1 has also been found in tumors of different origins, with levels of L1 expression correlating positively with the metastatic potential of tumors. To select antibodies targeting the varied functions of L1, we screened the Tomlinson library of recombinant human antibody fragments to identify antibodies binding to recombinant human L1 protein comprising the entire extracellular domain of human L1. We obtained four L1 binding single-chain variable fragment antibodies (scFvs), named I4, I6, I13, and I27 and showed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that scFvs I4 and I6 have high affinity to the immunoglobulin-like (Ig) domains 1-4 of L1, while scFvs I13 and I27 bind strongly to the fibronectin type III homologous (Fn) domains 1-3 of L1. Application of scFvs I4 and I6 to human SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells reduced proliferation and transmigration of these cells. Treatment of SK-N-SH cells with scFvs I13 and I27 enhanced cell proliferation and migration, neurite outgrowth, and protected against the toxic effects of H(2)O(2) by increasing the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax. In addition, scFvs I4 and I6 inhibited and scFvs I13 and I27 promoted phosphorylation of src and Erk. Our findings indicate that scFvs reacting with the immunoglobulin-like domains 1-4 inhibit L1 functions, whereas scFvs interacting with the fibronectin type III domains 1-3 trigger L1 functions of cultured neuroblastoma cells.

Rapid isolation of single-chain antibodies from a human synthetic phage display library for detection of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1B toxin

Single chain variable fragment antibody (scFv) is capable of binding its target antigens and is one of the most popular recombinant antibodies format for many applications. In this study, a large human synthetic phage displayed library (Tomlinson J) was employed to generate scFvs against Cry1B toxin by affinity panning. After four rounds of panning, six monoclonal phage particles capable of binding with the Cry1B were isolated, sequenced and characterized by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Two of the identified novel anti-Cry1B scFvs, namely H9 and B12, were expressed in Escherichia coli HB2151 and purified by Ni metal ion affinity chromatography. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamine gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) indicated that the relative molecular mass of scFv was estimated at 30 kDa. The purified scFv-H9 was used to develop an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA) for Cry1B toxin. The linear range of detection for standards in this ic-ELISA was approximately 0.19-1.1 μg mL⁻¹ and 50% inhibition of control (IC₅₀) was 0.84 μg mL⁻¹ for Cry1B. The affinity of scfv-H9 was (1.95±0.12) × 10⁷ M⁻¹ and showed cross-reactivity with Cry1Ab toxin and Cry1Ac toxin (8.53% and 7.58%, respectively), higher cross-reactivity (12.8%) with Cry1C toxin. The average recoveries of Cry1B toxin from spiked leaf and rice samples were in the range 89.5-96.4%, and 88.5-95.6%, respectively, with a coefficient of variation (C.V) less than 6.0%. These results showed promising applications of scfv-H9 for detecting Cry1B toxin in agricultural and environmental samples.

Recognition of Vipera ammodytes meridionalis neurotoxin vipoxin and its components using phage-displayed scFv and polyclonal antivenom sera

Vipoxin is a potent postsynaptic heterodimeric neurotoxin isolated from the venom of the Bulgarian snake Vipera ammodytes meridionalis, whose snakebites cause different and strongly manifested pathophysiological effects (neurotoxic, hemolytic, anticoagulant, convulsant, hypotensive, hyperglycemic etc.). The neutralization of snake toxins calls for extensive research through the application of different approaches: antibodies, non-immunologic inhibitors, natural products derived from plants and animals, as well as synthetic drugs. In this study, we applied naive Tomlinson I + J (Cambridge, UK) libraries to obtain recombinant human scFv antibodies against the vipoxin's two subunits--basic and toxic phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) and acidic, non-toxic component. We found that 33 of more than hundred tested clones were positive and recognized vipoxin and its subunits. Enriched scFv-phage samples (1.2 × 10⁹ pfu/ml) were analyzed for their binding (ELISA) and enzyme-inhibiting abilities. Single chain Fv-phage clones--D₁₂, E₃, F₆, D₁₀ and G₅ exhihest binding affinity for the toxic component. Clones A₁, D₁₂ and C₁₂ recognized preferentially vipoxin's acidic component. Clones E₃, G₅ and H₄ inhibited the enzymatic activity of both vipoxin and its purified and separated toxic subunit to the highest extent. Six of the selected clones (E₃, G₅, H₄, C₁₂, D₁₀ and A₁₁) inhibited direct hemolytic activity of vipoxin and its pure PLA₂ subunit. The obtained specific scFv antibodies will be used for epitope mapping studies required to shed light on the role of the phospholipase A₂ activity for the vipoxin toxicity and its effective neutralization.