1
|
Alonso Villela SM, Kraïem-Ghezal H, Bouhaouala-Zahar B, Bideaux C, Aceves Lara CA, Fillaudeau L. Production of recombinant scorpion antivenoms in E. coli: current state and perspectives. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s00253-023-12578-1. [PMID: 37199752 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12578-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion envenomation is a serious health problem in tropical and subtropical zones. The access to scorpion antivenom is sometimes limited in availability and specificity. The classical production process is cumbersome, from the hyper-immunization of the horses to the IgG digestion and purification of the F(ab)'2 antibody fragments. The production of recombinant antibody fragments in Escherichia coli is a popular trend due to the ability of this microbial host to produce correctly folded proteins. Small recombinant antibody fragments, such as single-chain variable fragments (scFv) and nanobodies (VHH), have been constructed to recognize and neutralize the neurotoxins responsible for the envenomation symptoms in humans. They are the focus of interest of the most recent studies and are proposed as potentially new generation of pharmaceuticals for their use in immunotherapy against scorpion stings of the Buthidae family. This literature review comprises the current status on the scorpion antivenom market and the analyses of cross-reactivity of commercial scorpion anti-serum against non-specific scorpion venoms. Recent studies on the production of new recombinant scFv and nanobodies will be presented, with a focus on the Androctonus and Centruroides scorpion species. Protein engineering-based technology could be the key to obtaining the next generation of therapeutics capable of neutralizing and cross-reacting against several types of scorpion venoms. KEY POINTS: • Commercial antivenoms consist of predominantly purified equine F(ab)'2fragments. • Nanobody-based antivenom can neutralize Androctonus venoms and have a low immunogenicity. • Affinity maturation and directed evolution are used to obtain potent scFv families against Centruroides scorpions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hazar Kraïem-Ghezal
- Laboratoire Des Venins Et Molécules Thérapeutiques, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, 13 Place Pasteur BP74, 1002, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Balkiss Bouhaouala-Zahar
- Laboratoire Des Venins Et Molécules Thérapeutiques, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, 13 Place Pasteur BP74, 1002, Tunis, Tunisia.
- Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Carine Bideaux
- TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Luc Fillaudeau
- TBI, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fernández-Taboada G, Riaño-Umbarila L, Olvera-Rodríguez A, Gómez-Ramírez IV, Losoya-Uribe LF, Becerril B. The venom of the scorpion Centruroides limpidus, which causes the highest number of stings in Mexico, is neutralized by two recombinant antibody fragments. Mol Immunol 2021; 137:247-255. [PMID: 34298407 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Phage display and directed evolution have made it possible to generate recombinant antibodies in the format of single chain variable fragments (scFvs) capable of neutralizing different toxins and venoms of Mexican scorpions. Despite having managed to neutralize a significant number of venoms, some others have not yet been completely neutralized, due to the diversity of the toxic components present in them. An example is the venom of the scorpion Centruroides limpidus, which contains three toxins of medical importance, called Cll1, Cll2 and Cl13. The first two are neutralized by scFv 10FG2, while Cl13, due to its sequence divergence, was not even recognized. For this reason, the aim of the present work was the generation of a new scFv capable of neutralizing Cl13 toxin and thereby helping to neutralize the whole venom of this scorpion. By hybridoma technology, a monoclonal antibody (mAb B7) was generated, which was able to recognize and partially neutralize Cl13 toxin. From mAb B7, its scFv format was obtained, named scFv B7 and subjected to three cycles of directed evolution. At the end of these processes, scFv 11F which neutralized Cl13 toxin was obtained. This scFv, administered in conjunction with scFv 10FG2, allowed to fully neutralize the whole venom of Centruroides limpidus scorpion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Fernández-Taboada
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62250, Mexico.
| | - Lidia Riaño-Umbarila
- Cátedra CONACYT, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62250, Mexico.
| | - Alejandro Olvera-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62250, Mexico.
| | - Ilse Viridiana Gómez-Ramírez
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62250, Mexico.
| | - Luis Fernando Losoya-Uribe
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62250, Mexico.
| | - Baltazar Becerril
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62250, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
|
4
|
Laustsen AH, Solà M, Jappe EC, Oscoz S, Lauridsen LP, Engmark M. Biotechnological Trends in Spider and Scorpion Antivenom Development. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:E226. [PMID: 27455327 PMCID: PMC4999844 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8080226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 06/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Spiders and scorpions are notorious for their fearful dispositions and their ability to inject venom into prey and predators, causing symptoms such as necrosis, paralysis, and excruciating pain. Information on venom composition and the toxins present in these species is growing due to an interest in using bioactive toxins from spiders and scorpions for drug discovery purposes and for solving crystal structures of membrane-embedded receptors. Additionally, the identification and isolation of a myriad of spider and scorpion toxins has allowed research within next generation antivenoms to progress at an increasingly faster pace. In this review, the current knowledge of spider and scorpion venoms is presented, followed by a discussion of all published biotechnological efforts within development of spider and scorpion antitoxins based on small molecules, antibodies and fragments thereof, and next generation immunization strategies. The increasing number of discovery and development efforts within this field may point towards an upcoming transition from serum-based antivenoms towards therapeutic solutions based on modern biotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Hougaard Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen East, Denmark.
| | - Mireia Solà
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Emma Christine Jappe
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Saioa Oscoz
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Line Præst Lauridsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Mikael Engmark
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Carmo AO, Chatzaki M, Horta CCR, Magalhães BF, Oliveira-Mendes BBR, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Kalapothakis E. Evolution of alternative methodologies of scorpion antivenoms production. Toxicon 2015; 97:64-74. [PMID: 25701676 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2014] [Revised: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Scorpionism represents a serious public health problem resulting in the death of children and debilitated individuals. Scorpion sting treatment employs various strategies including the use of specific medicines such as antiserum, especially for patients with severe symptoms. In 1909 Charles Todd described the production of an antiserum against the venom of the scorpion Buthus quinquestriatus. Based on Todd's work, researchers worldwide began producing antiserum using the same approach i.e., immunization of horses with crude venom as antigen. Despite achieving satisfactory results using this approach, researchers in this field have developed alternative approaches for the production of scorpion antivenom serum. In this review, we describe the work published by experts in toxinology to the development of scorpion venom antiserum. Methods and results describing the use of specific antigens, detoxified venom or toxins, purified toxins and or venom fractions, native toxoids, recombinant toxins, synthetic peptides, monoclonal and recombinant antibodies, and alternative animal models are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A O Carmo
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - M Chatzaki
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus, 69100 Komotini, Greece.
| | - C C R Horta
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - B F Magalhães
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - B B R Oliveira-Mendes
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - C Chávez-Olórtegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - E Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Engineering venom's toxin-neutralizing antibody fragments and its therapeutic potential. Toxins (Basel) 2014; 6:2541-67. [PMID: 25153256 PMCID: PMC4147596 DOI: 10.3390/toxins6082541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum therapy remains the only specific treatment against envenoming, but anti-venoms are still prepared by fragmentation of polyclonal antibodies isolated from hyper-immunized horse serum. Most of these anti-venoms are considered to be efficient, but their production is tedious, and their use may be associated with adverse effects. Recombinant antibodies and smaller functional units are now emerging as credible alternatives and constitute a source of still unexploited biomolecules capable of neutralizing venoms. This review will be a walk through the technologies that have recently been applied leading to novel antibody formats with better properties in terms of homogeneity, specific activity and possible safety.
Collapse
|
7
|
Fields C, O'Connell D, Xiao S, Lee GU, Billiald P, Muzard J. Creation of recombinant antigen-binding molecules derived from hybridomas secreting specific antibodies. Nat Protoc 2013; 8:1125-48. [DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2013.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
8
|
di Tommaso A, Juste MO, Martin-Eauclaire MF, Dimier-Poisson I, Billiald P, Aubrey N. Diabody mixture providing full protection against experimental scorpion envenoming with crude Androctonus australis venom. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:14149-56. [PMID: 22375011 PMCID: PMC3340170 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.348912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Androctonus australis is primarily involved in envenomations in North Africa, notably in Tunisia and Algeria, and constitutes a significant public health problem in this region. The toxicity of the venom is mainly due to various neurotoxins that belong to two distinct structural and immunological groups, group I (the AahI and AahIII toxins) and group II (AahII). Here, we report the use of a diabody mixture in which the molar ratio matches the characteristics of toxins and polymorphism of the venom. The mixture consists of the Db9C2 diabody (anti-group I) and the Db4C1op diabody (anti-AahII), the latter being modified to facilitate in vitro production and purification. The effectiveness of the antivenom was tested in vivo under conditions simulating scorpion envenomation. The intraperitoneal injection of 30 μg of the diabody mixture protected almost all the mice exposed to 3 LD(50) s.c. of venom. We also show that the presence of both diabodies is necessary for the animals to survive. Our results are the first demonstration of the strong protective power of small quantities of antivenom used in the context of severe envenomation with crude venom.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne di Tommaso
- From the Université de Tours, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, 37200 Tours
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, 37380 Nouzilly
| | - Matthieu O. Juste
- From the Université de Tours, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, 37200 Tours
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, 37380 Nouzilly
| | | | - Isabelle Dimier-Poisson
- From the Université de Tours, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, 37200 Tours
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, 37380 Nouzilly
| | | | - Nicolas Aubrey
- From the Université de Tours, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, 37200 Tours
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, 37380 Nouzilly
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fabrichny IP, Mondielli G, Conrod S, Martin-Eauclaire MF, Bourne Y, Marchot P. Structural insights into antibody sequestering and neutralizing of Na+ channel α-type modulator from old world scorpion venom. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:14136-48. [PMID: 22371498 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.315382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The Old World scorpion Androctonus australis hector (Aah) produces one of the most lethal venoms for humans. Peptidic α-toxins AahI to AahIV are responsible for its potency, with AahII accounting for half of it. All four toxins are high affinity blockers of the fast inactivation phase of mammalian voltage-activated Na(+) channels. However, the high antigenic polymorphism of α-toxins prevents production of a polyvalent neutralizing antiserum, whereas the determinants dictating their trapping by neutralizing antibodies remain elusive. From an anti-AahII mAb, we generated an antigen binding fragment (Fab) with high affinity and selectivity for AahII and solved a 2.3 Å-resolution crystal structure of the complex. Sequestering of the C-terminal region of the bound toxin within a groove formed by the Fab combining loops is associated with a toxin orientation and main and side chain conformations that dictate the AahII antigenic specificity and efficient neutralization. From an anti-AahI mAb, we also preformed and crystallized a high affinity AahI-Fab complex. The 1.6 Å-resolution structure solved revealed a Fab molecule devoid of a bound AahI and with combining loops involved in packing interactions, denoting expulsion of the bound antigen upon crystal formation. Comparative analysis of the groove-like combining site of the toxin-bound anti-AahII Fab and planar combining surface of the unbound anti-AahI Fab along with complementary data from a flexible docking approach suggests occurrence of distinctive trapping orientations for the two toxins relative to their respective Fab. This study provides complementary templates for designing new molecules aimed at capturing Aah α-toxins and suitable for immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor P Fabrichny
- Faculté de Médecine Secteur Nord, Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie-Neurophysiologie de Marseille, CRN2M, CNRS/Aix-Marseille Université UMR-6231, Institut Fédératif de Recherche Jean Roche, CS80011, F-13344 Marseille cedex 15, France
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Quintero-Hernández V, Del Pozo-Yauner L, Pedraza-Escalona M, Juárez-González VR, Alcántara-Recillas I, Possani LD, Becerril B. Evaluation of three different formats of a neutralizing single chain human antibody against toxin Cn2: neutralization capacity versus thermodynamic stability. Immunol Lett 2012; 143:152-60. [PMID: 22306104 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2012.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2011] [Revised: 01/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The single-chain antibody fragment (scFv) 6009F, obtained by directed evolution, neutralizes the effects of the Cn2 toxin, which is the major toxic component of Centruroides noxius scorpion venom. In this work we compared the neutralization capacity and the thermodynamic stability of scFv 6009F with those of two other derived formats: Fab 6009F and diabody 6009F. Additionally, the affinity constants to Cn2 toxin of the three recombinant antibody fragments were determined by means of BIAcore. We found a correlation between the thermodynamic stability of these antibody fragments with their neutralization capacity. The order of thermodynamic stability determined was Fab≫scFv>diabody. The Fab and scFv were capable of neutralizing the toxic effects of Cn2 and whole venom but the diabody was unable to fully neutralize intoxication. In silico analysis of the diabody format indicates that the reduction of stability and neutralization capacity could be explained by a less cooperative interface between the heavy and the light variable domains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Quintero-Hernández
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62250, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Riaño-Umbarila L, Contreras-Ferrat G, Olamendi-Portugal T, Morelos-Juárez C, Corzo G, Possani LD, Becerril B. Exploiting cross-reactivity to neutralize two different scorpion venoms with one single chain antibody fragment. J Biol Chem 2010; 286:6143-51. [PMID: 21156801 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.189175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the optimization of a family of human single chain antibody fragments (scFv) for neutralizing two scorpion venoms. The parental scFv 3F recognizes the main toxins of Centruroides noxius Hoffmann (Cn2) and Centruroides suffusus suffusus (Css2), albeit with low affinity. This scFv was subjected to independent processes of directed evolution to improve its recognition toward Cn2 (Riaño-Umbarila, L., Juárez-González, V. R., Olamendi-Portugal, T., Ortíz-León, M., Possani, L. D., and Becerril, B. (2005) FEBS J. 272, 2591-2601) and Css2 (this work). Each evolved variant showed strong cross-reactivity against several toxins, and was capable of neutralizing Cn2 and Css2. Furthermore, each variant neutralized the whole venoms of the above species. As far as we know, this is the first report of antibodies with such characteristics. Maturation processes revealed key residue changes to attain expression, stability, and affinity improvements as compared with the parental scFv. Combination of these changes resulted in the scFv LR, which is capable of rescuing mice from severe envenomation by 3 LD(50) of freshly prepared whole venom of C. noxius (7.5 μg/20 g of mouse) and C. suffusus (26.25 μg/20 g of mouse), with surviving rates between 90 and 100%. Our research is leading to the formulation of an antivenom consisting of a discrete number of human scFvs endowed with strong cross-reactivity and low immunogenicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Riaño-Umbarila
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62250, México
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hmila I, Saerens D, Abderrazek RB, Vincke C, Abidi N, Benlasfar Z, Govaert J, Ayeb ME, Bouhaouala‐Zahar B, Muyldermans S. A bispecific nanobody to provide full protection against lethal scorpion envenoming. FASEB J 2010; 24:3479-89. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.09-148213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Issam Hmila
- Laboratoire des Venins et ToxinesInstitut Pasteur de Tunis Tunis Tunisia
| | - Dirk Saerens
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular ImmunologyVrije Universiteit Brussel (VIB) Brussels Belgium
- Department of Cellular and Molecular InteractionsVrije Universiteit Brussel (VIB) Brussels Belgium
| | | | - Cécile Vincke
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular ImmunologyVrije Universiteit Brussel (VIB) Brussels Belgium
- Department of Cellular and Molecular InteractionsVrije Universiteit Brussel (VIB) Brussels Belgium
| | - Naima Abidi
- Laboratoire des Venins et ToxinesInstitut Pasteur de Tunis Tunis Tunisia
| | - Zakaria Benlasfar
- Service des Unités AnimalièresInstitut Pasteur de Tunis Tunis Tunisia
| | - Jochen Govaert
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular ImmunologyVrije Universiteit Brussel (VIB) Brussels Belgium
- Department of Cellular and Molecular InteractionsVrije Universiteit Brussel (VIB) Brussels Belgium
| | - Mohamed El Ayeb
- Laboratoire des Venins et ToxinesInstitut Pasteur de Tunis Tunis Tunisia
| | - Balkiss Bouhaouala‐Zahar
- Laboratoire des Venins et ToxinesInstitut Pasteur de Tunis Tunis Tunisia
- Faculté de Médecine de TunisUniversité de Tunis–El Manar Tunis Tunisia
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular ImmunologyVrije Universiteit Brussel (VIB) Brussels Belgium
- Department of Cellular and Molecular InteractionsVrije Universiteit Brussel (VIB) Brussels Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Antidotes against venomous animals: State of the art and prospectives. J Proteomics 2009; 72:183-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2009.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2009] [Revised: 01/14/2009] [Accepted: 01/14/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
14
|
Hmila I, Abdallah R BAB, Saerens D, Benlasfar Z, Conrath K, Ayeb ME, Muyldermans S, Bouhaouala-Zahar B. VHH, bivalent domains and chimeric Heavy chain-only antibodies with high neutralizing efficacy for scorpion toxin AahI'. Mol Immunol 2008; 45:3847-56. [PMID: 18614235 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2008.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2008] [Revised: 04/14/2008] [Accepted: 04/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Many efforts aim at solving the serious problems encountered with immunotherapy against scorpion envenoming. The most attractive approach consists in generating single-chain antibody fragments (scFv) as their pharmaco-kinetic properties should match closely those of the scorpion toxins. Although high affinity scFv reagents have been generated in the past, their production level, stability, and toxin neutralizing capacity remain disappointingly poor. In the current study, we identified one Nanobody (Nb), a single-domain antigen-binding fragment of a dromedary Heavy-chain antibody (HCAb) that recognizes specifically the Androctonus australis hector AahI' toxin. This Nb has excellent production, stability and solubility characteristics. With this Nb we further manufactured a tandem linked bivalent construct and assembled a HCAb with improved antigen binding due to avidity effects. All these constructs were shown in mouse models to possess a scorpion toxin neutralization capacity that exceeds by far all previous attempts with scFv-based materials, even when used at lower doses. It is therefore clear that in the near future Nanobodies will be at the core of novel serotherapeutics as they combine multiple benefits over other reagents to treat scorpion envenomed patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Issam Hmila
- Laboratoire des Venins et Toxines, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, 13 Place Pasteur, BP-74, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Leukocytes are the cells of the immune system and are centrally involved in defense against infection, in autoimmune disease, allergy, inflammation, and in organ graft rejection. Lymphomas and leukemias are malignancies of leukocytes, and the immune system is almost certainly involved in most other cancers. Each leukocyte expresses a selection of cell surface glycoproteins and glycolipids which mediate its interaction with antigen, with other components of the immune system, and with other tissues. It is therefore not surprising that the leukocyte surface molecules (CD molecules) have provided targets for diagnosis and therapy. Among the "celebrities" are CD20, a target for lymphoma therapeutic antibodies which earns $2 billion annually (and makes a significant difference to lymphoma patients), and CD4, the molecule used by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as an entry portal into cells of the immune system. This short review provides a background to the CD molecules and antibodies against them, and summarizes research, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications of antibodies against these molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heddy Zola
- Child Health Research Institute, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zola H. Medical applications of leukocyte surface molecules--the CD molecules. MOLECULAR MEDICINE (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2007; 12:312-6. [PMID: 17380197 PMCID: PMC1829200 DOI: 10.2119/2006–00081.zola] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2006] [Accepted: 10/08/2006] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Leukocytes are the cells of the immune system and are centrally involved in defense against infection, in autoimmune disease, allergy, inflammation, and in organ graft rejection. Lymphomas and leukemias are malignancies of leukocytes, and the immune system is almost certainly involved in most other cancers. Each leukocyte expresses a selection of cell surface glycoproteins and glycolipids which mediate its interaction with antigen, with other components of the immune system, and with other tissues. It is therefore not surprising that the leukocyte surface molecules (CD molecules) have provided targets for diagnosis and therapy. Among the "celebrities" are CD20, a target for lymphoma therapeutic antibodies which earns $2 billion annually (and makes a significant difference to lymphoma patients), and CD4, the molecule used by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as an entry portal into cells of the immune system. This short review provides a background to the CD molecules and antibodies against them, and summarizes research, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications of antibodies against these molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heddy Zola
- Child Health Research Institute, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Stewart CS, MacKenzie CR, Hall JC. Isolation, characterization and pentamerization of alpha-cobrotoxin specific single-domain antibodies from a naïve phage display library: preliminary findings for antivenom development. Toxicon 2006; 49:699-709. [PMID: 17257638 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2006.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2006] [Accepted: 11/17/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Conventional antivenoms to snakebite generated from the serum of immunized animals, often elicit adverse reactions and have mismatched pharmacokinetic profiles with their target toxins due to antibody/toxin size discrepancies which results in poor neutralization. Furthermore, animal immunization protocols are often lengthy and have batch to batch variability. Recombinant V(H)H-based antivenoms may help overcome these problems. Three V(H)H fragments with specificity to alpha-cobrotoxin, a snake neurotoxin from Naja kaouthia venom, were isolated from a naïve llama V(H)H phage-display library. Alpha-cobrotoxin-binding specificity was determined using a phage-displayed V(H)H ELISA format. Sequence analysis shows two of the three clones differ by only two amino acid substitutions, while the third is unique. Surface plasmon resonance analysis determined the K(D) values of the interactions to be 2, 3 and 3 microM. These affinities are too low for alpha-cobrotoxin detection in a standard ELISA format, or for practical use as therapeutic agents. However, improved functional affinity was obtained via antibody pentamerization and alpha-cobrotoxin detection was possible using a pentabody-based ELISA. Development of antivenoms composed of a mixture of antibody fragments, such as V(H)Hs and V(H)H multimers, may help match the pharmacokinetic profiles of complex venoms, improving antivenom biodistribution, and toxin neutralization while reducing adverse effects in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine S Stewart
- Department of Environmental Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ont., Canada N1G 2W1
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Riaño-Umbarila L, Juárez-González VR, Olamendi-Portugal T, Ortíz-León M, Possani LD, Becerril B. A strategy for the generation of specific human antibodies by directed evolution and phage display. FEBS J 2005; 272:2591-601. [PMID: 15885107 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2005.04687.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study describes the construction of a library of single-chain antibody fragments (scFvs) from a single human donor by individual amplification of all heavy and light variable domains (1.1 x 10(8) recombinants). The library was panned using the phage display technique, which allowed selection of specific scFvs (3F and C1) capable of recognizing Cn2, the major toxic component of Centruroides noxius scorpion venom. The scFv 3F was matured in vitro by three cycles of directed evolution. The use of stringent conditions in the third cycle allowed the selection of several improved clones. The best scFv obtained (6009F) was improved in terms of its affinity by 446-fold, from 183 nm (3F) to 410 pm. This scFv 6009F was able to neutralize 2 LD(50) of Cn2 toxin when a 1 : 10 molar ratio of toxin-to-antibody fragment was used. It was also able to neutralize 2 LD(50) of the whole venom. These results pave the way for the future generation of recombinant human antivenoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Riaño-Umbarila
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|