Primary structure of human gamma 3 immunoglobulin deletion mutant: gamma 3 heavy-chain disease protein Wis

Site-Specific Conjugation to Native and Engineered Lysines in Human Immunoglobulins by Microbial Transglutaminase

The use of microbial transglutaminase (MTG) to produce site-specific antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) has thus far focused on the transamidation of engineered acyl donor glutamine residues in an antibody based on the hypothesis that the lower specificity of MTG for acyl acceptor lysines may result in the transamidation of multiple native lysine residues, thereby yielding heterogeneous products. We investigated the utilization of native IgG lysines as acyl acceptor sites for glutamine-based acyl donor substrates. Of the approximately 80 lysines in multiple recombinant IgG monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), none were transamidated. Because recombinant mAbs lack the C-terminal Lys447 due to cleavage by carboxypeptidase B in the production cell host, we explored whether blocking the cleavage of Lys447 by the addition of a C-terminal amino acid could result in transamidation of Lys447 by a variety of acyl donor substrates. MTG efficiently transamidated Lys447 in the presence of any nonacidic, nonproline amino acid residue at position 448. Lysine scanning mutagenesis throughout the antibody further revealed several transamidation sites in both the heavy- and light-chain constant regions. Additionally, scanning mutagenesis of the hinge region in a Fab' fragment revealed sites of transamidation that were not reactive in the context of the full-length mAb. Here, we demonstrate the utility of single lysine substitutions and the C-terminal Lys447 for engineering efficient acyl acceptor sites suitable for site-specific conjugation to a range of glutamine-based acyl donor substrates.

Human Gm, Km, and Am allotypes and their molecular characterization: a remarkable demonstration of polymorphism

Human immunoglobulin allotypes are antigenic determinants (or "markers") determined serologically, classically by hemagglutination inhibition, on the human immunoglobulin (IG) heavy and light chains. The allotypes have been identified on the gamma1, gamma2, gamma3, and alpha2 heavy chains (they are designated as G1m, G2m, G3m, and A2m allotypes, respectively), and on the kappa light chain (Km allotypes). Gm-Am allotypes are inherited in fixed combinations, or Gm-Am haplotypes, owing to the linkage of the human IGHC genes (IGHG3, IGHG1, IGHA1, IGHG2, IGHG4, IGHE, and IGHA2 from 5' to 3' in the IGH locus on chromosome 14). Gm and Am allotypes have been one of the most powerful tools in population genetics and very instrumental in molecular characterization of the human IGHC genes (gene conversion, copy number variation, gene order). They represent a major system for understanding immunogenicity of the polymorphic IG chains, in relation with amino acid and conformational changes. The correlation between G3m allotypes and amino acid changes has been possible with the sequencing of many alleles of the IGHG3 gene, from individuals from different populations and with known allotypes. In this chapter, we integrate genetics and sequence data and provide an updated overview of the Gm-Am haplotypes and Km allotypes. We propose, for the first time, a complete elucidation of the G3m allotypes, illustrated by the "IMGT G3m allele butterfly" concept that allows a graphical representation of the G3m alleles (variants of a gene expressing a given set of allotypes). Knowledge of allotypes is important in antibody engineering and humanization of monoclonal antibodies to improve immunotherapy.

The amino acid sequence of a monoclonal gamma 3-heavy chain from a patient with articular gamma-heavy chain deposition disease

Abnormal deposition of proteins, including monoclonal immunoglobulin gamma-heavy chains, may cause tissue damage and organ dysfunction. We here report the amino acid sequence of the free gamma-heavy chains present in serum and urine of the first reported case (patient G. L.) of synovial heavy chain deposition disease. The protein was heavily deleted and consisted of the hinge, in addition to the CH2 and CH3 domains, in a dimeric form, thus lacking its variable domain as well as the CH1 domain. The sequence was consistent with the gamma 3 subclass (gamma 3GL). Gm typing revealed the gamma 3 allotypes G3m(b0) and G3m(b1) in accordance with the residues Pro123, Phe128, Thr171 and Phe268 in gamma 3GL. Furthermore, the gamma 3GL molecule was glycosylated at Asn in position 129. Finally, the gamma 3GL protein was shown to contain a typical binding site for the first complement component, C1q, namely the residues Glu150, Lys152 and Lys154, with the potential of binding and activating complement, causing tissue damage following deposition.

Evidence for tissue-specific forms of glutaminyl cyclase

Glutaminyl cyclase (QC) is responsible for the presence of pyroglutamyl residues in many neuroendocrine peptides. An examination of the bovine tissue distribution of QC immunoreactivity, enzyme activity, and mRNA confirmed that QC was abundant in brain and pituitary by all three measures. However, enzymatic activity was considerably more widespread than either immunoreactivity or mRNA, suggesting multiple enzyme forms. Partially purified QC from bovine spleen differed significantly from the known bovine pituitary QC in physical and catalytic properties. We propose that this form of glutaminyl cyclase plays a role in the posttranslational processing of constitutively secreted pGlu-containing proteins.

Characterization of the MRC OX40 antigen of activated CD4 positive T lymphocytes--a molecule related to nerve growth factor receptor

The antigen recognized by the monoclonal antibody (mAb) MRC OX40 is present on activated rat CD4 positive T lymphocytes but not other cells. cDNA clones were isolated from an expression library using the MRC OX40 mAb and the protein sequence for the OX40 antigen deduced. It contains a typical signal sequence and a single putative transmembrane sequence of 25 predominantly hydrophobic amino acids giving an extracellular domain of 191 amino acids and a cytoplasmic domain of 36 amino acids. The sequence of the extracellular domain includes a cysteine-rich region with sequence similarities with the low affinity nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) of neurons and the CD40 antigen present on human B cells. Within this region three cysteine-rich motifs can be recognized in OX40 compared with four similar motifs in both NGFR and CD40. OX40, CD40 and NGFR constitute a new superfamily of molecules with expression including lymphoid cells (OX40, CD40) and neuronal cells (NGFR). This is reminiscent of the immunoglobulin superfamily whose molecules are variously found at the surface of lymphoid or brain cells or both.

Gamma heavy chain disease in man. Genomic sequence reveals two noncontiguous deletions in a single gene

A genomic clone was isolated from a human lymphoid cell line which synthesized an NH2-terminally deleted gamma 3 heavy chain disease protein. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed a normal sequence from 310 bp 5' to the initiator ATG through the codon for VH amino acid 14. Amino acid 15 was derived from the codon for the last J4 amino acid. Thus, the clone contained a deletion of the codons for the VH region beyond amino acid 14, as well as those for the entire D region and most of the J coding region. Some sequence abnormalities were observed in the 400 bp after the deletion. Beyond this, there was excellent homology to published J and intervening sequences, including those containing the enhancer elements. The 1,200-bp switch region was abruptly interrupted by a sequence corresponding to the 3' one-third of CH1. Thus, a second deletion eliminated the acceptor splice site at the 5' end of CH1. When splicing of the primary RNA transcript occurred, the truncated VH region was joined via the J4 donor splice site to the next available acceptor site 5' to the first hinge exon. Hence, the aberrant serum protein was the product of two deletions and a splice correction as well as postsynthetic NH2-terminal proteolysis.

Enzymatic fragmentation of an unusual human IgG2 (Kva) myeloma protein

The Kva IgG2(k) myeloma protein showed a complete resistance to papain in the presence of cysteine at neutral pH, and a higher resistance to trypsin and alpha-chymotrypsin digestion than other IgG2 proteins. On the other hand, the Kva molecule was cleaved by pepsin at low pH to give the expected F(ab')2 fragment. When the cleavage conditions were altered, it was possible to obtain Fab, Fc, and Fc' fragments from this molecule as well. The Fab/c fragment and FacbFc' complex were also obtained, which have not previously been reported from human IgG2 molecules. Incubation at elevated temperatures (45-50 degrees C) and/or lower pH resulted mainly in enzymatic attack on the C terminal side of the hinge. It was necessary to destroy the hinge by reduction or to expose the Kva molecule at 70 degrees C or at lower pH (2.5) prior to digestion to facilitate enzyme digestion on the NH2 terminal side of the hinge. These results indicate that the hinge region of the Kva molecule has an unusually compact structure, which makes it extremely resistant to proteolysis.

Lymphocyte specific heterogeneity in the rat leucocyte common antigen (T200) is due to differences in polypeptide sequences near the NH2-terminus

The leucocyte-common antigen (L-CA, T200 or CD45) consists of a family of heavily glycosylated glycoproteins of apparent Mr 180,000-240,000 which are restricted to lymphoid and myeloid cells. Forms of L-CA which differ in their apparent Mr, antigenicity and glycosylation are expressed on different lymphocyte types. One specific antigenic determinant called MRC OX-22 is of particular interest because it distinguishes two sets of T helper cells that have different functions. From the sequence of different L-CA cDNA clones we now conclude that there is sequence heterogeneity such that at least four forms of L-CA exist with sequences in the range 1118-1250 amino acids. All the sequence variation occurs at a point starting 6 residues from the NH2-terminus and the last 1112 residues of all forms are identical. Two of the variants can be directly related to the antigenic variation because they include sequence that was determined for a peptide that carries the MRC OX-22 determinant. Analysis of glycopeptides from thymocyte L-CA identified only one non-glycosylated position out of 14 possible N-glycosylation sites and established that all O-glycosylation was within the first 32 amino acids. The extra protein sequence in the longer forms was also suggestive of extensive O-glycosylation.

Nucleotide sequence of the small double-stranded RNA segment of bacteriophage phi 6: novel mechanism of natural translational control

The lipid-containing bacteriophage phi 6 has a genome composed of three segments of double-stranded RNA. We determined the nucleotide sequence of a cDNA copy of the smallest RNA segment. The coding sequences of the four proteins on this segment were identified. These sequences were clustered. Three of the genes had overlapping initiation-termination codons. All noncoding sequences were at the ends of the molecule. The genes of the small double-stranded RNA segment comprised two translational polarity groups. We propose that the translational coupling is the result of an inability of ribosomes to bind independently to two of the four genes. Translation of these genes occurred when ribosomes were delivered to them by translation of an upstream gene.

Sequence of a human immunoglobulin gamma 3 heavy chain constant region gene: comparison with the other human C gamma genes

We report the first and complete nucleotide sequence of a human gamma 3 heavy chain constant region gene (C gamma 3). This gene displays the same organization than the others C gamma genes and exhibits normal RNA splice and polyadenylation sites. A comparison of its primary sequence with those of C gamma 1, C gamma 2 and C gamma 4 genes confirms the high degree of homology (95%) of the human family in both coding and non-coding regions, and the divergence of the hinge region. The C gamma 3 gene we sequenced codes for a Gm(b) gamma 3 chain (EZZ). Comparison with other known protein sequences reveals that only two specific aminoacids are involved in the Gm(b) and Gm(g) allotypes, which suggests an important part of the spatial configuration in the allotypic specificities.

Major coat protein and single-stranded DNA-binding protein of filamentous virus Pf3

The region of the Pf3 virus genome encoding its major coat protein and its single-stranded DNA-binding protein is organized somewhat like the corresponding region of the fd (M13, f1) genome. Nevertheless, the major coat protein is unique among the major coat proteins of fd and the other filamentous phages studied in that it lacks a signal sequence and appears to be a direct translation product and in that it has fewer basic amino acid residues than its equivalent of DNA phosphates in the virion. These features are relevant to considerations of both protein insertion into membranes and DNA structure in filamentous viruses. The single-stranded DNA-binding protein also has a sequence that is different from the sequences of single-stranded DNA-binding proteins from other filamentous viruses.

H NMR studies of the Fc region of human IgG1 and IgG3 immunoglobulins: assignment of histidine resonances in the CH3 domain and identification of IgG3 protein carrying G3m(st) allotypes

A 1H NMR study of the Fc region of human IgG1 and IgG3 immunoglobulins is presented. 1H NMR data were collected for the Fc and pFc' fragments obtained from human monoclonal IgG1 and IgG3 and also from rabbit IgG. The C2-H proton signal of His-435 in the CH3 domain of IgG1 was assigned by comparing the spectra of the Fc fragment of IgG1 with that of IgG3 [G3m(g)] where there is a substitution of histidine by arginine at position 435. Chemical shifts and linewidths of the His-435 signal are quite different for the Fc and pFc' fragments. We suggest that His-435 is involved in the interdomain CH2-CH3 contact. Assignments of the C2-H proton signals of His-429 and His-433 in the CH3 domain were made on the basis of our previous 1H NMR results on the human light chain. NMR measurements clearly show that IgG3 Jir, which was isolated from a Japanese patient with cryoglobulinemia, has histidine at position 435 as in the case of IgG1. We also confirmed that IgG3 Jir reacts strongly with protein A. In marked contrast, IgG3 [G3m(g)] does not bind protein A. These results show that binding of protein A to the Fc region is not subclass-specific and the existence of His-435 is a necessary condition for the protein A binding. It has recently been demonstrated that IgG3 proteins carrying G3m(st) allotypes, which are relatively common in Mongoloid populations but quite rare in Caucasians, bind protein A strongly. We confirmed that, as expected, IgG3 Jir carries G3m(st) allotypes. The pH titration curve of His-435 observed for IgG3 Jir is quite different from that for IgG1. This result makes it possible to identify by 1H NMR IgG3 proteins carrying G3m(st) allotypes. In the case of the pFc' fragments, His-435 gives identical titration curves for IgG1 and IgG3 [G3m(st)]. This is consistent with the fact that no serological distinction can be made between the pFc' fragments obtained from these two types of proteins. We suggest that G3m(st)-specific antiserum differentiates IgG1 and IgG3 [G3m(st)] by recognizing the difference in the way in which the CH2 and CH3 domains make contact with each other.

Primary structure of an amyloid prealbumin variant in familial polyneuropathy of Jewish origin

The complete amino acid sequence of three related amyloid proteins (Mr 14,000, 10,000, and 5,000) derived from tissues of a Jewish patient who suffered from a variant of familial polyneuropathic amyloidosis was determined. The protein, which contains 127 residues, is identical to a human serum prealbumin subunit. Only one amino acid substitution, glycine for threonine, was detected at position 49, where enzymatic cleavage occurred, yielding Mr 5,000 and 10,000 fragments which represent the amino terminus (residues 1-48) and carboxyl terminus (residues 49-127) of the molecule, respectively. Thus, a prealbumin variant and its fragments constitute the amyloid fibrils in a heredofamilial amyloidosis syndrome of dominant inheritance.

Amyloidosis associated with renal cell carcinoma of the AA type

Amyloid fibrils were found at postmortem examination in a 70 year old woman with generalized amyloidosis associated with renal carcinoma (hypernephroma). Clinically, her amyloid disease presented as nephrotic syndrome. It was demonstrated by electrophoretic and amino acid sequence analysis studies that the amyloid fibrils contained AA protein identical to that found in amyloidosis associated with chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases as well as in the genetic form of familial Mediterranean fever.

The nucleotide sequence of a human immunoglobulin C gamma1 gene

We report the nucleotide sequence of a gene encoding the constant region of a human immunoglobulin gamma 1 heavy chain (C gamma 1). A comparison of this sequence with those of the C gamma 2 and C gamma 4 genes reveals that these three human C gamma genes share considerable homology in both coding and noncoding regions. The nucleotide sequence differences indicate that these genes diverged from one another approximately 608 million years ago. An examination of hinge exons shows that these coding regions have evolved more rapidly than any other areas of the C gamma genes in terms of both base substitution and deletion/insertion events. Coding sequence diversity also is observed in areas of CH domains which border the hinge.

gamma Heavy chain disease in man: cDNA sequence supports partial gene deletion model

Human gamma heavy chain disease (HCD) is characterized by the presence in serum of a short monoclonal Ig gamma chain unattached to light chains. Although most HCD proteins have internal deletions, in some the defect is NH2-terminal. The OMM gamma 3 HCD serum protein is of the latter type, having undergone an extensive NH2-terminal deletion with a sequence starting within the hinge. A cell line synthesizing the OMM protein has enabled us to study the biogenesis of the abnormal molecule. In vitro translation of isolated mRNA yields a protein containing a hydrophobic NH2-terminal leader sequence. In the intact cell, the precursor molecule is processed normally to yield a protein with an NH2-terminal sequence homologous to the beginning of the variable (V) region. The nucleotide sequence of cDNA prepared from the OMM mRNA encodes a 19-amino acid leader followed by the first 15 residues of the V region. An extensive internal deletion encompasses the remainder of the V and the entire CH1 domain. Immediately following the short V region, there is information in the cDNA for the entire normal hinge. The primary synthetic product is thus an internally deleted molecule that undergoes postsynthetic degradation to yield the NH2-terminally deleted serum protein. The structure of the OMM mRNA suggests that the protein abnormality results from a partial gene deletion rather than defective splicing.

Linkage and sequence homology of two human immunoglobulin gamma heavy chain constant region genes

We report the nucleotide sequence of a gene encoding a human immunoglobulin C gamma 2 region. Comparison with the previously determined C gamma 4 sequence reveals that these two genes share extensive (approximately 95%) homology in the three CH domain exons and adjacent noncoding regions. In contrast, hinge exons have diverged to a much greater degree, implying that natural selection has favored the generation of diversity in these coding regions. We have used the noncoding nucleotide differences to estimate that approximately 6-7 million years have elapsed since the occurrence of the gene duplication or correction event which generated the two identical ancestral genes. In addition we show that the two C gamma genes are arranged in human chromosomal DNA in the configuration 5'-C gamma 2-17 kilobase pairs -C gamma 4-3'.

Amino acid sequence of the protein inhibitor of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase

The complete amino acid sequence of the mitochondrial ATPase inhibitor peptide was determined. The molecule contains 84 residues of which 40 are charged amino acids that occur in clusters along the chain. A section of the chain, located at the COOH-terminal end, contains several duplicated regions, the most prominent of which are pentapeptides. This section of the chain also contains all of the five histidines present in the molecule. Some of the physicochemical properties of the protein and an improved purification procedure are described.

Insertion of influenza M protein into the viral lipid bilayer and localization of site of insertion

Recent studies with isolated M protein from influenza virus have shown that the protein has a high affinity for lipid. The ability of M to partition into lipid vesicles merely by shaking vesicles and M together is suggestive evidence that the protein could be interacting with the lipid in the virus particle. A more direct analysis was carried our here to determine whether M is in contact with the viral lipid in situ, by using the photoactivatable hydrophobic probe, pyrenesulfonyl azide. Covalent linkage of this probe to M indicated that a segment of M residues with in the virus membrane in contact with the lipid bilayer. M inserted into lipid vesicles at two locations on the molecule. A major insertion into lipid occurred in the middle of the molecule where a large cluster of 20 hydrophobic and neutral amino acids occurs. A second insertion occurred approximately one fourth in from the amino terminus, where a smaller segment of 13 uncharged amino acids is found. Confirmation that M inserted into lipid at these locations came also from results with cyanogen bromide fragments of M. Of the 12 to 13 fragments produced, 3 specifically bound to lipid vesicles. These were the first, second, and third contiguous segments beginnings at the amino terminus and containing the two hydrophobic areas noted above.

Nucleotide sequence of a human immunoglobulin C gamma 4 gene

We report the nucleotide sequence of a gene encoding the constant region of a human immunoglobulin gamma 4 heavy chain (C gamma 4). These data represent the first complete sequence determination of a human CH gene. As expected from structural studies of mouse C gamma genes, the coding sequences for the CH domains and hinge segment are separated from one another by intervening DNA sequences. Comparison with genomic sequences of the mouse C gamma 1, C gamma 2a, and C gamma 2b genes shows conservation of the sequences in the constant region domains and the 3' untranslated region surrounding the presumed site of poly(A) addition.