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Sabino YNV, Cotter PD, Mantovani HC. Anti-virulence compounds against Staphylococcus aureus associated with bovine mastitis: A new therapeutic option? Microbiol Res 2023; 271:127345. [PMID: 36889204 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Bovine mastitis represents a major economic burden faced by the dairy industry. S. aureus is an important and prevalent bovine mastitis-associated pathogen in dairy farms worldwide. The pathogenicity and persistence of S. aureus in the bovine mammary gland are associated with the expression of a range of virulence factors involved in biofilm formation and the production of several toxins. The traditional therapeutic approach to treating bovine mastitis includes the use of antibiotics, but the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains has caused therapeutic failure. New therapeutic approaches targeting virulence factors of S. aureus rather than cell viability can have several advantages including lower selective pressure towards the development of resistance and little impact on the host commensal microbiota. This review summarizes the potential of anti-virulence therapies to control S. aureus associated with bovine mastitis focusing on anti-toxin, anti-biofilm, and anti-quorum sensing compounds. It also points to potential sources of new anti-virulence inhibitors and presents screening strategies for identifying these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hilario C Mantovani
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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2
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Camelid Single-Domain Antibodies: Promises and Challenges as Lifesaving Treatments. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095009. [PMID: 35563400 PMCID: PMC9100996 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of camelid heavy-chain antibodies in 1993, there has been tremendous excitement for these antibody domains (VHHs/sdAbs/nanobodies) as research tools, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Commercially, several patents were granted to pioneering research groups in Belgium and the Netherlands between 1996–2001. Ablynx was established in 2001 with the aim of exploring the therapeutic applications and development of nanobody drugs. Extensive efforts over two decades at Ablynx led to the first approved nanobody drug, caplacizumab (Cablivi) by the EMA and FDA (2018–2019) for the treatment of rare blood clotting disorders in adults with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TPP). The relatively long development time between camelid sdAb discovery and their entry into the market reflects the novelty of the approach, together with intellectual property restrictions and freedom-to-operate issues. The approval of the first sdAb drug, together with the expiration of key patents, may open a new horizon for the emergence of camelid sdAbs as mainstream biotherapeutics in the years to come. It remains to be seen if nanobody-based drugs will be cheaper than traditional antibodies. In this review, I provide critical perspectives on camelid sdAbs and present the promises and challenges to their widespread adoption as diagnostic and therapeutic agents.
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Mieczkowski C, Bahmanjah S, Yu Y, Baker J, Raghunathan G, Tomazela D, Hsieh M, McCoy M, Strickland C, Fayadat-Dilman L. Crystal Structure and Characterization of Human Heavy-Chain Only Antibodies Reveals a Novel, Stable Dimeric Structure Similar to Monoclonal Antibodies. Antibodies (Basel) 2020; 9:antib9040066. [PMID: 33266498 PMCID: PMC7709113 DOI: 10.3390/antib9040066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the novel crystal structure and characterization of symmetrical, homodimeric humanized heavy-chain-only antibodies or dimers (HC2s). HC2s were found to be significantly coexpressed and secreted along with mAbs from transient CHO HC/LC cotransfection, resulting in an unacceptable mAb developability attribute. Expression of full-length HC2s in the absence of LC followed by purification resulted in HC2s with high purity and thermal stability similar to conventional mAbs. The VH and CH1 portion of the heavy chain (or Fd) was also efficiently expressed and yielded a stable, covalent, and reducible dimer (Fd2). Mutagenesis of all heavy chain cysteines involved in disulfide bond formation revealed that Fd2 intermolecular disulfide formation was similar to Fabs and elucidated requirements for Fd2 folding and expression. For one HC2, we solved the crystal structure of the Fd2 domain to 2.9 Å, revealing a highly symmetrical homodimer that is structurally similar to Fabs and is mediated by conserved (CH1) and variable (VH) contacts with all CDRs positioned outward for target binding. Interfacial dimer contacts revealed by the crystal structure were mutated for two HC2s and were found to dramatically affect HC2 formation while maintaining mAb bioactivity, offering a potential means to modulate novel HC2 formation through engineering. These findings indicate that human heavy-chain dimers can be secreted efficiently in the absence of light chains, may show good physicochemical properties and stability, are structurally similar to Fabs, offer insights into their mechanism of formation, and may be amenable as a novel therapeutic modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Mieczkowski
- Discovery Biologics, Protein Sciences, Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (Y.Y.); (J.B.); (G.R.); (D.T.); (M.H.); (L.F.-D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-650-496-6501
| | - Soheila Bahmanjah
- Department of Chemistry, Modeling and Informatics, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA; (S.B.); (C.S.)
| | - Yao Yu
- Discovery Biologics, Protein Sciences, Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (Y.Y.); (J.B.); (G.R.); (D.T.); (M.H.); (L.F.-D.)
| | - Jeanne Baker
- Discovery Biologics, Protein Sciences, Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (Y.Y.); (J.B.); (G.R.); (D.T.); (M.H.); (L.F.-D.)
| | - Gopalan Raghunathan
- Discovery Biologics, Protein Sciences, Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (Y.Y.); (J.B.); (G.R.); (D.T.); (M.H.); (L.F.-D.)
| | - Daniela Tomazela
- Discovery Biologics, Protein Sciences, Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (Y.Y.); (J.B.); (G.R.); (D.T.); (M.H.); (L.F.-D.)
| | - Mark Hsieh
- Discovery Biologics, Protein Sciences, Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (Y.Y.); (J.B.); (G.R.); (D.T.); (M.H.); (L.F.-D.)
| | - Mark McCoy
- Department of Pharmacology, Mass Spectrometry & Biophysics, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA;
| | - Corey Strickland
- Department of Chemistry, Modeling and Informatics, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA; (S.B.); (C.S.)
| | - Laurence Fayadat-Dilman
- Discovery Biologics, Protein Sciences, Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (Y.Y.); (J.B.); (G.R.); (D.T.); (M.H.); (L.F.-D.)
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4
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Liu Y, Huang H. Expression of single-domain antibody in different systems. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2017; 102:539-551. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-017-8644-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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5
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Arbabi-Ghahroudi M. Camelid Single-Domain Antibodies: Historical Perspective and Future Outlook. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1589. [PMID: 29209322 PMCID: PMC5701970 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tremendous effort has been expended over the past two and a half decades to understand many aspects of camelid heavy chain antibodies, from their biology, evolution, and immunogenetics to their potential applications in various fields of research and medicine. In this article, I present a historical perspective on the development of camelid single-domain antibodies (sdAbs or VHHs, also widely known as nanobodies) since their discovery and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these unique molecules in various areas of research, industry, and medicine. Commercialization of camelid sdAbs exploded in 2001 with a flurry of patents issued to the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and later taken on by the Vlaams Interuniversitair Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) and, after 2002, the VIB-founded spin-off company, Ablynx. While entrepreneurial spirit has certainly catalyzed the exploration of nanobodies as marketable products, IP restrictions may be partially responsible for the relatively long time span between the discovery of these biomolecules and their entry into the pharmaceutical market. It is now anticipated that the first VHH-based antibody drug, Caplacizumab, a bivalent anti-vWF antibody for treating rare blood clotting disorders, may be approved and commercialized in 2018 or shortly thereafter. This elusive first approval, along with the expiry of key patents, may substantially alter the scientific and biomedical landscape surrounding camelid sdAbs and pave the way for their emergence as mainstream biotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Arbabi-Ghahroudi
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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6
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IgG light chain-independent secretion of heavy chain dimers: consequence for therapeutic antibody production and design. Biochem J 2017; 474:3179-3188. [PMID: 28784690 PMCID: PMC5590090 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20170342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Rodent monoclonal antibodies with specificity towards important biological targets are developed for therapeutic use by a process of humanisation. This process involves the creation of molecules, which retain the specificity of the rodent antibody but contain predominantly human coding sequence. Here, we show that some humanised heavy chains (HCs) can fold, form dimers and be secreted even in the absence of a light chain (LC). Quality control of recombinant antibody assembly in vivo is thought to rely upon folding of the HC CH1 domain. This domain acts as a switch for secretion, only folding upon interaction with the LC CL domain. We show that the secreted heavy-chain dimers contain folded CH1 domains and contribute to the heterogeneity of antibody species secreted during the expression of therapeutic antibodies. This subversion of the normal quality control process is dependent on the HC variable domain, is prevalent with engineered antibodies and can occur when only the Fab fragments are expressed. This discovery will have an impact on the efficient production of both humanised antibodies and the design of novel antibody formats.
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Muyldermans S, Smider VV. Distinct antibody species: structural differences creating therapeutic opportunities. Curr Opin Immunol 2016; 40:7-13. [PMID: 26922135 PMCID: PMC4884505 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies have been a remarkably successful class of molecules for binding a large number of antigens in therapeutic, diagnostic, and research applications. Typical antibodies derived from mouse or human sources use the surface formed by complementarity determining regions (CDRs) on the variable regions of the heavy chain/light chain heterodimer, which typically forms a relatively flat binding surface. Alternative species, particularly camelids and bovines, provide a unique paradigm for antigen recognition through novel domains which form the antigen binding paratope. For camelids, heavy chain antibodies bind antigen with only a single heavy chain variable region, in the absence of light chains. In bovines, ultralong CDR-H3 regions form an independently folding minidomain, which protrudes from the surface of the antibody and is diverse in both its sequence and disulfide patterns. The atypical paratopes of camelids and bovines potentially provide the ability to interact with different epitopes, particularly recessed or concave surfaces, compared to traditional antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Muyldermans
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Vaughn V Smider
- Fabrus Inc., Division of Sevion Therapeutics, San Diego, CA 92121, United States; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States.
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8
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Abstract
Sera of camelids contain both conventional heterotetrameric antibodies and unique functional heavy (H)-chain antibodies (HCAbs). The H chain of these homodimeric antibodies consists of one antigen-binding domain, the VHH, and two constant domains. HCAbs fail to incorporate light (L) chains owing to the deletion of the first constant domain and a reshaped surface at the VHH side, which normally associates with L chains in conventional antibodies. The genetic elements composing HCAbs have been identified, but the in vivo generation of these antibodies from their dedicated genes into antigen-specific and affinity-matured bona fide antibodies remains largely underinvestigated. However, the facile identification of antigen-specific VHHs and their beneficial biochemical and economic properties (size, affinity, specificity, stability, production cost) supported by multiple crystal structures have encouraged antibody engineering of these single-domain antibodies for use as a research tool and in biotechnology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Muyldermans
- Research Group Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
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9
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Histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical study of the lymph nodes of the one humped camel (Camelus dromedarius). Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2011; 145:191-8. [PMID: 22169326 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2011.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2011] [Revised: 11/08/2011] [Accepted: 11/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Prescapular, femoral, mesenteric, mediastinal and splenic lymph nodes from nine camels of one to 12 years of age were studied. There were no obvious structural differences between these different lymph nodes or between the ages. The lymph nodes were surrounded by a capsule formed of two layers, an outer thicker layer of connective tissue and an inner thinner layer mainly of smooth muscles. Trabeculae extended from the inner layer of the capsule dividing the parenchyma characteristically into incomplete lobules. Subcapsular and trabecular lymphatic sinuses were supported by a reticular fiber network. The parenchyma was uniquely different from that of other species, as it was arranged in the form of lymphoid follicles and interfollicular lymphoid tissue. The lymphoid follicles of CD22 positive lymphocytes were supported by a reticular fiber network. This fine network of α-smooth muscle actin positive cells enclosed the lymphoid follicles. The interfollicular tissue was mainly made up of diffusely distributed CD3 positive lymphocytes. MHC class II: DR was expressed by most lymphocytes of the follicles and interfollicular tissue. Lymphatic sinuses and high endothelial venules were found in the interfollicular zone. The lymphatic sinuses were lined by discontinuous endothelial cells. The wall of the high endothelial venules was infiltrated by several lymphocytes and enclosed in a layer of α-smooth muscle actin positive cells. Acid phosphatase positive cells were evenly distributed in the interfollicular zone. A few cells were localized in the lymph follicles. Alkaline phosphatase was observed in the endothelium of the lymphatic sinuses and in the lymphoid follicles.
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Muyldermans S, Baral TN, Retamozzo VC, De Baetselier P, De Genst E, Kinne J, Leonhardt H, Magez S, Nguyen VK, Revets H, Rothbauer U, Stijlemans B, Tillib S, Wernery U, Wyns L, Hassanzadeh-Ghassabeh G, Saerens D. Camelid immunoglobulins and nanobody technology. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2008; 128:178-83. [PMID: 19026455 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2008.10.299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 351] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that all camelids have unique antibodies circulating in their blood. Unlike antibodies from other species, these special antibodies are devoid of light chains and are composed of a heavy-chain homodimer. These so-called heavy-chain antibodies (HCAbs) are expressed after a V-D-J rearrangement and require dedicated constant gamma-genes. An immune response is raised in these so-called heavy-chain antibodies following classical immunization protocols. These HCAbs are easily purified from serum, and the antigen-binding fragment interacts with parts of the target that are less antigenic to conventional antibodies. Since the antigen-binding site of the dromedary HCAb is comprised in one single domain, referred to as variable domain of heavy chain of HCAb (VHH) or nanobody (Nb), we designed a strategy to clone the Nb repertoire of an immunized dromedary and to select the Nbs with specificity for our target antigens. The monoclonal Nbs are well produced in bacteria, are very stable and highly soluble, and bind their cognate antigen with high affinity and specificity. We have successfully developed recombinant Nbs for research purposes, as probe in biosensors, to diagnose infections, and to treat diseases like cancer or trypanosomosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Muyldermans
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Interactions, VIB, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issam Hmila
- Laboratoire des Venins et Toxines, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, 13 Place Pasteur, BP-74, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia
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12
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Zou X, Smith JA, Corcos D, Matheson LS, Osborn MJ, Brüggemann M. Removal of the BiP-retention domain in Cmicro permits surface deposition and developmental progression without L-chain. Mol Immunol 2008; 45:3573-9. [PMID: 18584871 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2008.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2008] [Revised: 04/25/2008] [Accepted: 05/07/2008] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Nascent, full length, immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy (H)-chains are post-translationally associated with H-chain-binding protein (BiP or GRP78) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The first constant (C) domain, CH1 of a C gene (Cmu, Cgamma, Calpha), is important for this interaction. The contact is released upon BiP replacement by conventional Ig light (L)-chain (kappa or lambda). Incomplete or mutated H-chains with removed variable (VH) and/or C(H)1 domain, as found in H-chain disease (HCD), can preclude stable BiP interaction. Progression in development after the preB cell stage is dependent on surface expression of IgM when association of a micro H-chain with a L-chain overcomes the retention by BiP. We show that IgM lacking the BiP-binding domain is displayed on the cell surface and elicits a signal that allows developmental progression even without the presence of L-chain. The results are reminiscent of single chain Ig secretion in camelids where developmental processes leading to the generation of fully functional H-chain-only antibodies are not understood. Furthermore, in the mouse the largest secondary lymphoid organ, the spleen, is not required for H-chain-only Ig expression and the CD5 survival signal may be obsolete for cells expressing truncated IgM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangang Zou
- The Babraham Institute, Babraham, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom
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13
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Zou X, Osborn MJ, Bolland DJ, Smith JA, Corcos D, Hamon M, Oxley D, Hutchings A, Morgan G, Santos F, Kilshaw PJ, Taussig MJ, Corcoran AE, Brüggemann M. Heavy chain-only antibodies are spontaneously produced in light chain-deficient mice. J Exp Med 2007; 204:3271-83. [PMID: 18086860 PMCID: PMC2150980 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20071155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2007] [Accepted: 11/20/2007] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In healthy mammals, maturation of B cells expressing heavy (H) chain immunoglobulin (Ig) without light (L) chain is prevented by chaperone association of the H chain in the endoplasmic reticulum. Camelids are an exception, expressing homodimeric IgGs, an antibody type that to date has not been found in mice or humans. In camelids, immunization with viral epitopes generates high affinity H chain-only antibodies, which, because of their smaller size, recognize clefts and protrusions not readily distinguished by typical antibodies. Developmental processes leading to H chain antibody expression are unknown. We show that L(-/-) (kappa(-/-)lambda(-/-)-deficient) mice, in which conventional B cell development is blocked at the immature B cell stage, produce diverse H chain-only antibodies in serum. The generation of H chain-only IgG is caused by the loss of constant (C) gamma exon 1, which is accomplished by genomic alterations in C(H)1-circumventing chaperone association. These mutations can be attributed to errors in class switch recombination, which facilitate the generation of H chain-only Ig-secreting plasma cells. Surprisingly, transcripts with a similar deletion can be found in normal mice. Thus, naturally occurring H chain transcripts without C(H)1 (V(H)DJ(H)-hinge-C(H)2-C(H)3) are selected for and lead to the formation of fully functional and diverse H chain-only antibodies in L(-/-) animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangang Zou
- The Babraham Institute, Babraham, Cambridge CB22 3AT, England, UK
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Harmsen MM, De Haard HJ. Properties, production, and applications of camelid single-domain antibody fragments. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2007; 77:13-22. [PMID: 17704915 PMCID: PMC2039825 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-007-1142-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 545] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2007] [Revised: 07/25/2007] [Accepted: 07/30/2007] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Camelids produce functional antibodies devoid of light chains of which the single N-terminal domain is fully capable of antigen binding. These single-domain antibody fragments (VHHs or Nanobodies®) have several advantages for biotechnological applications. They are well expressed in microorganisms and have a high stability and solubility. Furthermore, they are well suited for construction of larger molecules and selection systems such as phage, yeast, or ribosome display. This minireview offers an overview of (1) their properties as compared to conventional antibodies, (2) their production in microorganisms, with a focus on yeasts, and (3) their therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Harmsen
- Institute for Animal Science and Health (ID-Lelystad) of Wageningen University and Research Centre, Edelhertweg 15, Lelystad, The Netherlands.
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15
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Janssens R, Dekker S, Hendriks RW, Panayotou G, van Remoortere A, San JKA, Grosveld F, Drabek D. Generation of heavy-chain-only antibodies in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:15130-5. [PMID: 17015837 PMCID: PMC1586177 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0601108103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We have generated transgenic mice containing hybrid llama/human antibody loci that contain two llama variable regions and the human D, J, and Cmu and/or Cgamma constant regions. Such loci rearrange productively and rescue B cell development efficiently without LC rearrangement. Heavy-chain-only antibodies (HCAb) are expressed at high levels, provided that the CH1 domain is deleted from the constant regions. HCAb production does not require an IgM stage for effective pre-B cell signaling. Antigen-specific heavy-chain-only IgM or IgGs are produced upon immunization. The IgG is dimeric, whereas IgM is multimeric. The chimeric HCAb loci are subject to allelic exclusion, but several copies of the transgenic locus can be rearranged and expressed successfully on the same allele in the same cell. Such cells are not subject to negative selection. The mice produce a full antibody repertoire and provide a previously undescribed avenue to produce specific human HCAb in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rudi W. Hendriks
- Immunology, ErasmusMC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - George Panayotou
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center, Alexander Fleming, Varkiza 16602, Greece; and
| | - Alexandra van Remoortere
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Frank Grosveld
- *Departments of Cell Biology and
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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Vettermann C, Herrmann K, Jäck HM. Powered by pairing: The surrogate light chain amplifies immunoglobulin heavy chain signaling and pre-selects the antibody repertoire. Semin Immunol 2006; 18:44-55. [PMID: 16464608 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2006.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Selective expansion of functional pre-B cells is accomplished by the assembly of a signaling-competent pre-B cell receptor (pre-BCR) consisting of immunoglobulin mu heavy chains (muHC), surrogate light chains (SLC) and Igalpha/Igbeta. Here, we review recent data showing that muHCs, in the absence of SLC, deliver autonomous differentiation signals. However, enhanced signaling necessary for pre-B cell expansion requires cross-linking of pre-BCRs via the non-immunoglobulin tail of SLC's subunit lambda5. We also discuss how SLC's ability to modulate the strength of pre-BCR signals is controlled by a muHC's idiotype and its affinity to the chaperone BiP. In this model, BiP in concert with SLC functions as a pre-selector of the antibody repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Vettermann
- Division of Molecular Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
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De Genst E, Saerens D, Muyldermans S, Conrath K. Antibody repertoire development in camelids. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2006; 30:187-98. [PMID: 16051357 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2005.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The humoral immune response of the Camelidae is unique as these animals are the only known mammals that seem to possess functional homodimeric heavy-chain antibodies besides the classical heteromeric antibodies composed of heavy (H) and light (L) chains. By definition, the heavy-chain antibodies lack the L-chain, and it was noticed that their H-chain is devoid of the typical first constant domain (CH1) and contains a dedicated variable domain, referred to as VHH. The VHH exon is assembled from separate V-D-J gene segments. The recombined VHH region is subjected to somatic hypermutations; however, the timing and actual mechanism of the class switch from mu to the dedicated gamma-isotype remains elusive. Interestingly, antigen-specific VHHs are easily retrieved after panning of a phage-displayed rearranged V-gene pool cloned from an immunised camelid. These single-domain antigen binding entities possess a number of biophysical properties that offer particular advantages in various medical and biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin De Genst
- Laboratory of Cellular & Molecular Immunology, Department of Molecular & Cellular Interactions, Vlaams Interuniversitair Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Building E, Room 8.2, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussel, Belgium
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Jin C, Bencúrová M, Borth N, Ferko B, Jensen-Jarolim E, Altmann F, Hantusch B. Immunoglobulin G specifically binding plant N-glycans with high affinity could be generated in rabbits but not in mice. Glycobiology 2005; 16:349-57. [PMID: 16373330 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwj071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Xylosylated and core alpha1,3-fucosylated N-glycans from plants are immunogenic, and they play a still obscure role in allergy and in the field of plant-made protein pharmaceuticals. We immunized mice to generate monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) binding plant N-glycans specifically via the epitope containing either the xylose or the core alpha1,3-fucose residue. Splenocytes expressing N-glycan-specific antibodies derived from C57BL/6 mice previously immunized with plant glycoproteins were preselected by cell sorting to generate hybridoma lines producing specific antibodies. However, we obtained only mAbs unable to distinguish fucosylated from xylosylated N-glycans and reactive even with the pentasaccharide core Man3GlcNAc2. In contrast, immunization of rabbits yielded polyclonal sera selectively reactive with either fucosylated or xylosylated N-glycans. Purification of these sera using glyco-modified neoglycoproteins coupled to a chromatography matrix provided polyclonal sera suitable for affinity determination. Surface plasmon resonance measurements using sensor chips with immobilized glyco-modified transferrins revealed dissociation constants of around 10(-9) M. This unexpectedly high affinity of IgG antibodies toward carbohydrate epitopes has repercussions on our conception of the binding strength and significance of antiglycan IgE antibodies in allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunsheng Jin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Applies Life Sciences (BOKU), 1190 Vienna, Austria
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. JLM. Role of Non-clinical Environments in the Selection of Virulence and Antibiotic Resistance Determinants in Pathogenic Bacteria. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.3923/jbs.2006.1.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Zou X, Smith JA, Nguyen VK, Ren L, Luyten K, Muyldermans S, Brüggemann M. Expression of a Dromedary Heavy Chain-Only Antibody and B Cell Development in the Mouse. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 175:3769-79. [PMID: 16148123 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.175.6.3769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
In mature B cells of mice and most mammals, cellular release of single H chain Abs without L chains is prevented by H chain association with Ig-specific chaperons in the endoplasmic reticulum. In precursor B cells, however, surface expression of mu-H chain in the absence of surrogate and conventional L chain has been identified. Despite this, Ag-specific single H chain Ig repertoires, using mu-, gamma-, epsilon-, or alpha-H chains found in conventional Abs, are not produced. Moreover, removal of H chain or, separately, L chain (kappa/lambda) locus core sequences by gene targeting has prevented B cell development. In contrast, H chain-only Abs are produced abundantly in Camelidae as H2 IgG without the C(H)1 domain. To test whether H chain Abs can be produced in mice, and to investigate how their expression affects B cell development, we introduced a rearranged dromedary gamma2a H chain into the mouse germline. The dromedary transgene was expressed as a naturally occurring Ag-specific disulphide-linked homodimer, which showed that B cell development can be instigated by expression of single H chains without L chains. Lymphocyte development and B cell proliferation was accomplished despite the absence of L chain from the BCR complex. Endogenous Ig could not be detected, although V(D)J recombination and IgH/L transcription was unaltered. Furthermore, crossing the dromedary H chain mice with mice devoid of all C genes demonstrated without a doubt that a H chain-only Ab can facilitate B cell development independent of endogenous Ig expression, such as mu- or delta-H chain, at early developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangang Zou
- Protein Technologies Laboratory, The Babraham Institute, Babraham, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Ren L, Zou X, Smith JA, Brüggemann M. Silencing of the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus by removal of all eight constant-region genes in a 200-kb region. Genomics 2004; 84:686-95. [PMID: 15475246 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2004.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2004] [Accepted: 06/16/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Silencing or removal of individual C (constant)-region genes and/or adjacent control sequences did not generate fully deficient Ig (immunoglobulin)- mice. A reason is that different C genes share many functional tasks and most importantly are individually capable of ensuring lymphocyte differentiation. Nevertheless, incomplete arrests in B-cell development were found, most pronounced at the onset of H-chain expression. Here we show that removal of 200 kb accommodating all C genes, Cmu-Cdelta-Cgamma3-Cgamma1-Cgamma2b-Cgamma2a-Cepsilon-Calpha, stops antibody production. For this two loxP targeting constructs were introduced into the most 5' C gene and the distal alpha 3' enhancer. Cre-loxP-mediated in vivo deletion was accompanied by extensive germ-line mosaicism, which could be separated by breeding. Homozygous C-gene deletion mice did not express Ig H or L chains and flow cytometry revealed a complete block in B-cell development. However, C-gene removal did not affect DNA rearrangement processes following locus activation, as recombination efficacy appears to be similar to what is found in normal mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Ren
- Laboratory of Developmental Immunology, The Babraham Institute, Babraham, Cambridge CB2 4AT, United Kingdom
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Omidfar K, Rasaee MJ, Modjtahedi H, Forouzandeh M, Taghikhani M, Bakhtiari A, Paknejad M, Kashanian S. Production and Characterization of a New Antibody Specific for the Mutant EGF Receptor, EGFRvIII, in Camelus bactrianus. Tumour Biol 2004; 25:179-87. [PMID: 15557755 DOI: 10.1159/000081100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2004] [Accepted: 02/03/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
EGFRvIII is the type III deletion mutant form of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) with transforming activity. This tumor-specific antigen is ligand independent, contains a constitutively active tyrosine kinase domain and has been shown to be present in a number of human malignancies. In this study, we report the production and characterization of camel antibodies that are directed against the external domain of the EGFRvIII. Antibodies developed in camels are smaller (i.e. IgG2 and IgG3 subclasses lack light chains) than any other conventional mammalian antibodies. This property of camel antibodies makes them ideal tools for basic research and other applications such as tumor imaging and cancer therapy. In the present study, camel antibodies were generated by immunization of camelids (Camelus bactrianus and Camelus dromedarius) with a synthetic 14-amino acid peptide corresponding to the mutated sequence of the EGFR, tissue homogenates of several patients with human glioblastoma, medulloblastoma and aggressive breast carcinoma, as well as EGFR-expressing cell lines. Three subclasses of camel IgG [conventional (IgG1, 160 kD) and heavy chain-only antibodies (IgG2 and IgG3, 90 kD)] were separated by their different binding properties to protein A and protein G affinity columns. The anti-EGFRvIII peptide antibodies from immunized camels were purified further using the EGFRvIII synthetic peptide affinity column. The purified anti-EGFRvIII peptide camel antibodies selectively bound to the EGFRvIII peptide and affinity-purified EGFRvIII from malignant tissues and detected a protein band of 140 kD from malignant tissues by Western blot. Affinity analysis showed that the antibodies from C. bactrianus and C. dromedarius reacted with peptide and antigen purified from a small cell lung cancer ascitic fluid with affinities of 2 x 10(8) and 5 x 10(7)M(-1) to the same extent, respectively. Since the functional antigen-binding domain of the anti-EGFRvIII antibodies in camels is much simpler and located only on the heavy chains of proteins, we are currently developing recombinant and smaller versions of the variable domain of these naturally occurring heavy-chain antibodies (V(HH)) for use in tumor imaging and cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Omidfar
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, I.R. Iran
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