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Song F, Kovac V, Mohammadi B, Littau JL, Scharfenberg F, Matamoros Angles A, Vanni I, Shafiq M, Orge L, Galliciotti G, Djakkani S, Linsenmeier L, Černilec M, Hartman K, Jung S, Tatzelt J, Neumann JE, Damme M, Tschirner SK, Lichtenthaler SF, Ricklefs FL, Sauvigny T, Schmitz M, Zerr I, Puig B, Tolosa E, Ferrer I, Magnus T, Rupnik MS, Sepulveda-Falla D, Matschke J, Šmid LM, Bresjanac M, Andreoletti O, Krasemann S, Foliaki ST, Nonno R, Becker-Pauly C, Monzo C, Crozet C, Haigh CL, Glatzel M, Curin Serbec V, Altmeppen HC. Cleavage site-directed antibodies reveal the prion protein in humans is shed by ADAM10 at Y226 and associates with misfolded protein deposits in neurodegenerative diseases. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 148:2. [PMID: 38980441 PMCID: PMC11233397 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02763-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Proteolytic cell surface release ('shedding') of the prion protein (PrP), a broadly expressed GPI-anchored glycoprotein, by the metalloprotease ADAM10 impacts on neurodegenerative and other diseases in animal and in vitro models. Recent studies employing the latter also suggest shed PrP (sPrP) to be a ligand in intercellular communication and critically involved in PrP-associated physiological tasks. Although expectedly an evolutionary conserved event, and while soluble forms of PrP are present in human tissues and body fluids, for the human body neither proteolytic PrP shedding and its cleavage site nor involvement of ADAM10 or the biological relevance of this process have been demonstrated thus far. In this study, cleavage site prediction and generation (plus detailed characterization) of sPrP-specific antibodies enabled us to identify PrP cleaved at tyrosin 226 as the physiological and apparently strictly ADAM10-dependent shed form in humans. Using cell lines, neural stem cells and brain organoids, we show that shedding of human PrP can be stimulated by PrP-binding ligands without targeting the protease, which may open novel therapeutic perspectives. Site-specific antibodies directed against human sPrP also detect the shed form in brains of cattle, sheep and deer, hence in all most relevant species naturally affected by fatal and transmissible prion diseases. In human and animal prion diseases, but also in patients with Alzheimer`s disease, sPrP relocalizes from a physiological diffuse tissue pattern to intimately associate with extracellular aggregated deposits of misfolded proteins characteristic for the respective pathological condition. Findings and research tools presented here will accelerate novel insight into the roles of PrP shedding (as a process) and sPrP (as a released factor) in neurodegeneration and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feizhi Song
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Valerija Kovac
- Centre for Immunology and Development, Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia (BTCS), Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Behnam Mohammadi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jessica L Littau
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Andreu Matamoros Angles
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ilaria Vanni
- Department of Food Safety and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Mohsin Shafiq
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Leonor Orge
- National Institute for Agricultural and Veterinary Research (INIAV), Oeiras, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Giovanna Galliciotti
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Salma Djakkani
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Luise Linsenmeier
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maja Černilec
- Centre for Immunology and Development, Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia (BTCS), Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katrina Hartman
- Centre for Immunology and Development, Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia (BTCS), Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sebastian Jung
- Department of Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jörg Tatzelt
- Department of Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESOLV, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Julia E Neumann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), UKE, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Damme
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sarah K Tschirner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine and Health, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan F Lichtenthaler
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine and Health, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Franz L Ricklefs
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Sauvigny
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Schmitz
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Inga Zerr
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Berta Puig
- Department of Neurology, Experimental Research in Stroke and Inflammation (ERSI), UKE, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eva Tolosa
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Isidro Ferrer
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, IDIBELL, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Tim Magnus
- Department of Neurology, Experimental Research in Stroke and Inflammation (ERSI), UKE, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marjan S Rupnik
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Diego Sepulveda-Falla
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Matschke
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lojze M Šmid
- LNPR, Institute of Pathophysiology and Prion Laboratory, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mara Bresjanac
- LNPR, Institute of Pathophysiology and Prion Laboratory, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Olivier Andreoletti
- UMR INRAE ENVT 1225, Interactions Hôtes-Agents Pathogènes, École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Susanne Krasemann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simote T Foliaki
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Romolo Nonno
- Department of Food Safety and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Cecile Monzo
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapies (IRMB), Neural Stem Cell, MSC and Neurodegenerative Diseases, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Carole Crozet
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapies (IRMB), Neural Stem Cell, MSC and Neurodegenerative Diseases, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Cathryn L Haigh
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Markus Glatzel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Vladka Curin Serbec
- Centre for Immunology and Development, Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia (BTCS), Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Hermann C Altmeppen
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany.
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Kovač V, Čurin Šerbec V. Prion Protein: The Molecule of Many Forms and Faces. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031232. [PMID: 35163156 PMCID: PMC8835406 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein most abundantly found in the outer membrane of neurons. Due to structural characteristics (a flexible tail and structured core), PrPC interacts with a wide range of partners. Although PrPC has been proposed to be involved in many physiological functions, only peripheral nerve myelination homeostasis has been confirmed as a bona fide function thus far. PrPC misfolding causes prion diseases and PrPC has been shown to mediate β-rich oligomer-induced neurotoxicity in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease as well as neuroprotection in ischemia. Upon proteolytic cleavage, PrPC is transformed into released and attached forms of PrP that can, depending on the contained structural characteristics of PrPC, display protective or toxic properties. In this review, we will outline prion protein and prion protein fragment properties as well as overview their involvement with interacting partners and signal pathways in myelination, neuroprotection and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Thüne K, Schmitz M, Villar-Piqué A, Altmeppen HC, Schlomm M, Zafar S, Glatzel M, Llorens F, Zerr I. The cellular prion protein and its derived fragments in human prion diseases and their role as potential biomarkers. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2019; 19:1007-1018. [PMID: 31512940 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2019.1667231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Human prion diseases are a heterogeneous group of incurable and debilitating conditions characterized by a progressive degeneration of the central nervous system. The conformational changes of the cellular prion protein and its formation into an abnormal isoform, spongiform degeneration, neuronal loss, and neuroinflammation are central to prion disease pathogenesis. It has been postulated that truncated variants of aggregation-prone proteins are implicated in neurodegenerative mechanisms. An increasing body of evidence indicates that proteolytic fragments and truncated variants of the prion protein are formed and accumulated in the brain of prion disease patients. These prion protein variants provide a high degree of relevance to disease pathology and diagnosis. Areas covered: In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge on the occurrence of truncated prion protein species and their potential roles in pathophysiological states during prion diseases progression. In addition, we discuss their usability as a diagnostic biomarker in prion diseases. Expert opinion: Either as a primary factor in the formation of prion diseases or as a consequence from neuropathological affection, abnormal prion protein variants and fragments may provide independent information about mechanisms of prion conversion, pathological states, or disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Thüne
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) - site Göttingen , Göttingen , Germany
| | - Matthias Schmitz
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) - site Göttingen , Göttingen , Germany
| | - Anna Villar-Piqué
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) - site Göttingen , Göttingen , Germany.,Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute Carlos III, Ministry of Health, CIBERNED, Hospitalet de Llobregat , Spain
| | | | - Markus Schlomm
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) - site Göttingen , Göttingen , Germany
| | - Saima Zafar
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) - site Göttingen , Göttingen , Germany
| | - Markus Glatzel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center HH-Eppendorf (UKE) , Hamburg , Germany
| | - Franc Llorens
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) - site Göttingen , Göttingen , Germany.,Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute Carlos III, Ministry of Health, CIBERNED, Hospitalet de Llobregat , Spain.,Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Inga Zerr
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) - site Göttingen , Göttingen , Germany
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Kovač V, Čurin Šerbec V. Prion Proteins Without the Glycophosphatidylinositol Anchor: Potential Biomarkers in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Biomark Insights 2018; 13:1177271918756648. [PMID: 29449775 PMCID: PMC5808966 DOI: 10.1177/1177271918756648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Prion protein (PrP) is a biomolecule that is involved in neuronal signaling, myelinization, and the development of neurodegenerative diseases. In the cell, PrP is shed by the ADAM10 protease. This process generates PrP molecules that lack glycophosphatidylinositol anchor, and these molecules incorporate into toxic aggregates and neutralize toxic oligomers. Due to this dual role, these molecules are important biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we present shed PrP as a potential biomarker, with a focus on PrP226*, which may be the main biomarker for predicting neurodegenerative diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerija Kovač
- Department for the Production of Diagnostic Reagents and Research, Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vladka Čurin Šerbec
- Department for the Production of Diagnostic Reagents and Research, Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Abstract
Peptide antibodies, with their high specificities and affinities, are invaluable reagents for peptide and protein recognition in biological specimens. Depending on the application and the assay, in which the peptide antibody is to used, several factors influence successful antibody production, including peptide selection and antibody screening. Peptide antibodies have been used in clinical laboratory diagnostics with great success for decades, primarily because they can be produced to multiple targets, recognizing native wildtype proteins, denatured proteins, and newly generated epitopes. Especially mutation-specific peptide antibodies have become important as diagnostic tools in the detection of various cancers. In addition to their use as diagnostic tools in malignant and premalignant conditions, peptide antibodies are applied in all other areas of clinical laboratory diagnostics, including endocrinology, hematology, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, and amyloidoses.
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Kovač V, Zupančič B, Ilc G, Plavec J, Čurin Šerbec V. Truncated prion protein PrP226* - A structural view on its role in amyloid disease. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 484:45-50. [PMID: 28109886 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.01.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In the brain of patients with transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, besides PrPSc aggregates, deposition of truncated PrP molecules was described. Jansen et al. reported two clinical cases with deposition of C-terminally truncated PrP, one of them ending with Tyr226. We have previously described the discovery of monoclonal antibody V5B2 that selectively recognizes this version of the prion protein, which we called PrP226*. Using monoclonal antibody V5B2 we showed that accumulation of PrP226* is characteristic for most types of human and animal TSEs. Its distribution correlates to the distribution of PrPSc aggregates. To gain insight into the structural basis of its presence and distribution in PrP aggregates, we have determined the NMR structure of recombinant PrP226*. The structure of the protein consists of a disordered N-terminal part (residues 90-125) and a structured C-terminal part (residues 126-226). The C-terminal segment consists of four α-helices and a short antiparallel β-sheet. Our model predicts a break in the C-terminal helix and reorganized hydrophobic interactions between helix α3 and β2-α2 loop due to the shorter C-terminus. The structural model gives information on the possible role of the protein in the development of amyloid disease and can serve as a foundation to develop tools for prevention and treatment of prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerija Kovač
- Department for the Production of Diagnostic Reagents and Research & R&D Service, Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, Šlajmerjeva 6, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Blaž Zupančič
- Slovenian NMR Centre, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Ilc
- Slovenian NMR Centre, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; EN-FIST Centre of Excellence, Dunajska 156, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janez Plavec
- Slovenian NMR Centre, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; EN-FIST Centre of Excellence, Dunajska 156, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vladka Čurin Šerbec
- Department for the Production of Diagnostic Reagents and Research & R&D Service, Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, Šlajmerjeva 6, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Tanaka M, Fujiwara A, Suzuki A, Yamasaki T, Hasebe R, Masujin K, Horiuchi M. Comparison of abnormal isoform of prion protein in prion-infected cell lines and primary-cultured neurons by PrPSc-specific immunostaining. J Gen Virol 2016; 97:2030-2042. [PMID: 27267758 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We established abnormal isoform of prion protein (PrPSc)-specific double immunostaining using mAb 132, which recognizes aa 119-127 of the PrP molecule, and novel PrPSc-specific mAb 8D5, which recognizes the N-terminal region of the PrP molecule. Using the PrPSc-specific double immunostaining, we analysed PrPSc in immortalized neuronal cell lines and primary cerebral-neuronal cultures infected with prions. The PrPSc-specific double immunostaining showed the existence of PrPSc positive for both mAbs 132 and 8D5, as well as those positive only for either mAb 132 or mAb 8D5. This indicated that double immunostaining detects a greater number of PrPSc species than single immunostaining. Double immunostaining revealed cell-type-dependent differences in PrPSc staining patterns. In the 22 L prion strain-infected Neuro2a (N2a)-3 cells, a subclone of N2a neuroblastoma cell line, or GT1-7, a subclone of the GT1 hypothalamic neuronal cell line, granular PrPSc stains were observed at the perinuclear regions and cytoplasm, whereas unique string-like PrPSc stains were predominantly observed on the surface of the 22 L strain-infected primary cerebral neurons. Only 14 % of PrPSc in the 22 L strain-infected N2a-3 cells were positive for mAb 8D5, indicating that most of the PrPSc in N2a-3 lack the N-terminal portion. In contrast, nearly half PrPSc detected in the 22 L strain-infected primary cerebral neurons were positive for mAb 8D5, suggesting the abundance of full-length PrPSc that possesses the N-terminal portion of PrP. Further analysis of prion-infected primary neurons using PrPSc-specific immunostaining will reveal the neuron-specific mechanism for prion propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misaki Tanaka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Hygiene, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Ai Fujiwara
- Laboratory of Veterinary Hygiene, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Akio Suzuki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Hygiene, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yamasaki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Hygiene, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Rie Hasebe
- Laboratory of Veterinary Hygiene, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Kentaro Masujin
- National Agriculture Food Research Organization (NARO), 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0856, Japan.,Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Motohiro Horiuchi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Hygiene, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
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8
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Saijo E, Hughson AG, Raymond GJ, Suzuki A, Horiuchi M, Caughey B. PrPSc-Specific Antibody Reveals C-Terminal Conformational Differences between Prion Strains. J Virol 2016; 90:4905-4913. [PMID: 26937029 PMCID: PMC4859706 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00088-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Understanding the structure of PrP(Sc) and its strain variation has been one of the major challenges in prion disease biology. To study the strain-dependent conformations of PrP(Sc), we purified proteinase-resistant PrP(Sc) (PrP(RES)) from mouse brains with three different murine-adapted scrapie strains (Chandler, 22L, and Me7) and systematically tested the accessibility of epitopes of a wide range of anti-PrP and anti-PrP(Sc) specific antibodies by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that epitopes of most anti-PrP antibodies were hidden in the folded structure of PrP(RES), even though these epitopes are revealed with guanidine denaturation. However, reactivities to a PrP(Sc)-specific conformational C-terminal antibody showed significant differences among the three different prion strains. Our results provide evidence for strain-dependent conformational variation near the C termini of molecules within PrP(Sc) multimers. IMPORTANCE It has long been apparent that prion strains can have different conformations near the N terminus of the PrP(Sc) protease-resistant core. Here, we show that a C-terminal conformational PrP(Sc)-specific antibody reacts differently to three murine-adapted scrapie strains. These results suggest, in turn, that conformational differences in the C terminus of PrP(Sc) also contribute to the phenotypic distinction between prion strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eri Saijo
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Andrew G Hughson
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Gregory J Raymond
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Akio Suzuki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Hygiene, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Motohiro Horiuchi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Hygiene, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Byron Caughey
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
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9
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Prion protein-specific antibodies-development, modes of action and therapeutics application. Viruses 2014; 6:3719-37. [PMID: 25275428 PMCID: PMC4213558 DOI: 10.3390/v6103719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases or Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) are lethal neurodegenerative disorders involving the misfolding of the host encoded cellular prion protein, PrPC. This physiological form of the protein is expressed throughout the body, and it reaches the highest levels in the central nervous system where the pathology occurs. The conversion into the pathogenic isoform denoted as prion or PrPSc is the key event in prion disorders. Prominent candidates for the treatment of prion diseases are antibodies and their derivatives. Anti-PrPC antibodies are able to clear PrPSc from cell culture of infected cells. Furthermore, application of anti-PrPC antibodies suppresses prion replication in experimental animal models. Major drawbacks of immunotherapy are immune tolerance, the risks of neurotoxic side effects, limited ability of compounds to cross the blood-brain barrier and their unfavorable pharmacokinetic. The focus of this review is to recapitulate the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms for antibody mediated anti-prion activity. Although relevant for designing immunotherapeutic tools, the characterization of key antibody parameters shaping the molecular mechanism of the PrPC to PrPSc conversion remains elusive. Moreover, this review illustrates the various attempts towards the development of anti-PrP antibody compounds and discusses therapeutic candidates that modulate PrP expression.
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10
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Ushiki-Kaku Y, Iwamaru Y, Masujin K, Imamura M, Itohara S, Ogawa-Goto K, Hattori S, Yokoyama T. Different antigenicities of the N-terminal region of cellular and scrapie prion proteins. Microbiol Immunol 2014; 57:792-6. [PMID: 24117858 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.12105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Revised: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/21/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Limited information is available about conformational differences between the abnormal isoform of prion protein (PrP(Sc) ) and cellular prion protein (PrP(C) ) under native conditions. To clarify conformational differences between these two isoforms, PrP-deficient mice were immunized with brain homogenates of normal and scrapie-infected animals. All mice generated anti-PrP antibodies. Peptide array analysis of these serum samples revealed a distinctive epitope of PrP(Sc) consisting of QGSPGGN (PrP41-47) at the N-terminus. This study demonstrated a conformational dissimilarity at the N-terminus between PrP(Sc) and PrP(C) , a finding that may provide novel information about conformational features of PrP(Sc) .
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Ushiki-Kaku
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Kuwabara 520-11, Toride, Ibaraki, 302-0017
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11
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Lukan A, Černilec M, Vranac T, Popović M, Čurin Šerbec V. Regional distribution of anchorless prion protein, PrP226*, in the human brain. Prion 2014; 8:28388. [PMID: 24584121 PMCID: PMC4189891 DOI: 10.4161/pri.28388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
It was shown previously that truncated molecules of prion protein can be found in brains of patients with some types of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. One such molecule, PrP226*, is a fragment of prion protein, truncated at Tyr226. It was found to be present in aggregates, from which it can be released using chaotropic salts. In this study we investigated the distribution of PrP226* in Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease affected human brain, employing the mAb V5B2, specifically recognizing this fragment. The results show that PrP226* is not evenly distributed among different regions of human brain. Among brain regions analyzed, the fragment was found most likely to be accumulated in the cerebellum. Its distribution correlates with the distribution of PrPSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Lukan
- Department for the Production of Diagnostic Reagents and Research; Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia; Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Černilec
- Department for the Production of Diagnostic Reagents and Research; Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia; Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Vranac
- Department for the Production of Diagnostic Reagents and Research; Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia; Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mara Popović
- Institut for Pathology; Medical Faculty; University of Ljubljana; Korytkova, Ljubljana
| | - Vladka Čurin Šerbec
- Department for the Production of Diagnostic Reagents and Research; Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia; Ljubljana, Slovenia
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12
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Ushiki-Kaku Y, Shimizu Y, Tabeta N, Iwamaru Y, Ogawa-Goto K, Hattori S, Yokoyama T. Heterogeneity of abnormal prion protein (PrP(Sc)) in murine scrapie prions determined by PrP(Sc)-specific monoclonal antibodies. J Vet Med Sci 2013; 76:285-8. [PMID: 24132297 PMCID: PMC3982826 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.13-0409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In prion diseases, abnormal prion protein (PrP(Sc)) is considered as the main component of the infectious agent. Delineation of PrP(Sc) conformation is expected to be a critical factor in understanding properties of prions. However, practical methods to differentiate between conformers of PrP(Sc) are inadequate. Here, we used two PrP(Sc)-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), 3B7 and 3H6, and found that mAb 3H6 detected a limited portion of PrP(Sc) in five mice-adapted prion strains. The quantity of mAb 3H6-precipitated PrP(Sc) was significantly lesser in 22L compared to other strains. This result provides a direct evidence of the conformational heterogeneity of PrP(Sc) within the prion strains. Conformation-specific probes, like these mAbs, have the potential to be powerful tools for investigating conformational variations in PrP(Sc).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Ushiki-Kaku
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, 520-11 Kuwabara, Toride, Ibaraki 302-0017, Japan
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13
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Dvorakova E, Vranac T, Janouskova O, Černilec M, Koren S, Lukan A, Nováková J, Matej R, Holada K, Čurin Šerbec V. Detection of the GPI-anchorless prion protein fragment PrP226* in human brain. BMC Neurol 2013; 13:126. [PMID: 24063733 PMCID: PMC3849060 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2377-13-126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The accumulation of the misfolded forms of cellular prion protein, i.e. prions (PrPSc), in the brain is one of the crucial characteristics of fatal neurodegenerative disorders, called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Cellular prion protein is normally linked to the cell surface by the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. There is accumulating evidence that the GPI-anchorless prion protein may act as an accelerator of formation and propagation of prions. In the TSE affected human brain we have previously discovered a novel GPI-anchorless prion protein fragment, named PrP226*, which ends with the tyrosine 226. This fragment can be labeled specifically by the monoclonal antibody V5B2. METHODS We developed a DELFIA based assay for quick and sensitive detection of the PrP226* fragment in human brain tissue homogenates. By calculating the ratio between the signals of native (N) and denatured (D) samples applied to the assay we were able to observe significant difference between 24 TSE affected brains and 10 control brains. The presence of PrP226* in brain tissue was confirmed by western blot. RESULTS Our results demonstrate that PrP226* is present in small quantities in healthy human brain, whereas in degenerated brain it accumulates in prion aggregates, proportionally to PrPSc. Samples with high D/N ratio generally comprised more proteinase K resistant PrP, while no correlation was found between the quantity of PrP226* and standard classification of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). CONCLUSIONS In the present study we show that the PrP226* fragment accumulates in prion aggregates and after being released from them by a denaturation procedure, could serve as a proteinase K digestion independent biomarker for human TSEs. The PrP226* assay described in this paper offers a tool to follow and study this unique anchorless PrP fragment in various parts of human brain and possibly also in other tissues and body fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Dvorakova
- Department for Production of Diagnostic Reagents and Research, Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, Šlajmerjeva 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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14
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Abstract
A number of recently developed and approved therapeutic agents based on highly specific and potent antibodies have shown the potential of antibody therapy. As the next step, antibody-based therapeutics will be bioengineered in a way that they not only bind pathogenic targets but also address other issues, including drug targeting and delivery. For antibodies that are expected to act within brain tissue, like those that are directed against the pathogenic prion protein isoform, one of the major obstacles is the blood-brain barrier which prevents efficient transfer of the antibody, even of the engineered single-chain variants. We recently demonstrated that a specific prion-specific antibody construct which was injected into the murine tail vein can be efficiently transported into brain tissue. The novelty of the work was in that the cell penetrating peptide was used as a linker connecting both specificity-determining domains of the antibody peptide, thus eliminating the need for the standard flexible linker, composed of an arrangement of three consecutive (Gly 4Ser) repeats. This paves the road toward improved bioengineered antibody variants that target brain antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nives Škrlj
- Chair of Biochemistry; Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology; University of Ljubljana; Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Dolinar
- Chair of Biochemistry; Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology; University of Ljubljana; Ljubljana, Slovenia
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15
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TSE diagnostics: recent advances in immunoassaying prions. Clin Dev Immunol 2013; 2013:360604. [PMID: 23970925 PMCID: PMC3732588 DOI: 10.1155/2013/360604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Revised: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) or prion diseases are a group of rare fatal neurodegenerative diseases, affecting humans and animals. They are believed to be the consequence of the conversion of the cellular prion protein to its aggregation-prone, β-sheet-rich isoform, named prion. Definite diagnosis of TSEs is determined post mortem. For this purpose, immunoassays for analyzing brain tissue have been developed. However, the ultimate goal of TSE diagnostics is an ante mortem test, which would be sensitive enough to detect prions in body fluids, that is, in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or urine. Such a test would be of paramount importance also for screening of asymptomatic carriers of the disease with the aim of increasing food, drugs, and blood-derived products safety. In the present paper, we have reviewed recent advances in the development of immunoassays for the detection of prions.
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16
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Masujin K, Kaku-Ushiki Y, Miwa R, Okada H, Shimizu Y, Kasai K, Matsuura Y, Yokoyama T. The N-terminal sequence of prion protein consists an epitope specific to the abnormal isoform of prion protein (PrP(Sc)). PLoS One 2013; 8:e58013. [PMID: 23469131 PMCID: PMC3585212 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0058013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The conformation of abnormal prion protein (PrPSc) differs from that of cellular prion protein (PrPC), but the precise characteristics of PrPSc remain to be elucidated. To clarify the properties of native PrPSc, we attempted to generate novel PrPSc-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) by immunizing PrP-deficient mice with intact PrPSc purified from bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)-affected mice. The generated mAbs 6A12 and 8D5 selectivity precipitated PrPSc from the brains of prion-affected mice, sheep, and cattle, but did not precipitate PrPC from the brains of healthy animals. In histopathological analysis, mAbs 6A12 and 8D5 strongly reacted with prion-affected mouse brains but not with unaffected mouse brains without antigen retrieval. Epitope analysis revealed that mAbs 8D5 and 6A12 recognized the PrP subregions between amino acids 31–39 and 41–47, respectively. This indicates that a PrPSc-specific epitope exists in the N-terminal region of PrPSc, and mAbs 6A12 and 8D5 are powerful tools with which to detect native and intact PrPSc. We found that the ratio of proteinase K (PK)-sensitive PrPSc to PK-resistant PrPSc was constant throughout the disease time course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Masujin
- Prion Disease Research Center, National Institute of Animal Health, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Ritsuko Miwa
- Prion Disease Research Center, National Institute of Animal Health, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Okada
- Prion Disease Research Center, National Institute of Animal Health, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Shimizu
- Prion Disease Research Center, National Institute of Animal Health, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kazuo Kasai
- Prion Disease Research Center, National Institute of Animal Health, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yuichi Matsuura
- Prion Disease Research Center, National Institute of Animal Health, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takashi Yokoyama
- Prion Disease Research Center, National Institute of Animal Health, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- * E-mail:
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17
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Sobrova P, Ryvolova M, Adam V, Kizek R. Capillary electromigration based techniques in diagnostics of prion protein caused diseases. Electrophoresis 2012; 33:3644-52. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201200208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2012] [Revised: 06/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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18
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Skrlj N, Drevenšek G, Hudoklin S, Romih R, Curin Šerbec V, Dolinar M. Recombinant single-chain antibody with the Trojan peptide penetratin positioned in the linker region enables cargo transfer across the blood-brain barrier. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2012; 169:159-69. [PMID: 23160949 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-012-9962-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Delivery of therapeutic proteins into tissues and across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is limited by the size and biochemical properties of the proteins. Efficient delivery across BBB is generally restricted to small, highly lipophilic molecules. However, in the last decades, several peptides that can pass cell membranes have been identified. It has been shown that these peptides are also capable of delivering large hydrophilic cargoes into cells and are therefore a powerful biological tool for transporting drugs across cell membranes and even into the brain. We designed and prepared a single-chain antibody fragment (scFvs), specific for the pathological form of the prion protein (PrP(Sc)), where a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) was used as a linker between the two variable domains of the scFv. The intravenously administered recombinant scFv-CPP was successfully targeted to and delivered into mouse brain cells. Our single-chain antibody fragments are of special interest in view of possible therapeutic reagents design not only for prion diseases but also for other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nives Skrlj
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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19
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Šnajder M, Vilfan T, Černilec M, Rupreht R, Popović M, Juntes P, Šerbec VČ, Ulrih NP. Enzymatic degradation of PrPSc by a protease secreted from Aeropyrum pernix K1. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39548. [PMID: 22761822 PMCID: PMC3386259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2012] [Accepted: 05/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An R30 fraction from the growth medium of Aeropyrum pernix was analyzed for the protease that can digest the pathological prion protein isoform (PrPSc) from different species (human, bovine, deer and mouse). Methodology/Principal Findings Degradation of the PrPSc isoform by the R30 fraction and the purified protease was evaluated using the 6H4 anti-PrP monoclonal antibody. Fragments from the N-terminal and C-terminal of PrPSc were also monitored by Western blotting using the EB8 anti-PrP monoclonal antibody, and by dot blotting using the C7/5 anti-PrP monoclonal antibody, respectively. For detection of smaller peptides from incomplete digestion of PrPSc, the EB8 monoclonal antibody was used after precipitation with sodium phosphotungstate. Characterization of the purified active protease from the R30 fraction was achieved, through purification by fast protein liquid chromatography, and identification by tandem mass spectrometry the serine metalloprotease pernisine. SDS-PAGE and zymography show the purified pernisine plus its proregion with a molecular weight of ca. 45 kDa, and the mature purified pernisine as ca. 23 kDa. The purified pernisine was active between 58°C and 99°C, and between pH 3.5 and 8.0. The temperature and pH optima of the enzymatic activity of the purified pernisine in the presence of 1 mM CaCl2 were 105°C ±0.5°C and pH 6.5±0.2, respectively. Conclusions/Significance Our study has identified and characterized pernisine as a thermostable serine metalloprotease that is secreted from A. pernix and that can digest the pathological prion protein PrPSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Šnajder
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Vilfan
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Černilec
- Blood Transfusion Center of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ruth Rupreht
- Blood Transfusion Center of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mara Popović
- Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Polona Juntes
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Nataša Poklar Ulrih
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Centre of Excellence for Integrated Approaches in Chemistry and Biology of Proteins (CipKeBiP), Ljubljana, Slovenia
- * E-mail:
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20
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Quadrio I, Perret-Liaudet A, Kovacs GG. Molecular diagnosis of human prion disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 5:291-306. [PMID: 23484550 DOI: 10.1517/17530059.2011.576664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human prion diseases (PrDs) are transmissible fatal nervous system disorders with public health implications. They are characterized by the presence of a disease-associated form of the physiological cellular prion protein. Development of diagnostic procedures is important to avoid transmission, including through blood products. Methods used for the detection of disease-associated PrP have implications for other neurodegenerative diseases. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors discuss recent progress in the understanding of the molecular background of phenotypic variability of human PrDs, and the current concepts of molecular diagnosis. Also, the authors provide a critical summary of the diagnostic methods with regard to the molecular subtypes. EXPERT OPINION In spite of a lack of specific tests to detect disease-associated PrP in body fluids, the constellation of clinical symptoms, detection of protein 14-3-3 in cerebrospinal fluid, electroencephalogram, cranial MRI and prion protein gene examinations, together have increased the specificity and sensitivity of in vivo diagnostics. As new forms of PrDs are reported, continuous evaluation of their incidence and the search for their etiology is crucial. Recent studies, suggesting prion-like properties of certain proteinopathies associated with Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease, have again brought PrDs to the center of interest as a model of diseases with disordered protein processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Quadrio
- Hospices Civils de Lyon/Claude Bernard University , Groupement Hospitalier Est, Prion Disease Laboratory, Pathology and Biochemistry, 59 bd Pinel , 69677, BRON Cedex , France
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21
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Tayebi M, Jones DR, Taylor WA, Stileman BF, Chapman C, Zhao D, David M. PrP(Sc)-specific antibodies with the ability to immunodetect prion oligomers. PLoS One 2011; 6:e19998. [PMID: 21625515 PMCID: PMC3098279 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2010] [Accepted: 04/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of antibodies with binding capacity towards soluble oligomeric forms of PrPSc recognised in the aggregation process in early stage of the disease would be of paramount importance in diagnosing prion diseases before extensive neuropathology has ensued. As blood transfusion appears to be efficient in the transmission of the infectious prion agent, there is an urgent need to develop reagents that would specifically recognize oligomeric forms of the abnormally folded prion protein, PrPSc. To that end, we show that anti-PrP monoclonal antibodies (called PRIOC mAbs) derived from mice immunised with native PrP-coated microbeads are able to immunodetect oligomers/multimers of PrPSc. Oligomer-specific immunoreactivity displayed by these PRIOC mAbs was demonstrated as large aggregates of immunoreactive deposits in prion-permissive neuroblastoma cell lines but not in equivalent non-infected or prn-p0/0 cell lines. In contrast, an anti-monomer PrP antibody displayed diffuse immunoreactivity restricted to the cell membrane. Furthermore, our PRIOC mAbs did not display any binding with monomeric recombinant and cellular prion proteins but strongly detected PrPSc oligomers as shown by a newly developed sensitive and specific ELISA. Finally, PrioC antibodies were also able to bind soluble oligomers formed of Aβ and α-synuclein. These findings demonstrate the potential use of anti-prion antibodies that bind PrPSc oligomers, recognised in early stage of the disease, for the diagnosis of prion diseases in blood and other body fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mourad Tayebi
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.
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22
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Wang P, Hatcher KL, Bartz JC, Chen SG, Skinner P, Richt J, Liu H, Sreevatsan S. Selection and characterization of DNA aptamers against PrP(Sc). Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2011; 236:466-76. [PMID: 21444369 DOI: 10.1258/ebm.2011.010323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a group of zoonotic and fatal neurodegenerative disorders that affect humans and animals. The pathogenesis of TSEs involves a conformational conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrP) into abnormal isoforms. Currently, cellular and pathological forms of PrP are differentiated using specific antibody-based analyses that are resource intensive and not applicable to all species and strains. Thus, there is an urgent need for sensitive and efficient assays that can detect pathological forms of PrP. Using systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment, we developed DNA aptamers that can differentiate normal and abnormal PrP isoforms. These aptamers represent the first reagents that can identify pathological isoforms of PrP across multiple host species. Second, they are able to distinguish different strains of prions. Third, they can be used to detect prions in peripheral blood cells, which are otherwise undetectable using conventional antibody-based detection methods. Thus, DNA aptamers offer promise for the development of presymptomatic screens of tissue, blood and other body fluids for prion contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wang
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN 55108, USA
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23
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Škrlj N, Vranac T, Popović M, Čurin Šerbec V, Dolinar M. Specific binding of the pathogenic prion isoform: development and characterization of a humanized single-chain variable antibody fragment. PLoS One 2011; 6:e15783. [PMID: 21283753 PMCID: PMC3024399 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2010] [Accepted: 11/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Murine monoclonal antibody V5B2 which specifically recognizes the pathogenic form of the prion protein represents a potentially valuable tool in diagnostics or therapy of prion diseases. As murine antibodies elicit immune response in human, only modified forms can be used for therapeutic applications. We humanized a single-chain V5B2 antibody using variable domain resurfacing approach guided by computer modelling. Design based on sequence alignments and computer modelling resulted in a humanized version bearing 13 mutations compared to initial murine scFv. The humanized scFv was expressed in a dedicated bacterial system and purified by metal-affinity chromatography. Unaltered binding affinity to the original antigen was demonstrated by ELISA and maintained binding specificity was proved by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Since monoclonal antibodies against prion protein can antagonize prion propagation, humanized scFv specific for the pathogenic form of the prion protein might become a potential therapeutic reagent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nives Škrlj
- Biochemistry Chair, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Vranac
- Department for Production of Diagnostic Reagents and Research, Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mara Popović
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vladka Čurin Šerbec
- Biochemistry Chair, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department for Production of Diagnostic Reagents and Research, Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Dolinar
- Biochemistry Chair, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- * E-mail:
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24
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Kosmač M, Koren S, Giachin G, Stoilova T, Gennaro R, Legname G, Serbec VČ. Epitope mapping of a PrP(Sc)-specific monoclonal antibody: identification of a novel C-terminally truncated prion fragment. Mol Immunol 2010; 48:746-50. [PMID: 21176851 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2010.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2010] [Revised: 11/12/2010] [Accepted: 11/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against prion proteins (PrPs) are indispensable in research and diagnosis of prion diseases, however the majority of these bind both the cellular (PrP(C)) and the disease-associated (PrP(Sc)) isoforms. According to the widely accepted protein-only hypothesis the two isoforms share the same sequence, but differ in their conformation. In the present study we set to determine the critical binding residues of our PrP(Sc)-specific mAbs with the view of discerning which residues play a key role in the conformational transition between PrP(C) and PrP(Sc). Focussing on the V5B2 mAb that provided differential labelling of prion-affected tissue from individuals positive for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, we performed alanine scanning and phage-display epitope mapping to elucidate the antigenic determinants of this mAb and gain insight into its specificity on a molecular level. We observed that instead of discriminating between the two prion protein isoforms based on conformational differences, V5B2 binds a previously uncharacterized C-terminally truncated form of PrP(Sc) that ends with the residue Y226, which we named PrP226*. The addition of a single C-terminal amino-acid residue completely abolished V5B2 binding, while Western blots using recombinant full-length PrPs and PrPs terminating at Y226 confirmed that the V5B2 mAb discriminates between the two based on their difference in length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miha Kosmač
- Department for Production of Diagnostic Reagents and Research, Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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25
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Mueller DA, Heinig L, Ramljak S, Krueger A, Schulte R, Wrede A, Stuke AW. Conditional expression of full-length humanized anti-prion protein antibodies in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Hybridoma (Larchmt) 2010; 29:463-72. [PMID: 21087094 DOI: 10.1089/hyb.2010.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Because of their high antigen specificity and metabolic stability, genetically engineered human monoclonal antibodies are on the way to becoming one of the most promising medical diagnostics and therapeutics. In order to establish an in vitro system capable of producing such biosimilar antibodies, we used human constant chain sequences to design the novel human antibody expressing vector cassette pMAB-ABX. A bidirectional tetracycline (tet)-controllable promotor was used for harmonized expression of immunoglobulin type G (IgG) heavy and light chains. As an example we used anti-prion protein (anti-PrP) IgGs. Therefore, the variable heavy (V(H)) and light chain (V(L)) sequences of anti-PrP antibodies, previously generated in our laboratory by DNA immunization of prion protein knock-out mice, were isolated from murine hybridoma cell lines and inserted into pMAB-ABX vector. After transfection of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, a number of stable antibody producing cell clones were selected. One cell line (pMAB-ABX-13F10/3B5) stably expressing the recombinant humanized antibody (rechuAb) 13F10/3B5 was selected for detailed characterization by Western blot, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometric analyses. The full-length recombinant humanized IgG antibody showed a high level of expression in the cytoplasm. In conclusion, the new cell system described here is a suitable tool to produce functional intact full-length humanized IgG antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Mueller
- German Primate Centre (DPZ) GmbH, Department of Infection Biology, Goettingen, Germany
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26
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He J, Zhang Y, Hong T. Progress in the development of therapeutic antibodies targeting prion proteins and beta-amyloid peptides. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2010; 53:959-63. [PMID: 20821294 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-010-4043-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2010] [Accepted: 06/10/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Prion diseases and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are characterized by protein misfolding, and can lead to dementia. However, prion diseases are infectious and transmissible, while AD is not. The similarities and differences between these diseases have led researchers to perform comparative studies. In the last 2 decades, progress has been made in immunotherapy using anti-prion protein and anti-beta-amyloid antibodies. In this study, we review new ideas and strategies for therapeutic antibodies targeting prion diseases and AD through conformation dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- JinSheng He
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, School of Science, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China.
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Jones M, McLoughlin V, Connolly JG, Farquhar CF, MacGregor IR, Head MW. Production and characterization of a panel of monoclonal antibodies against native human cellular prion protein. Hybridoma (Larchmt) 2010; 28:13-20. [PMID: 19132894 DOI: 10.1089/hyb.2008.0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The human prion diseases, such as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), are characterized by the conversion of the normal cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) into an abnormal disease associated form (PrP(Sc)). Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that recognize these different PrP isoforms are valuable reagents both in the diagnosis of these diseases and in prion disease research in general but we know of no attempts to raise MAbs against native human PrP(C). We immunized prion protein gene ablated (PrP(-/-)) mice with native human PrP(C) purified from platelets (pHuPrP) generating a predominantly IgG isotype anti-pHuPrP polyclonal antibody response in all mice. Following fusion of splenocytes from the immunized mice with SP2/0 myeloma cells, we were able to identify single cell clone and cryopreserve 14 stable hybridoma cell lines producing MAbs that reacted with pHuPrP. The properties of these MAbs (such as isotype, binding to native/denatured pHuPrP, and HuPrP epitopes recognized) are described. Furthermore, several of these MAbs showed a selectivity in their ability to immunoprecipitate disease associated PrP(Sc) and its corresponding protease resistant core (PrP(res)).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Jones
- National CJD Surveillance Unit, School of Molecular and Clinical Medicine (Pathology), University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
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Biasini E, Seegulam ME, Patti BN, Solforosi L, Medrano AZ, Christensen HM, Senatore A, Chiesa R, Williamson RA, Harris DA. Non-infectious aggregates of the prion protein react with several PrPSc-directed antibodies. J Neurochem 2010; 105:2190-204. [PMID: 18298665 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2008.05306.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The key event in the pathogenesis of prion diseases is the conformational conversion of the normal prion protein (PrP) (PrP(C)) into an infectious, aggregated isoform (PrP(Sc)) that has a high content of beta-sheet. Historically, a great deal of effort has been devoted to developing antibodies that specifically recognize PrP(Sc) but not PrP(C), as such antibodies would have enormous diagnostic and experimental value. A mouse monoclonal IgM antibody (designated 15B3) and three PrP motif-grafted monoclonal antibodies (referred to as IgG 19-33, 89-112, and 136-158) have been previously reported to react specifically with infectious PrP(Sc) but not PrP(C). In this study, we extend the characterization of these four antibodies by testing their ability to immunoprecipitate and immunostain infectious and non-infectious aggregates of wild-type, mutant, and recombinant PrP. We find that 15B3 as well as the motif-grafted antibodies recognize multiple types of aggregated PrP, both infectious and non-infectious, including forms found in brain, in transfected cells, and induced in vitro from purified recombinant protein. These antibodies are exquisitely selective for aggregated PrP, and do not react with soluble PrP even when present in vast excess. Our results suggest that 15B3 and the motif-grafted antibodies recognize structural features common to both infectious and non-infectious aggregates of PrP. Our study extends the utility of these antibodies for diagnostic and experimental purposes, and it provides new insight into the structural changes that accompany PrP oligomerization and prion propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliano Biasini
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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Tayebi M, Taylor WA, Jones DR, Bate C, David M. PrP-specific camel antibodies with the ability to immunodetect intracellular prion protein. J Gen Virol 2010; 91:2121-2131. [DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.018754-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Although there is currently no effective treatment for prion diseases, significant advances have been made in suppressing its progress, using antibodies that block the conversion of PrPC into PrPSc. In order to be effective in treating individuals that have prion diseases, antibodies must be capable of arresting disease in its late stages. This requires the development of antibodies with higher affinity for PrPSc and systems for effective translocation of antibodies across the blood–brain barrier in order to achieve high concentrations of inhibitor at the site of protein replication. An additional advantage is the ability of these antibodies to access the cytosol of affected cells. To this end, we have generated PrP-specific antibodies (known as PrioV) by immunization of camels with murine scrapie material adsorbed to immunomagnetic beads. The PrioV antibodies display a range of specificities with some recognizing the PrP27–30 proteinase K-resistant fragment, others specific for PrPC and a number with dual binding specificity. Independent of their PrP conformation specificity, one of the PrioV antibodies (PrioV3) was shown to bind PrPC in the cytosol of neuroblastoma cells. In marked contrast, conventional anti-PrP antibodies produced in mouse against similar target antigen were unable to cross the neuronal plasma membrane and instead formed a ring around the cells. The PrioV anti-PrP antibodies could prove to be a valuable tool for the neutralization/clearance of PrPSc in intracellular compartments of affected neurons and could potentially have wider applicability for the treatment of so-called protein-misfolding diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mourad Tayebi
- Department of Pathology & Infectious Diseases, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - William Alexander Taylor
- Department of Pathology & Infectious Diseases, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Daryl Rhys Jones
- Department of Pathology & Infectious Diseases, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Clive Bate
- Department of Pathology & Infectious Diseases, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Monique David
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center of New York, Inc., 521 West 57th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10019, USA
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Anti-PrP antibodies detected at terminal stage of prion-affected mouse. Cell Immunol 2010; 263:212-8. [PMID: 20417929 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2010.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2009] [Revised: 03/23/2010] [Accepted: 03/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The causative agent of prion diseases is the pathological isoform (PrPSc) of the host-encoded cellular prion protein (PrPC). PrPSc has an identical amino acid sequence to PrPC; thus, it has been assumed that an immune response against PrPSc could not be found in prion-affected animals. In this study, we found the anti-prion protein (PrP) antibody at the terminal stage of mouse scrapie. Several sera from mice in the terminal stage of scrapie reacted to the recombinant mouse PrP (rMPrP) molecules and brain homogenates of mouse prion diseases. These results indicate that mouse could recognize PrPC or PrPSc as antigens by the host immune system. Furthermore, immunization with rMPrP generates high titers of anti-PrP antibodies in wild-type mice. Some anti-PrP antibodies immunized with rMPrP prevent PrPSc replication in vitro. The mouse sera from terminal prion disease have several wide epitopes, although mouse sera immunized with rMPrP possess narrow epitopes.
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Ushiki-Kaku Y, Endo R, Iwamaru Y, Shimizu Y, Imamura M, Masujin K, Yamamoto T, Hattori S, Itohara S, Irie S, Yokoyama T. Tracing conformational transition of abnormal prion proteins during interspecies transmission by using novel antibodies. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:11931-6. [PMID: 20177064 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.058859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Conformational differences in abnormal prion proteins (PrP(Sc)) have been postulated to produce different prion phenotypes. During the interspecies transmission of prions, the conformation of PrP(Sc) may change with passage; however, little is known about the mechanism of PrP(Sc) transition. In this study, novel PrP(Sc)-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were developed that could detect the PrP(Sc) of mouse but not that of sheep. By using these mAbs, we attempted to examine PrP(Sc) accumulated in mice inoculated with sheep scrapie serially up to five passages. The presence of PrP(Sc) in the mice was confirmed at all passages; however, mAb-bound PrP(Sc) conformer was detected only from the third passage onward. The generated mAb enabled tracing of a particular conformer during adaptation in sheep-to-mice transmission of prion, suggesting that the conformational transition of PrP(Sc) was caused by propagation of this conformer. Such mAbs capable of discriminating conformational differences may allow us to address questions concerning PrP(Sc) conformation and strain diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Ushiki-Kaku
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Toride, Ibaraki 302-0017, Japan
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Madampage CA, Andrievskaia O, Lee JS. Nanopore detection of antibody prion interactions. Anal Biochem 2010; 396:36-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2009.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2009] [Revised: 08/13/2009] [Accepted: 08/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Horiuchi M, Karino A, Furuoka H, Ishiguro N, Kimura K, Shinagawa M. Generation of monoclonal antibody that distinguishes PrPSc from PrPC and neutralizes prion infectivity. Virology 2009; 394:200-7. [PMID: 19766283 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2009.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2009] [Revised: 06/02/2009] [Accepted: 08/18/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
To establish PrP(Sc)-specific mAbs, we immunized Prnp(-/-) mice with PrP(Sc) purified from prion-infected mice. Using this approach, we obtained mAb 6H10, which reacted with PrP(Sc) treated with proteinase K, but not with PrP(Sc) pretreated with more than 3 M GdnHCl. In contrast, reactivity of pan-PrP mAbs increased with increasing concentrations of GdnHCl used for pretreatment of PrP(Sc). In histoblot analysis, mAb 6H10 showed a positive reaction on a non-denatured histoblot but reactivity was lower when the histoblot was pretreated by autoclaving. Epitope analysis suggested that the extreme C-terminus of PrP is likely to be part of the epitope for mAb 6H10. MAb 6H10 immunoprecipitated PrP(Sc) from brains of mice, sheep, and cattle infected with prions. Furthermore, pretreatment of purified PrP(Sc) with mAb 6H10 reduced the infectious titer more than 1 log. Taken together, these results suggest that mAb 6H10 recognizes a conformational epitope on PrP(Sc) that is related to prion infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motohiro Horiuchi
- Laboratory of Prion Diseases, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-18, Nishi-9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkadio 060-0818, Japan.
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Single-chain Fv antibody fragments retain binding properties of the monoclonal antibody raised against peptide P1 of the human prion protein. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2009; 160:1808-21. [PMID: 19597999 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-009-8699-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2009] [Accepted: 06/19/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Prion diseases are incurable neurodegenerative diseases that affect both humans and animals. The infectious agent is a pathogenic form of the prion protein that accumulates in brain as amyloids. Currently, there is neither cure nor reliable preclinical diagnostics on the market available. The growing number of reports shows that passive immunisation is one of the most promising strategies for prion disease therapy, where antibodies against prions may prevent and even cure the infection. Since antibodies are large molecules and, thus, might not be suitable for the therapy, different antibody fragments are a good alternative. Therefore, we have designed and prepared single-chain antibody fragments (scFvs) derived from the PrP(Sc)-specific murine monoclonal antibody V5B2. Using a new expression vector pMD204, we produced scFvs in two opposing chain orientations in the periplasm of Escherichia coli. Both recombinant antibody fragments retained the specificity of the parent antibody and one of these exhibited binding properties comparable to the corresponding murine Fab fragments with the affinity in nM range. Our monovalent antibody fragments are of special interest in view of possible therapeutic reagents for prion diseases as well as for development of a new generation of diagnostics.
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Hatcher K, Zheng J, Chen SG. Cryptic peptides of the kringle domains preferentially bind to disease-associated prion protein. J Alzheimers Dis 2009; 16:421-31. [PMID: 19221431 DOI: 10.3233/jad-2009-0980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Prion diseases are a group of fatal neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the accumulation of a misfolded form (PrP(Sc)) of the cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) in the brains of affected individuals. The conversion of PrP(C) to PrP(Sc) is thought to involve a change in protein conformation from a normal, primarily alpha-helical structure into a beta-sheet conformer. Few proteins have been identified that differentially interact with the two forms of PrP. It has been reported that plasminogen binds to PrP(Sc) from a variety of prion phenotypes. We have examined potential motifs within the kringle region that may be responsible for binding to PrP. We synthesized 12-15-mer peptides that contain small, repetitive stretches of amino acid residues found within the kringle domains of plasminogen. These synthetic peptides were found to capture PrP(Sc) from the brain homogenates of bovine spongiform encephalopathy affected cattle, chronic wasting disease affected elk, experimental scrapie of hamsters and that of subjects affected by Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, without binding to PrP(C) in unaffected controls. Therefore, we have identified critical peptide motifs that may be important for protein-protein interactions in prion disease pathogenesis. The ability of these synthetic peptides to bind preferentially to PrP(Sc) suggests a potential application in the diagnosis of prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Hatcher
- Department of Pathology and National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Jones M, Wight D, McLoughlin V, Norrby K, Ironside JW, Connolly JG, Farquhar CF, MacGregor IR, Head MW. An antibody to the aggregated synthetic prion protein peptide (PrP106-126) selectively recognizes disease-associated prion protein (PrP) from human brain specimens. Brain Pathol 2009; 19:293-302. [PMID: 18507665 PMCID: PMC8094797 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.2008.00181.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2008] [Revised: 04/21/2008] [Accepted: 04/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Human prion diseases are characterized by the conversion of the normal host cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) into an abnormal misfolded form [disease-associated prion protein (PrP(Sc))]. Antibodies that are capable of distinguishing between PrP(C) and PrP(Sc) may prove to be useful, not only for the diagnosis of these diseases, but also for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in disease pathogenesis. In an attempt to produce such antibodies, we immunized mice with an aggregated peptide spanning amino acid residues 106 to 126 of human PrP (PrP106-126). We were able to isolate and single cell clone a hybridoma cell line (P1:1) which secreted an IgM isotype antibody [monoclonal antibody (mAb P1:1)] that recognized the aggregated, but not the monomeric form of the immunogen. When used in immunoprecipitation assays, the antibody did not recognize normal PrP(C) from non-prion disease brain specimens, but did selectively immunoprecipitate full-length PrP(Sc) from cases of variant and sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker disease. These results suggest that P1:1 recognizes an epitope formed during the structural rearrangement or aggregation of the PrP that is common to the major PrP(Sc) types found in the most common forms of human prion disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Jones
- National CJD Surveillance Unit, School of Molecular and Clinical Medicine (Pathology), University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK.
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Colja Venturini A, Bresjanac M, Vranac T, Koren S, Narat M, Popović M, Curin Serbec V. Anti-idiotypic antibodies: a new approach in prion research. BMC Immunol 2009; 10:16. [PMID: 19298674 PMCID: PMC2666643 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2172-10-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2008] [Accepted: 03/19/2009] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In certain cases, anti-idiotypic antibodies that recognize an antigen-combining site of an antibody can mimic the structure and/or function of certain nominal antigens. This feature makes them particularly useful if conventional experimental approaches fail to fulfil expectations, especially when the molecule of interest is infectious, toxic or difficult to isolate and purify. We suggest the application of an anti-idiotype concept to the field of prion biology, with the aim of evoking a humoral immune response against the pathological isoform of the prion protein (PrPSc). Different ways to induce anti-idiotypic responses were studied in mice and chickens using various forms of V5B2, a PrPSc-specific monoclonal antibody we have described previously. Results The preparation of anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibodies was achieved with well-defined strategies of immunization, selection and subsequent characterization. Our results demonstrate that it is possible to induce a strong anti-idiotypic immune response against the V5B2 monoclonal antibody in both xenogeneic and syngeneic experimental systems. From the competition seen between polyclonal and monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies and the original immunogen, the P1 peptide, and even more importantly, the ultimate target antigen, PrPSc, we conclude that selected antibodies bind to the antigen-combining site of the V5B2 monoclonal antibody and might even resemble the PrPSc-specific epitope. The involvement of both antigen-combining sites in the interaction between V5B2 and the most promising monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody was further supported by molecular docking. Conclusion The results of the present study not only provide an example of the successful production of Ab2 monoclonal antibodies based on a well planned strategy for selection, but should also provide a new experimental approach that is applicable to the field of prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Colja Venturini
- Department for Production of Diagnostic Reagents and Research, Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Turner ML, Ludlam CA. An update on the assessment and management of the risk of transmission of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease by blood and plasma products. Br J Haematol 2009; 144:14-23. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2008.07376.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Differential Epitope-Mapping of the Two Forms of the Prion Protein: Alterations at the C-Terminus. B KOREAN CHEM SOC 2008. [DOI: 10.5012/bkcs.2008.29.12.2403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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40
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Gregori L, Gray BN, Rose E, Spinner DS, Kascsak RJ, Rohwer RG. A sensitive and quantitative assay for normal PrP in plasma. J Virol Methods 2008; 149:251-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2008.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2007] [Revised: 01/21/2008] [Accepted: 01/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Didier A, Gebert R, Dietrich R, Schweiger M, Gareis M, Märtlbauer E, Amselgruber WM. Cellular prion protein in mammary gland and milk fractions of domestic ruminants. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2008; 369:841-4. [PMID: 18325321 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.02.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2008] [Accepted: 02/21/2008] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The present study shows that PrP(c) is expressed in the mammary gland and milk fractions of domestic ruminants in a species-specific manner. By applying immunohistochemistry, Western blot and ELISA, clear expression differences between bovine, ovine and caprine mammary gland, skimmed milk, acid whey and cream could be demonstrated, the highest relative PrP(c) levels being associated with the cream fraction. In the bovine gland PrP(c) was preferentially detectable at the basolateral surface of mammary gland epithelial cells, whereas in ovine and caprine samples the prion protein was more homogeneously distributed. Moreover, in ovine and caprine bovine mammary gland epithelial cells, apocrine secretory vesicles were strongly stained. Ovine and caprine milk proved to contain PrP(c) in all fractions with an additional truncated form at 12kDa in Western blot. This truncated isoform is the predominate one in caprine acid whey. These results support the hypothesis that the apocrine secretion mode of milk fat globules is a major way of PrP(c) transport into the milk.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Didier
- Chair for Hygiene and Technology of Milk, Ludwig Maximilians University, Schoenleutnerstrasse 8, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
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Grassi J, Maillet S, Simon S, Morel N. Progress and limits of TSE diagnostic tools. Vet Res 2008; 39:33. [PMID: 18284910 DOI: 10.1051/vetres:2008009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2007] [Accepted: 02/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Following the two "mad cow" crises of 1996 and 2000, there was an urgent need for rapid and sensitive diagnostic methods to identify animals infected with the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) agent. This stimulated research in the field of prion diagnosis and led to the establishment of numerous so-called "rapid tests" which have been in use in Europe since 2001 for monitoring at-risk populations (rendering plants) and animals slaughtered for human consumption (slaughterhouse). These rapid tests have played a critical role in the management of the mad cow crisis by allowing the removal of prion infected carcasses from the human food chain, and by allowing a precise epidemiological monitoring of the BSE epizootic. They are all based on the detection of the abnormal form of the prion protein (PrP(Sc) or PrP(res)) in brain tissues and consequently are only suitable for post-mortem diagnosis. Since it is now very clear that variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) can be transmitted by blood transfusion, the development of a blood test for the diagnosis of vCJD is a top priority. Although significant progress has been made in this direction, including the development of the protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) technology, at the time this paper was written, this objective had not yet been achieved. This is the most important challenge for the years to come in this field of prion research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Grassi
- Service de Pharmacologie et d'Immunoanalyse, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
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Peden AH, Head MW, Jones M, MacGregor I, Turner M, Ironside J. Advances in the development of a screening test for variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 2:207-19. [DOI: 10.1517/17530059.2.2.207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Cernilec M, Vranac T, Hafner-Bratkovic I, Koren S, Venturini AC, Popović M, Juntes P, Serbec VC. Identification of an epitope on the recombinant bovine PrP that is able to elicit a prominent immune response in wild-type mice. Immunol Lett 2007; 113:29-39. [PMID: 17884181 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2007.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2007] [Revised: 06/22/2007] [Accepted: 07/18/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The main cause for the development of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) is the conformational change of prion protein from the normal cellular isoform (PrP(C)) into the abnormal isoform, named prion (PrP(Sc)). The two isoforms have the same primary structure, and with PrP being highly conserved among different species, no immune response to PrP(Sc) has been observed in infected humans or other mammals so far. The problem of inducing immune response was encountered when producing monoclonal antibodies against PrP, therefore mice lacking a functional Prnp gene were predominantly used for the immunization. In the present paper we report that by immunizing wild-type BALB/c mice with chemically unmodified recombinant bovine PrP a potent humoral immune response was achieved. Furthermore, we were able to isolate the monoclonal antibody (mAb) E12/2 and few other mAbs, all reacting specifically with bovine and human PrP, but not with PrP from several other mammals. The epitope of mAb E12/2 is located at the C-terminal end of helix 1, with His155 being crucial for binding. It has been proven that mAb E12/2 is useful for human and bovine TSE research as well as for diagnostics. Our results show that there are sufficient structural differences between mouse and bovine PrP to provoke a prominent humoral immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Cernilec
- Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, Slajmerjeva 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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45
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Tayebi M, Bate C, Hawke S, Williams A. A role for B lymphocytes in anti-infective prion therapies? Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2007; 5:631-8. [PMID: 17678426 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.5.4.631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The deposition of proteins in the form of amyloid fibrils and plaques is the characteristic feature of a number of neurodegenerative conditions affecting the nervous system. These disorders include prion and Alzheimer's diseases and are of enormous importance for public health. It has become apparent over the last 20 years that specificity and application in prion diseases' diagnostic and therapeutic situations are the most important considerations in designing strategies for the generation of antiprion antibodies. Specific antiprion therapeutics have been suggested and the establishment of the 'proof-of-principle' that the use of epitope-specific antiprion antibodies leads to indefinite delay of disease onset, has increased momentum for its use, although caution should be exerted prior to the application of new therapeutic strategies in a clinical set up. Furthermore, in vivo stimulation of immune-competent cells to specifically recognize and neutralize the abnormally folded isoform should also be pursued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mourad Tayebi
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK.
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Salguero FJ, Díaz-San SF, Brun A, Cano MJ, Torres JM. Comparison of three monoclonal antibodies for use in immunohistochemical detection of bovine spongiform encephalopathy protease-resistant prion protein. J Vet Diagn Invest 2007; 18:106-9. [PMID: 16566267 DOI: 10.1177/104063870601800117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Confirmatory diagnosis of prion diseases in humans and animals relies on the histopathological examination and immunodetection of the protease-resistant isoform of prion protein (PrPres). The generation of novel PrP-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) has greatly improved diagnostic methodology and basic research on prion diseases as well. In this study, the performance of 3 different PrP-specific MAbs in recognizing brain PrPres deposits from cows affected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was compared by using a standard immunohistochemical technique under different pretreatment conditions. All antibodies showed similar reactivity after denaturing treatment. However, greater differences were found among them after proteinase K treatment, even in the absence of a denaturing step. In fact, 1 MAb (2A11) was able to react with PrPres deposits in the absence of a denaturing step, yielding the strongest signal and confirming the usefulness of MAb 2A11 in immunohistochemistry for the diagnosis of BSE.
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Barnard G, Hopkins L, Moorthie S, Seilly D, Tonks P, Dabaghian R, Clewley J, Coward J, McConnell I. Direct detection of disease associated prions in brain and lymphoid tissue using antibodies recognizing the extreme N terminus of PrPC. Prion 2007; 1:121-7. [PMID: 19164886 DOI: 10.4161/pri.1.2.4439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A simple diagnostic test is described for the detection of TSE in bovine, ovine and human brain and lymphoid tissue that obviates the use of proteinase K as a discriminating reagent. The immunoassay utilises high affinity anti-peptide antibodies that appear blind to the normal isoform of prion protein (PrP(C)). These reagents have been produced with novel N-terminal chimeric peptides and we hypothesise that the retention and stability of the extreme N-terminus of PrP in the disease-associated aggregate makes it an operationally specific marker for TSE. Accordingly, the assay involves homogenisation of the tissue directly in 8M guanidine hydrochloride, a simple one-step capture of PrP(Sc) followed by detection with a europium-labelled anti-PrP(C) antibody. This rapid assay clearly differentiates between levels of disease-associated PrP extracted from brain and lymphoid tissues taken from confirmed TSE positive and negative cattle and sheep. The assay can also be used to detect PrP(Sc) in cases of vCJD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoff Barnard
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Spinner DS, Kascsak RB, Lafauci G, Meeker HC, Ye X, Flory MJ, Kim JI, Schuller-Levis GB, Levis WR, Wisniewski T, Carp RI, Kascsak RJ. CpG oligodeoxynucleotide-enhanced humoral immune response and production of antibodies to prion protein PrPSc in mice immunized with 139A scrapie-associated fibrils. J Leukoc Biol 2007; 81:1374-85. [PMID: 17379700 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.1106665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are characterized by conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) to a protease-resistant conformer, the srapie form of PrP (PrP(Sc)). Humoral immune responses to nondenatured forms of PrP(Sc) have never been fully characterized. We investigated whether production of antibodies to PrP(Sc) could occur in PrP null (Prnp(-/-)) mice and further, whether innate immune stimulation with the TLR9 agonist CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) 1826 could enhance this process. Whether such stimulation could raise anti-PrP(Sc) antibody levels in wild-type (Prnp(+/+)) mice was also investigated. Prnp(-/-) and Prnp(+/+) mice were immunized with nondenatured 139A scrapie-associated fibrils (SAF), with or without ODN 1826, and were tested for titers of PrP-specific antibodies. In Prnp(-/-) mice, inclusion of ODN 1826 in the immunization regime increased anti-PrP titers more than 13-fold after two immunizations and induced, among others, antibodies to an N-terminal epitope, which were only present in the immune repertoire of mice receiving ODN 1826. mAb 6D11, derived from such a mouse, reacts with the N-terminal epitope QWNK in native and denatured forms of PrP(Sc) and recombinant PrP and exhibits a K(d) in the 10(-)(11) M range. In Prnp(+/+) mice, ODN 1826 increased anti-PrP levels as much as 84% after a single immunization. Thus, ODN 1826 potentiates adaptive immune responses to PrP(Sc) in 139A SAF-immunized mice. These results represent the first characterization of humoral immune responses to nondenatured, infectious PrP(Sc) and suggest methods for optimizing the generation of mAbs to PrP(Sc), many of which could be used for diagnosis and treatment of prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daryl S Spinner
- New York State Institute for Basic Research in Development Disabilities, 1050 Forest Hill Rd., Staten Island, NY 10314, USA.
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Sakudo A, Nakamura I, Ikuta K, Onodera T. Recent Developments in Prion Disease Research: Diagnostic Tools and In Vitro Cell Culture Models. J Vet Med Sci 2007; 69:329-37. [PMID: 17485919 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.69.329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
After prion infection, an abnormal isoform of prion protein (PrP(Sc)) converts the cellular isoform of prion protein (PrP(C)) into PrP(Sc). PrP(C)-to-PrP(Sc) conversion leads to PrP(Sc) accumulation and PrP(C) deficiency, contributing etiologically to induction of prion diseases. Presently, most of the diagnostic methods for prion diseases are dependent on PrP(Sc) detection. Highly sensitive/accurate specific detection of PrP(Sc) in many different samples is a prerequisite for attempts to develop reliable detection methods. Towards this goal, several methods have recently been developed to facilitate sensitive and precise detection of PrP(Sc), namely, protein misfolding cyclic amplification, conformation-dependent immunoassay, dissociation-enhanced lanthanide fluorescent immunoassay, capillary gel electrophoresis, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, flow microbead immunoassay, etc. Additionally, functionally relevant prion-susceptible cell culture models that recognize the complexity of the mechanisms of prion infection have also been pursued, not only in relation to diagnosis, but also in relation to prion biology. Prion protein (PrP) gene-deficient neuronal cell lines that can clearly elucidate PrP(C) functions would contribute to understanding of the prion infection mechanism. In this review, we describe the trend in recent development of diagnostic methods and cell culture models for prion diseases and their potential applications in prion biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akikazu Sakudo
- Department of Molecular Immunology, School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
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Abstract
Prions cause fatal and transmissible neurodegenerative disease. These etiological infectious agents are formed in greater part from a misfolded cell-surface protein called PrP(C). Several mammalian species are affected by the diseases, and in the case of "mad cow disease" (BSE) the agent has a tropism for humans, with negative consequences for agribusiness and public health. Unfortunately, the known universe of prion diseases is expanding. At least four novel prion diseases--including human diseases variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) and sporadic fatal insomnia (sFI), bovine amyloidotic spongiform encephalopathy (BASE), and Nor98 of sheep--have been identified in the last ten years, and chronic wasting disease (CWD) of North American deer (Odocoileus Specis) and Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) is undergoing a dramatic spread across North America. While amplification (BSE) and dissemination (CWD, commercial sourcing of cervids from the wild and movement of farmed elk) can be attributed to human activity, the origins of emergent prion diseases cannot always be laid at the door of humankind. Instead, the continued appearance of new outbreaks in the form of "sporadic" disease may be an inevitable outcome in a situation where the replicating pathogen is host-encoded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel C Watts
- Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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