Immunochemical studies on mouse myeloma proteins reactive with dextrans or with fructosans and on human antilevans

Diagnosis of multiple myeloma using enzyme immunoassay for detection of antibodies to N-acetyl glucosamine on microparticles

Immunoassay on polymeric particles with covalently bound N-acetyl glucosamine was applied for detection of appropriate antibodies. Antibodies to N-acetyl glucosamine were detected in sera of patients with multiple myeloma. The assay was conducted on polymeric microparticles by enzyme immunoassay. The sensitivities of the assays on microparticles and on glass microtubes were compared. It was shown that the level of antibodies to N-acetyl glucosamine correlated with the number of myeloma cells. The comparison of assays on microparticles and glass tubes demonstrate the advantage of microparticle technology.

The early history of plasma cell tumors in mice, 1954-1976

Plasma cell tumors (PCTs) in mice became available at an exciting period in immunology when many scientists and laboratories were occupied with how to explain the genetic basis of antibody diversity as well as antibody structure itself. An unlimited source of PCTs in an inbred strain of mice became a useful adjunct in these efforts. A PCT was a greatly expanded monoclone and a source of a single molecular species of immunoglobulin (Ig) molecule. The PCTs provided not only the components of the Ig-producing cell but also potentially functional secreted products. Many of the monoclonal Igs produced by PCTs in the mouse and others found in humans were found to have specific antigen-binding activities. These became the prototypes of monoclonal antibodies. This chapter describes the origins of PCTs in mice and attempts to recapture some of the ambience of the day albeit from personal recollection. The great discovery of the hybridoma technology by Cesar Milstein and Georges Kohler in 1975 began a new direction in immunology.

Human IgG2 can form covalent dimers

Unlike IgA and IgM, IgG has not yet been shown to form covalent polymers. However in the presence of specific Ag, murine IgG3 has been shown to polymerize through noncovalent interactions. In contrast to the noncovalent oligomers found with murine IgG3, we have detected covalent dimers in three different recombinant human IgG2 Abs produced in myeloma cells. Both IgG2,kappa and IgG2,lambda can form dimers. In addition, analysis of pooled human gamma globulin and several normal sera revealed the presence of IgG2 dimers. The IgG2 dimers are in contrast to the noncovalent IgG dimers found in pooled sera of multiple donors resulting from idiotype/anti-idiotype (Id/anti-Id) interactions. Cyanogen bromide cleavage analysis suggests that one or more Cys residues in the gamma 2 hinge are involved in dimer assembly. The potential role of IgG2 dimers in immunity against carbohydrate Ags is discussed.

Observations on the binding of four anti-carbohydrate monoclonal antibodies to their homologous ligands

The binding of four monoclonal immunoglobulins, two with specificity for beta(1-->6)-linked D-galactopyranans (IgA X24 and IgA J539) and two with specificity for the chain terminus of alpha(1-->6)-linked d-glucopyranans (IgA W3129 and IgA 16.4.12E), was measured with a number of their homologous oligosaccharide ligands at different temperatures. The results show a linear relationship between lnKa and 1/T, where Ka is the affinity constant and T is the absolute temperature. The unitary free energy of binding, DeltaGu, is virtually independent of T, and the DeltaSu is small when compared with DeltaGu. The enthalpy changes derived from van't Hoff plots are large and negative, indicating an exothermic binding effect, whereas the entropy changes are small and negative, indicating minor overall hydrophobic contributions. Measurements of the free energies of binding, in low and high salt buffers, of methyl beta-d-galactopyranoside and the methyl glycoside of beta(1-->6)-D-galactopyranotetraose with anti-galactan IgA X24 indicate that the monosaccharide has no hydrophobic interaction with the highest affinity subsite of IgA, whereas the tetraoside might have a modest hydrophobic interaction with the three other hapten-binding subsites of IgA. The standard entropy change of binding of the two groups (galactosyl and glucosyl) of oligosaccharides to the two respective sets (anti-galactan and anti-dextran) of antibodies shows a distinct, differing correlation with the hapten chain length within each set. This correlation agrees with the type of association previously established between the antibodies and either the interior determinants of the antigen (in the case of the anti-galactans) or the chain terminus (in the case of the anti-dextrans).

Binding specificities of inulin-binding immunoglobulins for sinistrin and oligosaccharides isolated from asparagus roots

The major aim of this study was to further investigate the fine specificity of myeloma proteins recognizing epitopes on fructans. Our studies showed that UPC 61, EPC 109, and a hybrid antibody composed of the heavy chain from UPC 61 and the light chain from EPC 109, UPC 61H:EPC 109L, not only bind to inulin which is a linear fructan of beta (2----1) fructofuranosyl linkages, but also bind to sinistrin, a branched molecule consisting of a beta (2----1) fructofuranosyl backbone with beta (2----6) branch points. The fine binding specificity of these three antibodies for the beta (2----1) fructofuranosyl linkages found in inulin-BSA can be further studied by their binding to fructan oligosaccharides isolated from asparagus roots. From a comparative analysis of the amino acid sequences and the apparent affinity constants (aKa) of UPC 61, EPC 109, and the hybrid for various fructan oligosaccharides, it appears that the light chain of the immunoglobulin molecule makes an important contribution to the binding specificity. Finally we report for the first time that a monoclonal antibody specific for beta (2----6) fructans can also bind specifically to inulin-BSA with a lower affinity. This antibody derives its VH and VL from the VHX24 and Vk10b gene families, respectively, which are different from the gene families utilized by UPC 61 and EPC 109 (VHJ606 and Vk11 gene families).

Immunochemical studies on levans from several strains of Actinomyces viscosus

High molecular-weight levans elaborated by 8 separate strains of Actinomyces viscosus were purified: the inteactions of these levans with concanavalin A and anti-fructan myeloma immunoglobulins UPC-10 and J606 were examined by the quantitative precipitin method. Oligosaccharides released from the levans by partial acid hydrolysis were separated by partition chromatography on paper and characterized in situ by selective spray reagents. The liberated oligomers were compared with oligomers of known structure released from levans of Aerobacter levanicum and Leuconostoc mesenteriodes B512 as well as with plant inulin. The fragmentation analysis indicated a structure for Actinomyces levans comprising chains of beta (2----6)-linked fructofuranosyl units joined through multiple (1,2,6)-linked fructosyl branch units.

Microbial levan

Levans are natural polymers of the sugar fructose found in many plants and microbial products. Like dextrans, they are formed as an undesirable by-product of sugar juice processing. On the other hand, levans, which can only be produced from sucrose, have potential industrial applications as thickeners and encapsulating agents and could provide additional, valuable products from sugarcane juice. A strain of B. polymyxa (NRRL B-18475) produced a high yield of polysaccharide when grown on sucrose solution. Hydrolysis and subsequent analyses showed the product to consist entirely of D-fructose. 13C-NMR and methylation analyses indicated the products to be a beta(2----6)-linked polymer of fructose, with 12% branching. The polysaccharide has a Mr of approximately 2 million and is readily soluble in water. Levan has not been utilized, but if developed, could be useful in food and other industrial applications.

The subsites of monoclonal anti-dextran IgA W3129

Synthetic deoxyfluoro derivatives of methyl alpha-D-glucopyranoside, as well as methyl alpha-glycosides of isomalto-oligosaccharides, some having fluorine substituted for hydroxyl groups at selected positions, have been evaluated for their binding with a myeloma monoclonal IgA known to bind only to an oligosaccharide sequence at the nonreducing end of alpha-(1----6)-linked D-glucopyranans (dextrans). The results are compatible with the antibody's possessing one subsite of high affinity for its D-glucosyl group, the remaining three subsites having low affinities for their respective D-glucosyl residues. The high-affinity antibody-subsite occurs at the interior end of the sequence of four subsites, appears to be relatively accessible, and binds the (terminal) nonreducing D-glucosyl group of the oligosaccharidic determinant using two, and possibly three, hydroxyl groups in hydrogen bonding.

The IgA myeloma W3129 contains a deletion in CH3 which prevents the formation of the membrane form of heavy chain mRNA

We report here a 54 base pair deletion in the CH3 exon of the alpha gene in the mouse myeloma W3129. This deletion results in a loss of 18 amino acids and a change from a glycine to a serine at position 464. The extent of the deletion was determined by sequencing a portion of CH3 cloned from a variant of W3129, and S1 nuclease protection showed the deletion pre-exists in the parental cell line. The deletion removes the donor splice site normally used in joining CH3 to the alpha membrane (MB) exon when forming MB-specific mRNA. Examination of cytoplasmic RNA by blot hybridization and S1 nuclease protection using MB-specific probes showed a complete lack of membrane mRNA in W3129 and its derivatives. An RNA transcript of unknown origin and function which includes sequences from the CH3-MB intron was seen in W3129 and in J558, an IgA, lambda myeloma with specificity for alpha (1----3) linked dextrans. We discuss the possible influence of the mutation on the W3129 protein. In contrast to the other myelomas studied in this laboratory, light chain loss variants are readily isolated from W3129 and are stable in their production of heavy chain [Dackowski and Morrison (1981) Proc. natn. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 78, 7091-7095].

The specificities of polyclonal and monoclonal anti-idiotypes to anti-alpha(1----6)dextrans; possible correlations of idiotype with amino acid sequence

The specificities of polyclonal and monoclonal anti-idiotypes to three anti-alpha(1----6)dextrans-10.16.1, QUPC52, and W3129--were examined by competition ELISA. A major idiotype was defined by two polyclonal and two monoclonal anti-idiotypes to 10.16.1, and a polyclonal anti-idiotype to QUPC52. Another monoclonal anti-idiotype to 10.16.1 defines a non-overlapping determinant. One monoclonal anti-idiotype to 10.16.1 and one to W3129 were hapten inhibitable. By comparing amino acid sequences of Id+ and Id- anti-alpha(1----6)dextrans, the major idiotype was assigned to residues in VH CDR3, with a possible contribution from VH CDR2, a conclusion supported by the hapten inhibition results. Both a monoclonal and a previously described polyclonal anti-idiotype to W3129 define a determinant found on only W3129, among the anti-alpha(1----6)dextrans tested.

Purification of an IgM antibody response-enhancing factor to the alpha 1-6 epitope of native dextran from serum and supernatants from T-cell hybridomas

We have found that some hybrids produced by fusing AKR thymoma BW 5147 with spleen cells from Dx-hyperimmunized CBA mice produce factors that affect the primary CBA IgM PFC response. By the use of HPLC-DEAE chromatography, sometimes combined with affinity chromatography, we have purified from hyperimmune anti-Dx serum, from ascites-growing T hybrids, and from normal CBA serum a family of factors that specifically enhance the anti-Dx IgM response. They show specificity for either Dx or anti-Dx, they may contain an Iak determinant, and they are genetically restricted in their function. The factors from all three sources are found in the same fractions after separation and move in fractions without Ig contamination. The affinity-purified factor was eluted at an NaCl concentration of 0.15-0.20 M. On the basis of these characteristics we believe that we have separated a class of T cell-derived helper factors from serum. The concentration of the factor in serum increases after hyperimmunization with Dx. As a specificity control we show that the same sera contain a natural anti-SRBC IgM response-enhancing factor. It co-separates with the anti-Dx-enhancing factor, but they can be distinguished by their preferential binding to their own antigens.

Nucleotide sequence of the cDNAs encoding the variable region heavy and light chains of a myeloma protein specific for the terminal nonreducing end of alpha(1----6)dextran

The complete nucleotide sequences of the cDNAs encoding the heavy- and light-chain variable regions (VH and VL) of myeloma protein W3129, an anti-alpha(1----6)-dextran with a unique combining site, have been determined. The VH region is encoded by a germ-line gene highly homologous to VH441, which also appears to be used in some anti-galactans and anti-levans. W3129 VH uses a diversity region that is not found in any of the galactan- or levan-specific antibodies and whose germ-line counterpart is unknown. The W3129 light chain differs from complete light-chain sequences thus far reported but is identical in the first 23 amino acids with NZB IgA myeloma PC118.

Immunochemical studies on monoclonal antibodies to stearyl-isomaltotetraose from C58/J and a C57BL/10 nude mouse

Six hybridomas, five from C58/J and one from C57BL/10 nu/nu, immunized with stearyl-isomaltotetraose (S-IM4) were established. One produced IgG3, one IgM and four IgA. The specificities and sizes of the antibody combining sites were determined by quantitative precipitin and ELISA quantitative inhibition assays. All cross-react with alpha(1----6)dextran B512. Their combining sites were complementary to five to seven glucose residues. Association constants of hybridoma antibodies for dextran B512 ranged from 10(3) to 10(5) ml/g, and for isomaltoheptaose (IM7) from 10(3) to 10(4)M-1. Two hybridoma antibodies, one IgA and another IgM derived from different fusions have identical inhibition curves and combining sites, and very close association constants. It will be important to establish whether they have very similar or identical nucleotide sequences in their variable regions. These studies provide further insight into the specificity and repertoire of antidextran combining sites.

Functional antibody lacking a variable-region disulfide bridge

In 1981, Auffray et al. [Auffray, C., Sikorav, J. L., Ollo, R. & Rougeon, F. (1981) Ann. Immunol. (Inst. Pasteur) 132D, 77-88] reported a partial cDNA sequence of the heavy chain from the ABPC48 plasmacytoma whose protein product had previously been shown to bind bacterial and grass levan. In the cDNA sequence the second half-cystine of the heretofore invariant disulfide bridge had been replaced by a tyrosine. Since the presence of invariant variable-region disulfide bridges has been considered a basic structural feature of the antibody molecule necessary for proper folding and function, we have analyzed the heavy chain protein produced by ABPC48. Our results indicate that heavy chains from ABPC48 quantitatively express tyrosine in place of the normally occurring second half-cystine in the variable region. Furthermore, this antibody population is capable of both binding antigen and subsequent precipitation. Thus, the presence of a disulfide bridge in the heavy-chain variable region does not appear necessary for proper function of this antibody and may not be obligatory for antibody function in general, as has been assumed previously.

Immunochemical and related interactions with dextrans reviewed in terms of improved structural information

Structurally diverse dextrans from Leuconostoc mesenteroides and related bacteria have been used extensively in fundamental immunochemical studies such as induction and characterization of anti-dextran antibodies, as well as in studies of their interaction with pneumococcal antisera, normal bovine serum, concanavalin A, dextran-binding myeloma immunoglobulins and hybridoma antibodies. The inherent lack of specificity of structural data obtained by POSA and general lack of insight into other limitations of these analyses has often led to inaccurate and superficial interpretations. Proper interpretation of past and future studies necessitates pointing out previous inadequacies of dextran structural data and detailing more recently acquired structural information on the dextrans. Unambiguous terminology has been achieved by a new system of linkage symbols that includes the designation of structural positions, such as (1----3; l)- and (1----3; b) as linear-chain and branch-point positions, respectively. Results of immunological studies are reviewed. Improved interpretations and correlations are made on the basis of structural data from MSA and several other techniques which have become available on the dextrans.

Immunochemical studies of mouse monoclonal antibodies to dextran B1355S--II. Combining site specificity, sequence, idiotype and affinity

The specificities of the combining sites of 19 mouse monoclonal antibodies to dextran B1355S have been characterized immunochemically by quantitative precipitin and precipitin inhibition assays; association constants for B1355S were determined by affinity gel electrophoresis. Cross-reactive and individual idiotypes related to the BALB/c B1355S-binding myeloma proteins MOPC104E [IdI(MOPC104E)] and J558 [IdI(J558)], determined by a radioimmunoassay, and heavy-chain variable-region sequences, are presented. Antibodies to B1355S are "alpha (1----3) alpha (1----6)-specific" as determined by precipitin and precipitin inhibition assays with dextrans and oligosaccharides, respectively, containing alternating alpha (1----3) alpha (1----6) linkages compared with oligosaccharides composed solely of alpha (1----3) or alpha (1----6) linkages; all antibodies have low association constants (less than or equal to 10(5) ml/g). However, there is also considerable diversity among the proteins as seen in the five groups of different patterns of reactivity with numerous dextrans having different structures, and the variability in affinity even among antibodies showing the same fine specificity by precipitin assay. There is little observable correlation of heavy-chain variable-region amino-acid sequence with specificity or affinity; however, all proteins having D-region amino acids Tyr,Asp at positions 96,97 express the MOPC104E individual idiotype and belong to precipitin specificity group 5, the group most cross-reactive with numerous dextrans, whereas those proteins having the J558 individual idiotype, Arg,Tyr or Asn,Tyr at 96,97 are found in all five precipitin groups.

Immunochemical studies of conjugates of isomaltosyl oligosaccharides to lipid: production and characterization of mouse hybridoma antibodies specific for stearyl-isomaltosyl oligosaccharides

Twelve C57BL/6J hybridoma clones, 9, 2 and 1 from mice immunized with stearyl-isomaltotetraose, stearyl-isomaltopentaose and stearyl-isomaltohexaose respectively were characterized. Seven produced IgA and 5 IgM. The specificities and sizes of their combining sites were determined by quantitative precipitin and precipitin inhibition assays. All 12 hybridoma antibodies precipitated with alpha 1----6 dextran B512 and linear dextran LD7, indicating that they recognize an internal -Glc alpha 1----6Glc alpha 1----6Glc- determinant. This in contrast with the results with rabbit antisera obtained in response to the same immunogen which recognize the non-reducing terminal determinant Glc alpha 1----6Glc alpha 1----6Glc-. Of the 12 hybridoma antibodies, 1 has an antibody combining site complementary to 4 alpha 1----6-linked glucoses while others have combining sites complementary to isomaltohexaose or isomaltoheptaose. The large combining-site sizes found in C57BL/6 hybridoma clones may be related to the pre-existing clonal repertoire in this strain. Binding constants of monomers of these antibodies for dextran B512 and isomaltoheptaose determined by affinity electrophoresis range from 1.4 X 10(3) to 4.6 X 10(5) ml/g and from 1.2 X 10(3) to 3.5 X 10(4) M-1 respectively, which is consistent with previous studies in the anti-dextran B512 system. The use of synthetic glycolipids as antigens enables us to study the gene control of antibody responses to glycolipids and to investigate the combining-site specificities of antibodies to a single antigenic determinant. Results so far show that all 12 hybridoma proteins are different despite the simplicity of the antigens. The findings provide further insight into the specificity of antibody combining sites.

Interaction of a streptococcal cell wall tetraheteroglycan and Salmonella telaviv lipopolysaccharide with polymeric McPC 870 and MOPC 384 mouse IgA myeloma proteins

Interactions of polymeric McPC 870 and MOPC 384 mouse IgA myeloma proteins with a streptococcal cell wall tetraheteroglycan (T4-antigen), Salmonella tranoroa lipopolysaccharide (LPS), S. telaviv LPS and its lipid A free polysaccharide were examined by the quantitative precipitin method. Hapten inhibition of myeloma protein precipitation by T4-antigen or S. telaviv LPS indicates a complex anticarbohydrate specificity for 870 and 384 protein combining sites involving several sugars. While the combining site of 870 protein appears to bind alpha-D-mannopyranosyl, alpha-D-galactopyranosyl and alpha-D-glucopyranosyl residues, the combining site of 384 protein can accommodate both the alpha (1----2)-linked glucobiose (kojibiose) and alpha-D-galactopyranosyl but not the alpha-D-mannopyranosyl structure.

Fine-specificity of the lambda and chi L chains associated with antibodies directed to alpha (1 leads to 3) glucosyls in dextran

The function of BALB/c primary B precursors, responding to dextran (dex) B-1355, and the fine-specificity of the B-1355-binding, lambda and chi, monofocal antibody (Ab) generated by the precursors have been examined. In splenic fragments from Limulus polyphemus haemocyanin (LPH)-primed, lethally irradiated, euthymic or nu/nu BALB/c mice cultured with thymus-independent (TI) dex B-1355, B-1355-lipopolysaccharide (LPS), B-1355-LPS-LPH, or thymus-dependent (TD) dex B-1355-LPH, the lambda 1 precursors responded with B-1355-binding Ab substantially equally with respect to precursor frequency, rate of Ab production, and range of fine-specificity, but not with respect to frequency of the IdX and IdI isotypes related to the VH and DH associated with the lambda 1. The lambda 2 contributed minimally to the repertoire. The chi precursors responded with B-1355-binding Ab at a rate nearly equal to the lambda 1 only under TD stimulus in euthymic fragments. A comparison of the lambda 1 and chi Ab fine-specificity, by inhibition of binding with dex differing in epitope contents and configurations, showed marked restriction in the chi relative to the lambda 1. Only approximately 10% of the relatively more abundant chi TD response showed fine alpha (1 leads to 3) specificity similar to that of the lambda 1. The lambda 1 fine-specificity diversity resided mainly in the IdI fraction.

Induction of a cross-reactive idiotype dextran-positive antibody response in two IgH-Cb mouse strains treated with anti-J558 cross-reactive idiotype antibodies

The effect of IdX-specific rabbit and allogeneic antiidiotype antibodies (Ab2) was investigated in vivo in Igh-Cb mouse strains with respect to the induction of a cross-reactive idiotype (IdX)-positive anti-alpha (1-3) Dextran (Dex) response. These C.B20 and C57Bl/6 mice have an allotype-linked incapacity to respond with IdX-positive anti-alpha (1-3) Dex antibodies upon conventional immunization with Dex B1355. 7 d after the rabbit Ab2 injections, IdX-positive Ig (Ab3) and IdX-positive anti-alpha (1-3) Dex antibodies (Ab1') were detected in the sera of each tested mouse. The affinity-purified Ab1' were idiotypically indistinguishable from reference BALB/c IdX-positive myeloma proteins and BALB/c anti-alpha (1-3) Dex antibodies (Ab1) in a competitive inhibition radioimmunoassay, while Ab3 Ig appeared idiotypically deficient and did not bind to Dex. The response to the alpha (1-6) linkage of Dex was not affected in these mice. A large fraction of the Ab1' and Ab3 responses of both mouse strains were of the IgG1 class. The Ab1' antibodies differed from BALB/c Ab1 by lower relative binding to five of eight tested Dex, and by expressing the Igh4b allotype determinants on the IgG1 antibodies. This study identifies the products of a VHDex gene that appears to be under regulatory control in the Ighb mice. Its association with the b haplotype suggests that this gene may differ structurally from the BALB/c VHDex gene.

The isolation and characterization of a mouse myeloma protein with anti-dextran activity

A myeloma protein in ascitic fluid from BALB/c mice bearing W3129 plasma cell tumors was isolated by affinity chromatography. This protein exhibits anti-dextran activity and has been obtained in highly purified form by selective adsorption on isomaltosyl-Sepharose and elution with isomaltose solution. The isomaltosyl-Sepharose was synthesized from maltose, p-aminophenyl glucoside and cyanogen bromide-activated Sepharose by a new procedure utilizing glucosyltransferase and chemical coupling reactions. Results of gel electrophoresis, isoelectrofocusing and agar diffusion experiments showed that the purified myeloma protein consisted of 6 isomeric proteins with each isomer possessing anti-dextran activity. Data from hapten inhibition studies were interpreted to show that the W3129 myeloma protein combines with terminal isomaltosyl units of branched dextrans and oligosaccharides.

The interaction of mouse myeloma immunoglobulin S15 with negatively charged polysaccharide antigens

A murine BALB/c IgG2a (lambda 3) myeloma immunoglobulin SAPC-15 with binding activity for negatively charged polysaccharides has been purified by affinity chromatography, and its interaction with heparin and various other polyanionic antigens has been studied. The antigen-binding activity has been demonstrated to reside in the Fab part of the immunoglobulin. The S15 myeloma protein in 0.05 M Tris buffer at pH 7.4 precipitated dextran sulfate, heparin, chondroitin sulfate A, B and C, hyaluronic acid, H. influenzae type b polysaccharide, calf thymus DNA, Klebsiella polysaccharide K63 and poly-L glutamic acid. Of these antigens only dextran sulfate was precipitated in 0.01 M phosphate buffered saline (0.15M), pH 7.4. The pepsin S15 Fab fragment did not precipitate with any of these antigens. The intrinsic tryptophanyl fluorescence of S15 was changed maximally by the addition of heparin, and the binding affinity of the immunoglobulin for this antigen was high (greater than 10(6) L/M). S15 may resemble antibody molecules that react with antigens under non-physiological conditions or in pathological conditions or in the external environment as in the lumen of the gut. All the above interactions of S15 with antigens persisted in 0.05 M Tris buffer made physiologically isotonic by the addition of sucrose, and S15 could thus be used to identify these antigens on cell surfaces.

Immunochemical characterization of binding sites of hybridoma antibodies specific for alpha (1 leads to 6) linked dextran

The combining sites of seven BALB/c IgM, four BALB/c IgA and one C57BL/6 IgA hybridoma antibodies specific for alpha (1 leads to 6) linked dextran were probed by precipitin and precipitin inhibition assays. The 12 antibodies are able to bind to linear determinants in the interior of the dextran molecule; some have sites complementary to six alpha (1 leads to 6) linked glucose residues and other have sites complementary to seven alpha (1 leads to 6) linked glucose residues. From the analysis of the precipitins and precipitin inhibitions, it is concluded that no two hybridoma proteins have identical binding sites.

V and C genes in creating antibodies directed to alpha (1 replaced by 3)-linked D-glucosyls in dextran. III. Frequency of alpha (1 replaced by 3)-responsive, primary B precursors in a1 high- and b low-receptor allogroups

An evaluation was made of the frequency of alpha (1 replaced by 3)-responsive, primary B precursors and their reactivity profiles in Igh-1al (al) and Igh-1b (beta) allogroup mice, of dissimilar responsiveness as to quantity of the specific serum antibody produced, its light chain isotype, and its variable-region, ligand-modifiable antigenicity, to alpha (1 replaced by 3) glucosyls in dextran B-1355. al mice, exhibited highly alpha 1-specific serum antibody, with relatedness to the idiotypes (Id) shared by three BALB/c, alpha (1 replaced by 3)-specific, gamma 1 myeloma proteins, possess specific primary splenic B precursors at a frequency of 1/5.5-7.3 x 10(4) cells; beta mice, exhibiting low, k serum, Id- antibody, possess B splenic-specific primary precursors at a frequency of 1/1.0-1.4 x 10(5) cells. A radioimmunoassay analysis showed correlations between the isotype profiles of the serum antibody response and of the primary precursors, namely mu gamma 1 in the al and mu kappa in the beta allogroups, but also delineated minor primary mu gamma lambda 1 and mu kappa precursors in al and mu gamma kappa and mu gamma 1 in b, at frequencies of 1/3 x 10(5) to 1/6.5 x 10(6). The al, gamma 1 precursors exhibited defined reactivity patterns for 3-mono-O-3,6-di-O-glucosyls and non-reducing end groups in the B-1355. The beta, kappa precursors recognized the sequential residues.

Immunochemical specificity of the combining site of murine myeloma protein CAL20 TEPC1035 reactive with dextrans

The immunochemical specificity of the combining sites of murine myeloma protein CAL20 TEPC1035 was studied by quantitative precipitin and precipitin inhibition assays. Myeloma protein CAL20 TEPC1035 precipitated with only three dextrans, B1355S4, B1498S, and B1501S, with high proportions of alpha(1 leads to 3) linkages, but not with any other dextrans, glycogen, and pullulan. Inhibition tests with various sugars show that the combining site of myeloma protein CAL20 TEPC1035 is most complementary to panose, a trisaccharide DGlc alpha(1 leads to 6)DGlc alpha(1 leads to 4)DGlc. Panose was 3.3 times more potent than a tetrasaccharide DGlc alpha(1 leads to 6)DGlc alpha(1 leads to 4)DGlc alpha(1 leads to 4)DGlc and 8, 23, 42, > 42 times more active than maltose, nigerose, isomaltose, and kojibiose, respectively. These findings were paralleled by their binding properties as determined by affinity electrophoresis. The association constants (Ka) of these three dextrans to myeloma protein CAL20 TEPC1035 ranged from 3.8 X 10(3) ml/g to 5.02 X 10(3) ml/g. The association constant of inhibitor (Kia) of panose was 8.19 X 10(3) M-1. Myeloma protein CAL20 TEPC1035 is an antidextran with specificity different from those of other murine myeloma antidextrans and from human antidextrans reported previously and its combining site size is at least as large as a trisaccharide. The binding constant of methyl alpha-D-glucoside (7.2 X 10(2)) was 73% of that of panose and comparable to that of myeloma protein W3129 (9.4 X 10(2)) with a cavity-type site and 600 times lower (1.6 X 10(0)) for QUPC52 with a groove type site, indicating that the terminal nonreducing residue is held in a cavity. Inhibition data with various alpha(1 leads to 4)-linked oligosaccharides also indicate that the internal portions of these inhibitors may react directly with a portion of the combining site. These findings suggest that myeloma antidextran CAL20 TEPC1035 has a partial cavity-type combining site in which the terminal nonreducing dGlc alpha(1 leads to 6) moiety is held in a cavity with the other two sugars forming a groove. However, oligosaccharides with one or more alternating [leads to 3DGlc alpha(1 leads to 6)DGlc alpha(1 leads to 3)DGlcl leads to] units with and without terminal nonreducing DGlc alpha(1 leads to 6) or DGLc alpha(1 leads to 3) side chains remain to be tested to determine whether structures known to be present in the three dextrans which precipitate CAL20 TEPC1035 may not prove to be more active than panose.

binding constants of levans and D-fructo-oligosaccharides to BALB/c and NZB D-fructan-specific, myeloma proteins, determined by affinity electrophoresis

The association constants for the interaction of BALB/c (UPC 10, Y5476, W3082, and UPC 61) and NZB (PC 3660) myeloma anti-D-fructans in pure form, or in ascitic fluids, with high-molecular-weight levans (Ka) and with such low-molecular-weight compounds as rye-grass levan, inulin, sucrose, and D-fructo-oligosaccharides (Kia) were determined by affinity electrophoresis, measuring the extent of retardation of the D-fructan-specific band by levan and its restoration by the low-molecular-weight compounds and oligosaccharide haptens. With different levans,Ka values ranged from 1.14 X 10(5) TO 1.52 X 10(6) ML/g for PC 3660, 1.35 X 10(5) TO 6.45 X 10(5) mL/g for UPC 10, 1.0 X 10(4) to 7.9 X 10(4) mL/g for Y5476, 7.63 X 10(3) to 6.38 X 10(4) mL/g for W 3082, and 3.35 X 10(3) to 1.54 X 10(4) mL/g for UPC 61. The retarded, D-fructan-specific bands of W3082 and UPC 61 were restored by inulin, having beta-D-(2 leads to)-linkages, and rye-grass levan, having beta-D-(2 leads to 6)-linkages, and those of PC 3660, UPC 10, and Y5476 by rye-grass levan. The Kia values of inulin with W3082 and UPC 61 were 10 times those of rye-grass levan. The Kia values of inulin (3.65 X 10(5) M-1 for W3082, and 4.44 X 10(5) M-1 for UPC 61) were very similar to those of [beta-D-Fruf-(2 leads to 1)]2-beta-D-Fruf-(2 leads to 6)-D-Glc (3) (3.95 X 10(5) M-1 for W3082, and 4.5 X 10(5) M-1 for UPC 61). With sucrose and the D-fructo-oligosaccharides, the order of Kia values of W3082 and UPC 61 was 3 greater than beta-D-Fruf-(2 leads to 1)-beta-D-Fruf-(2 leads to 6)-D-Glc greater than sucrose greater than beta-D-Fruf-(2 leads to 6)-D-Glc. With rye-grass levan, Kia values were 4.25 X 10(5) M-1 for PC 3660, 2.7 X 10(5) M-1 for UPC 10, and 8.77 X 10(4) M-1 for Y5476. These results confirm earlier findings that W3082 and UPC 61 have dual specificity for beta-(2 leads to 1) and beta-(2 leads to 6) D-fructofuranosyl linkages, that PC 3660, Y5476, and UPC 1U have specificity for beta-(2 leads to 6) D-fructofuranosyl linkages, and that the combining sites of W3082 and UPC 61 are most complementary to the tetrasaccharide 3. That W3082 and Y5476 share the same, cross-reacting idiotype, although their combining sites differ in specificity, provides further evidence that these two properties do not run parallel.

Mouse immunoglobulin genes: a bacterial plasmid containing the entire coding sequence for a pre-gamma 2a heavy chain

A DNA sequence complementary to the entire coding part of a mouse gamma 2a immunoglobulin heavy chain mRNA isolated from a myeloma producing a levan binding protein (UPC 10), has been cloned in the PstI site of pBR 322. Transformants containing sequences complementary to purified gamma 2a heavy chain mRNA were selected. One transformant, pG2a-10-21, containing a 1750 nucleotide insert, has been characterized by hybrid-arrested translation and purification of gamma 2a heavy chain mRNA on DNA-DBM cellulose filters. Restriction enzyme analysis and partial sequencing demonstrate that the pG2a-10-21 contains the complete structural sequence for the gamma 2a heavy chain and predicts the sequence of a 18 amino acid hydrophobic amino terminal extra piece segment.

Anti-inulin [beta-(2 leads to 1)-linked polyfructose] and anti-grass levan [beta-(2 leads to 6)-linked polyfructose] antibody response in mice

Anti-inulin [beta-(2 --> 1) polyfructosan Brucella abortus (InuBA)] and anti-grass levan [beta-(2 --> 6) polyfructosan] antibody responses in BALB/c and C57BL mice and in their F(1) and backcross progeny, as well as in immunoglobulin congenic and Bailey recombinant inbred strains derived from BALB/c and C57BL mice, were examined. The anti-inulin antibodies could accommodate both beta-(2 --> 1)- and beta-(2 --> 6)-linked polyfructosans, and 97% of the anti-inulin plaque-forming cells (PFC) from BALB/c mice expressed the cross-reactive idiotypes (InuIdX) shared by the BALB/c inulin- and levan-binding myeloma proteins. Of the C57BL mice, only 25% produced high anti-inulin response, and none exhibited the InuIdX of BALB/c anti-inulin antibodies. The percentages of InuIdX(+) anti-inulin PFC were also examined in other strains with high anti-inulin response. In C58 and AL mice, 80% of anti-inulin PFC were InuIdX(+), whereas in A/He and RIII mice, only 40% were InuIdX(+). All strains examined developed high anti-grass levan response, and the antibodies were specific for beta-(2 --> 6) structures and did not exhibit InuIdX. Comparison of the magnitude of the anti-inulin antibody titers in response to InuBA in BALB/c, C57BL, and their F(1) and backcross progeny, as well as in immunoglobulin congenic (i.e., B.C-8, BAB-14, and C.B-20) and recombinant inbred strains derived from BALB/c and C57BL mice, showed that all mice having the IgCH(a)(BALB/c) allotype gave high anti-inulin response. In addition to the InuIdX structural genes, the effects of allotype-linked or unlinked "regulatory" genes were also indicated by the lower anti-inulin response in B.C-8 and BAB-14 mice compared with BALB/c mice and the higher anti-inulin response in C.B-20 mice compared with C57BL mice. A multigene interaction in controlling the production of the anti-inulin antibodies was implicated.

Characteristics of the T-dependent alpha(1 leads to 6) glucosyl (dextran) antibody response induced in mice with isomaltohexaose coupled to chicken gamma-globulin

Isomaltohexaose flavazole coupled to chicken gamma-globulin (IM6-CGG) induced T cell-dependent anti-alpha(1 leads to 6) dextran-specific IgM and IgG responses in CBA, BALB/c and A strain mice. The IgG responses were of restricted heterogeneity as judged by isoelectric focusing, and belonged mostly to the IgG1 subclass with a minor IgG3 component in the case of BALB/c and CBA mice. All four subclasses of IgG were produced in A strain mice. In contrast, native dextran B 512 induces exclusively T cell-independent IgM responses of the same specificity for all 3 strains. All BALB/c mice immunized with different doses of IM6-CGG either in Freund's adjuvant or with Al(OH)3 plus Bordetella pertussis showed the same spectrotypes by isoelectric focusing. Sera obtained at different times after immunization of BALB/c mice failed to show spectrotype variations. Late, but not early, bleedings from CBA mice showed a tendency towards more uniform isoelectric focusing patterns.

Regulation of tumor growth and antibody clone expression by antigen and anti-idiotype antibody ligands with specificity for receptor-binding sites

Dextran ligands, modified to increase epitope reactivity with receptors, were more effective in suppressing BALB/c mouse plasmacytomas MOPC 104 E and J-558, which bind alpha (1 leads to 3) dextran and have an idiotype (Id) in the common, than autoantibody (Ab) against the Id unique to each of the proteins secreted by the two tumors (the (IdI). BALC/c immunized with 104 E myeloma protein and expressing an antibody response to the 104 E IdI exhibited a specific, anti-104 E IdI transplantation resistance to lethal grafts of 104 E, but not J-558, tumors notwithstanding the shared common Id and similar ability to bind alpha(1 leads to 3) dextran. This autoantibody did not prevent modulation of the 104 E tumor to variant forms or the growth of the variants. On challenge with alpha (1 leads to 3) dextran, the immunized mice expressing the anti-104 C IdI responses failed to express the 104 D IdI-like antibody clone present in the normal, anti-alpha (1 leads to 3) dextran antibody repertoire. Passive, iso-anti-104 E IdI antibody had a transitory suppressive effect on the normal, 104 E IdI-like antibody clone but failed to circumvent 104 E tumor growth. It is apparent that the greater effectiveness of ligands strongly reactive in a nonphysiological manner with the tumor receptors lies in the stabilization of the tumor load without inducing variant escape or a disturbance of the immune network, and that receptor expression and malignancy state are not necessarily co-extensive functions.

Idiotypic specificities and cross-reactivities of rabbit antibodies to human antidextran

Idiotypic antibodies were prepared by immunizing two groups of rabbits with dextran-antidextran specific precipitates and purified antidextran obtained subsequently from the same human donor. Half of the animals were made tolerant to pooled human IgG. Tests showed that sera from tolerant rabbits reacted better with the antidextran preparation used to immunize the other group of animals than with the antidextran that formed part of their immunogen. Non-tolerant animals did not recognize this serological difference. Sera from animals immunized with the antidextran preparation donated later reacted better with this material irrespective of their tolerance to human IgG.

Surface fibrils (fimbriae) of Actinomyces viscosus T14V

Surface antigens of Actinomyces viscosus T14V were released from cell walls by digestion with lysozyme. These were separated by ion-exchange and gel filtration chromatography into fractions rich in carbohydrate or protein. The former contained a polysaccharide high in 6-deoxytalose, along with a peptide fragment from the cell wall. In the protein-rich fractions, material of high molecular weight was present, which contained some carbohydrate and up to 14.3% nitrogen. Aspartic acid, threonine, glutamic acid, lysine, alanine, and glycine were detected in these fractions, along with smaller amounts of 10 other amino acids. Most of the alanine was present as the L isomer and thus was not from peptidoglycan. Electron microscopy of the high-molecular-weight material revealed long fibrils, 3.5 to 4.5 nm in diameter, which resembled those seen on bacterial cells. V-specific antiserum, prepared by absorbing anti-A. viscosus T14V serum with cell walls of the avirulent strain (A. viscosus T14AV), did not react with the 6-deoxytalose polysaccharide but reacted well with isolated fibrils, and this was not inhibited by 6-deoxytalose.