Production of monoclonal antibody inhibiting dipeptidylaminopeptidase IV activity of Porphyromonas gingivalis

A phage antibody to the active site of human placental alkaline phosphatase with higher affinity to the enzyme–substrate complex

Selection of specific antibodies from large repertoires is of importance in generating antibodies to specific structural determinants and in studying structure-function relationships. Alkaline phosphatase (AP) has several isozymes with various degrees of homology and a range of common synthetic substrates. We have previously reported the generation of isozyme specific anti-enzyme antibodies to an oncofetal antigen, placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) by using a specific uncompetitive inhibitor, L-Phe-Gly-Gly along with the substrate para-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP), to elute scFvs from a phage-displayed immunoglobulin library. These antibodies were directed to the active site and inhibited enzyme activity. An uncompetitive inhibitor acts by stabilizing the enzyme-substrate (ES) complex. In the present work, we report the characteristics of a clone VE5, selected by the same method. This clone has a higher binding affinity for ES complex than for enzyme alone. This is true for all the three isozymes (placental, bone and intestinal) tested. However, the other synthetic small molecular substrate, disodium phenyl phosphate inhibits phage binding. The clone possibly binds to the conserved structures of the active site of the AP isozymes and the higher affinity binding to AP-pNPP complex reflects the method of selection. Such anti-enzyme antibodies have a possible potential role in dissecting structure-function relationship of enzymatic antigens.

Immune responses and vaccination against periodontal infections

BACKGROUND

The infectious aetiology of periodontitis is complex and no curative treatment modality exists. Palliative therapy is available.

AIMS

To review the evidence that active or passive immunization against periodontitis provides immune protection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PubMed (Medline), the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Center for Disease Control electronic databases were searched to extrapolate information on immune responses to immunization against periodontitis.

RESULTS

Studies in non-human primate models using ligature-induced experimental periodontitis suggest that antibody responses by active immunization against Porphyromonas gingivalis can safely be induced, enhanced, and obtained over time. Immune responses to whole bacterial cell and purified protein preparations considered as vaccine candidates have been evaluated in different animal models demonstrating that there are several valid vaccine candidates. Data suggest that immunization reduces the rate and severity of bone loss. It is also, temporarily, possible to alter the composition of the subgingival microflora. Natural active immunization by therapeutic interventions results in antibody titre enhancement and potentially improves treatment outcomes. Passive immunization of humans using P. gingivalis monoclonal antibodies temporarily prevents colonization of P. gingivalis. Probiotic therapy may be an alternative approach. Regulatory and safety issues for human periodontal vaccine trials must be considered. Shared infectious aetiology between periodontitis and systemic diseases may enhance vaccine effort developments.

CONCLUSIONS

Proof of principle that active and passive immunization can induce protective antibody responses is given. The impact of natural immunization and passive immunization in humans should be explored and may, presently, be more feasible than active immunization studies.