Epitope mapping of recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen by murine monoclonal antibodies

Advances in human monoclonal antibody therapy for HBV infection

HBV neutralizing antibodies target the viral envelope antigens (HBsAg) and confer long-term immune protection in vaccinees and infected humans who seroconvert. They recognize various HBsAg epitopes, and can be armed with Fc-dependent effector functions essential for eliminating infected cells and stimulating adaptive immunity. Hundreds of HBsAg-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were produced from the early 80's, but it is only recently that bona fide human anti-HBV mAbs were generated from vaccinees and seroconverters. Neutralizing HBV mAbs have in vivo prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy in animal models, and the capacity to decrease antigenemia and viremia in infected humans. Thus, polyfunctional, potent and broad human HBV neutralizing mAbs offer novel opportunities to develop effective interventions to prevent and treat HBV infection. Here, we summarize recent findings on the humoral immune response to HBV, and explore the potential of human HBV neutralizing mAbs as immunotherapeutics to help achieving a functional cure for HBV.

Immunoreactivity pattern of monoclonal antibodies against Hepatitis B vaccine with global Hepatitis B virus genotypes

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are potentially valuable therapeutic and diagnostic tool. We have previously established and characterized a panel of mAbs derived from immunized BALB/c mice with a yeast-derived recombinant HB vaccine subgentoype A2 and HBsAg subtype adw2. This study was conducted to evaluate the reactivity pattern of this anti-HBs mAbs panel with various genotypes and subgenotypes of HBV using the first WHO HBV genotype reference panel containing 15 serum samples representing the subgenotypes A1, A2, B1, B2, C2, D1-D3, E, F2, and H. Ten out of 21 anti-HBs mAbs were able to strongly recognize all gentopye/subtypes of HBsAg provided in the WHO reference panel. However, 10 out of 21 anti-HBs mAbs showed a moderate to profound loss of reactivity with HBV genotypes/HBsAg subtypes D2/ayw3, E/ayw4, F2/adw4, and H/adw4. Two mAbs from the second group displayed a profoundly reduced reactivity with only 1 out of 3 C2/adr genotype/subtype samples. The amino acid alignment of these 3 samples showed that this particular sample contains amino acid substitution at residue 127, which is located inside "a" determinant. This amino acid substitution, which profoundly affected the reactivity of anti-HBs antibodies, has been previously reported only in D/ayw3, E/ayw4, F/adw4, and H. Interestingly, the amino acid alignment of the samples in this WHO panel showed that P127T substitution can also be found in C2/adr. Comparing amino acids sequences inside the antigenic loop (AGL) showed that D2/ayw3 contains a T118A/P127T double substitution, E/ayw4 contains P127L/T140S, F2/adw4 contains P127L/T140S/ F158L, and H/adw4 contains P127L substitution. Therefore, amino acid variability at positions 118, 127, 140, and 158 was found to cause significant loss of reactivity with anti-HBs mAbs. Since HBsAg variability in different genotypes of HBV can profoundly affect the reactivity of anti-HBs mAbs, analytical sensitivity for HBsAg assays should be considered based on the circulating and common HBV variants in the relevant countries.

[A comparative characteristic of antigenic properties of recombinant and native hbs-antigens with G145R mutation and evaluation of their immunogenicity]

BACKGROUND

One of the important reasons for spreading of hepatitis B virus (HBV) under conditions of vaccinepressure is emergence of escape mutations. Prevalent G145R mutation in S-gene leads to the most expressed changes of serological properties of HBV. Consequently, HBsAg is modifed so thoroughly that it cannot be recognized by the majority of anti-HBs. Mutant G145R also differs from a wild type HBsAg by its immunogenic properties. At present, the relevance of enhancement of hepatitis B vaccine in view of mutant virus variants has been recognized.

OBJECTIVES

a comparative study of antigenic and immunogenic properties of native and recombinant G145R mutants and an estimation of possibility for developing antigenic component of hepatitis B vaccine with G145R mutation in HBsAg.

METHODS

antigenic properties of recombinant HBsAg with G145R mutation were compared with each other and with native mutants by serological fngerprinting method. Then, BALB/c mice and sheep were immunized with selected recombinant antigen under different protocols. Titers of antibodies specifc to wild type or mutant G145R type of HBsAg in sera of immunized animals were measured.

RESULTS

it was found that not all the recombinant HBsAg variants with G145R substitution have the same antigenic properties as native HBsAg with similar mutation. Recombinant HBsAg selected according to the principle of antigenic similarity possesses immunogenicity in mice and sheep causing the production of antibodies reacting with native wild and mutant type HBsAg. It was shown that mutant antigen is less immunogenic, requires larger doses and more time for the development of immune response; however, it is capable of causing an antibody level comparable with wild type antigen.

CONCLUSIONS

preliminary selection of recombinant HBsAg containing G145R mutation with antigenic and immunogenic properties similar to the native analogue creates the basis for development of a specifc component of hepatitis B vaccine with escape mutation G145R in HBsAg.

MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS WITH ESCAPE MUTATIONS IN S-gene G145R AND S143L

BACKGROUND

In terms of serological properties and immunization, the wild type of HBsAg HBV and its G145R mutant behave as different antigens. This testifies to serious structural changes, which presumably could have a significant impact on the morphogenesis of virions and subviral particles. Nevertheless, morphological and ultrastructural investigations of HBV with G145R mutation have not been carried yet.

OBJECTIVES

Research of structural and morphological organization of HBV in the presence of the G145R escape mutation.

METHODS

Studies of sera, purified viruses and recombinant HBsAg were carried out by transmission electron microscopy by the method of negative staining and indirect reaction of immunelabeling using monoclonal antibodies of different specificity. Specimens of wild type HBV and HBV with S143L mutation obtained in an identical manner were used as the control.

RESULTS

The presence of typical virus particles of HBV was shown in the specimens of wild strain and HBV with S143L mutation. Specimens of HBV with G145R mutation were characterized by expressed morphological heterogeneity. In the initial serum and in the specimen of purified virus containing G145R mutant, large oval particles 60-70 nm and up to 200 nm in size, respectively, were found. The presence of antigen structures of HBV in all heterogeneous forms was confirmed. It was shown that forming of subviral particles in the process of expression of the recombinant HBsAg with G145R mutation depends on conditions of expression and purification of the protein. They can vary from well-formed circular and oval particles to practically unstructured fine-grained masses.

CONCLUSION

Direct data on the impact of G145R escape-mutation in S-gene, in contrast to S143L mutation, on the morphogenesis of virions and subviral particles of HBV were obtained.

Localization of immunodominant epitopes within the "a" determinant of hepatitis B surface antigen using monoclonal antibodies

The common "a" determinant is the major immunodominant region of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) shared by all serotypes and genotypes of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Antibodies against this region are thought to confer protection against HBV and are essential for viral clearance. Mutations within the "a" determinant may lead to conformational changes in this region, which can affect the binding of neutralizing antibodies. There is an increasing concern about identification and control of mutant viruses which is possible by comprehensive structural investigation of the epitopes located within this region. Anti-HBs monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against different epitopes of HBsAg are a promising tool to meet this goal. In the present study, 19 anti-HBs mAbs were employed to map epitopes localized within the "a" determinant, using a panel of recombinant mutant HBsAgs. The topology of the epitopes was analyzed by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Our results indicate that all of the mAbs seem to recognize epitopes within or in the vicinity of the "a" determinant of HBsAg. Different patterns of binding with mutant forms were observed with different mAbs. Amino acid substitutions at positions 123, 126, 129, 144, and 145 dramatically reduced the reactivity of antibodies with HBsAg. The T123N mutation had the largest impact on antibody binding to HBsAg. The reactivity pattern of our panel of mAbs with mutant forms of HBsAg could have important clinical implications for immunoscreening, diagnosis of HBV infection, design of a new generation of recombinant HB vaccines, and immunoprophylaxis of HBV infection as an alternative to therapy with hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG).

Preliminary Assessment of Various Additives on the Specific Reactivity of Anti- rHBsAg Monoclonal Antibodies

BACKGROUND

Antibodies have a wide application in diagnosis and treatment. In order to maintain optimal stability of various functional parts of antibodies such as antigen binding sites, several approaches have been suggested. Using additives such as polysaccharides and polyols is one of the main methods in protecting antibodies against aggregation or degradation in the formulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of various additives on the specific reactivity of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against recombinant HBsAg (rHBsAg) epitopes.

METHODS

To estimate the protective effect of different additives on the stability of antibody against conformational epitopes (S3 antibody) and linear epitopes (S7 and S11 antibodies) of rHBsAg, heat shock at 37°C was performed in liquid and solid phases. Environmental factors were considered to be constant. The specific reactivity of antibodies was evaluated using ELISA method. The data were analyzed using SPSS software by Mann-Whitney nonparametric test with the confidence interval of 95%.

RESULTS

Our results showed that 0.25 M sucrose, 0.04 M trehalose and 0.5% BSA had the most protective effect on maintaining the reactivity of mAbs (S3) against conformational epitopes of rHBsAg. Results obtained from S7 and S11 mAbs against linear characteristics showed minor differences. The most efficient protective additives were 0.04 M trehalose and 1 M sucrose.

CONCLUSION

Nowadays, application of appropriate additives is important for increasing the stability of antibodies. It was concluded that sucrose, trehalose and BSA have considerable effects on the specific reactivity of anti rHBsAg mAbs during long storage.

Structural basis for potent cross-neutralizing human monoclonal antibody protection against lethal human and zoonotic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus challenge

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) emerged in 2002, and detailed phylogenetic and epidemiological analyses have suggested that it originated from animals. The spike (S) glycoprotein has been identified as a major component of protective immunity, and 23 different amino acid changes were noted during the expanding epidemic. Using a panel of SARS-CoV recombinants bearing the S glycoproteins from isolates representing the zoonotic and human early, middle, and late phases of the epidemic, we identified 23 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) with neutralizing activity against one or multiple SARS-CoV spike variants and determined the presence of at least six distinct neutralizing profiles in the SARS-CoV S glycoprotein. Four of these MAbs showed cross-neutralizing activity against all human and zoonotic S variants in vitro, and at least three of these were mapped in distinct epitopes using escape mutants, structure analyses, and competition assays. These three MAbs (S109.8, S227.14, and S230.15) were tested for use in passive vaccination studies using lethal SARS-CoV challenge models for young and senescent mice with four different homologous and heterologous SARS-CoV S variants. Both S227.14 and S230.15 completely protected young and old mice from weight loss and virus replication in the lungs for all viruses tested, while S109.8 completely protected mice from weight loss and clinical signs in the presence of viral titers. We conclude that a single human MAb can confer broad protection against lethal challenge with multiple zoonotic and human SARS-CoV isolates, and we identify a robust cocktail formulation that targets distinct epitopes and minimizes the likely generation of escape mutants.

Differential reactivity of mouse monoclonal anti-HBs antibodies with recombinant mutant HBs antigens

AIM: To investigate the reactivity of a panel of 8 mouse anti-hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) using a collection of 9 recombinant HBsAg mutants with a variety of amino acid substitutions mostly located within the “a” region.

METHODS: The entire HBs genes previously cloned into a mammalian expression vector were transiently transfected into COS7 cells. Two standard unmutated sequences of the ayw and adw subtypes served as controls. Secreted mutant proteins were collected and measured by three commercial diagnostic immunoassays to assess transfection efficiency. Reactivity of anti-HBs mAbs with mutated HBsAgs was determined by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS: Reactivity of anti-HBs mAbs with mutated HBsAgs revealed different patterns. While three mutants reacted strongly with all mAbs, two mutants reacted weakly with only two mAbs and the remaining proteins displayed variable degrees of reactivity towards different mAbs. Accordingly, four groups of mAbs with different but overlapping reactivity patterns could be envisaged. One group consisting of two mAbs (37C5-S7 and 35C6-S11) was found to recognize stable linear epitopes conserved in all mutants. Mutations outside the “a” determinant at positions 120 (P→S), 123(T→N) and 161 (M→T) were found to affect reactivity of these mAbs.

CONCLUSION: Our findings could have important implications for biophysical studies, vaccination strategies and immunotherapy of hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutants.

Evaluation of murine monoclonal antibodies targeting different epitopes of the hepatitis B virus surface antigen by using immunological as well as molecular biology and biochemical approaches

The hepatitis B virus surface protein (HBsAg) displays the major B cells antigenic determinants that can induce protective immunity and prevent the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a major health problem. A panel of murine monoclonal antibodies against the HBsAg (MAb anti-HBs), raised after mice immunization with a pool of plasma of hepatitis chronic carriers, has been established. Mainly using simple immunological tools such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis, we could trace the location of the epitopes on the HBsAg determinants. We also report the use of two specific methodology approaches based on molecular biology and biochemical techniques such as, respectively, cloning and expression of preS1 major neutralizing epitope of the HBsAg in Escherichia coli and ELISA accomplished to chemical reduction with dithiothreitol (DTT), which were able to complete the MAb anti-HBs characterization. Our results showed that the majority of the MAbs anti-HBs were directed to the HBV common determinant a. One MAb recognizes a discontinuous epitope present in all forms of the HBsAg when evaluated by Western blot.

Detection of HBsAg mutants

HBsAg screening is carried out routinely to detect hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The immunoassays used employ capture antibodies often having specificity for epitopes present on the antigenic (a) determinant of the HBsAg. Loss of detection may occur due to mutations within and/or outside of the a determinant that affect conformational epitope recognition or HBsAg secretion or expression. Most of the mutations associated with immune escape occur within the second loop of the a determinant. In order to detect these HBsAg mutants, antibodies to subdominant regions within the a determinant or outside of the HBsAg may be required, and this has been the focus of many recent studies. Any changes to immunoassay formulations should also address the possible effect of HBV genotypic polymorphisms on assay specificity and sensitivity. HBsAg mutants may also be identified through nucleic acid detection of HBV in serum. Various molecular analysis methods have been developed to provide specific and sensitive detection of HBsAg mutants, including sequencing, limiting dilution cloning PCR (LDC-PCR), gap ligase chain reaction (gLCR), and real time PCR. Sequencing the HBsAg coding region provides specific information on the nucleotide sequence; however, it is relatively insensitive for the detection of minority quasispecies. Other nucleic acid methods offer greater sensitivity for the detection of point mutations. To improve immunoassays, further research will be required to increase detection sensitivity and specificity. Ultimately, a better understanding of the structure of antibody-bound HBsAg will help identify the immunological targets required for the accurate detection of HBsAg in blood.