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Yong Joon Kim J, Sang Z, Xiang Y, Shen Z, Shi Y. Nanobodies: Robust miniprotein binders in biomedicine. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 195:114726. [PMID: 36754285 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Variable domains of heavy chain-only antibodies (VHH), also known as nanobodies (Nbs), are monomeric antigen-binding domains derived from the camelid heavy chain-only antibodies. Nbs are characterized by small size, high target selectivity, and marked solubility and stability, which collectively facilitate high-quality drug development. In addition, Nbs are readily expressed from various expression systems, including E. coli and yeast cells. For these reasons, Nbs have emerged as preferred antibody fragments for protein engineering, disease diagnosis, and treatment. To date, two Nb-based therapies have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Numerous candidates spanning a wide spectrum of diseases such as cancer, immune disorders, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders are under preclinical and clinical investigation. Here, we discuss the structural features of Nbs that allow for specific, versatile, and strong target binding. We also summarize emerging technologies for identification, structural analysis, and humanization of Nbs. Our main focus is to review recent advances in using Nbs as a modular scaffold to facilitate the engineering of multivalent polymers for cutting-edge applications. Finally, we discuss remaining challenges for Nb development and envision new opportunities in Nb-based research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Yong Joon Kim
- Center of Protein Engineering and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1, Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zhe Sang
- Center of Protein Engineering and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1, Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yufei Xiang
- Center of Protein Engineering and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1, Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Zhuolun Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Center of Protein Engineering and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1, Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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2
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Camelid Single-Domain Antibodies: Promises and Challenges as Lifesaving Treatments. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095009. [PMID: 35563400 PMCID: PMC9100996 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of camelid heavy-chain antibodies in 1993, there has been tremendous excitement for these antibody domains (VHHs/sdAbs/nanobodies) as research tools, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Commercially, several patents were granted to pioneering research groups in Belgium and the Netherlands between 1996–2001. Ablynx was established in 2001 with the aim of exploring the therapeutic applications and development of nanobody drugs. Extensive efforts over two decades at Ablynx led to the first approved nanobody drug, caplacizumab (Cablivi) by the EMA and FDA (2018–2019) for the treatment of rare blood clotting disorders in adults with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TPP). The relatively long development time between camelid sdAb discovery and their entry into the market reflects the novelty of the approach, together with intellectual property restrictions and freedom-to-operate issues. The approval of the first sdAb drug, together with the expiration of key patents, may open a new horizon for the emergence of camelid sdAbs as mainstream biotherapeutics in the years to come. It remains to be seen if nanobody-based drugs will be cheaper than traditional antibodies. In this review, I provide critical perspectives on camelid sdAbs and present the promises and challenges to their widespread adoption as diagnostic and therapeutic agents.
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Kang W, Ding C, Zheng D, Ma X, Yi L, Tong X, Wu C, Xue C, Yu Y, Zhou Q. Nanobody Conjugates for Targeted Cancer Therapy and Imaging. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2021; 20:15330338211010117. [PMID: 33929911 PMCID: PMC8111546 DOI: 10.1177/15330338211010117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional antibody-based targeted cancer therapy is one of the most promising avenues of successful cancer treatment, with the potential to reduce toxic side effects to healthy cells surrounding tumor cells. However, the full potential of antibodies is severely limited due to their large size, low stability, slow clearance, and high immunogenicity. Alternatively, recently discovered nanobodies, which are the smallest naturally occurring antigen-binding format, have shown great potential for addressing these limitations. Bioconjugation of nanobodies to functional groups such as toxins, enzymes, radionucleotides, and fluorophores can improve the efficacy and potency of nanobodies, enhance their in vivo pharmacokinetics, and expand the range of potential applications. Herein, we review the superior characteristics of nanobodies in comparison to conventional antibodies and provide insight into recent developments in nanobody conjugates for targeted cancer therapy and imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Kang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China.,Ningbo Institute of Dalian University of Technology, Ningbo, China
| | - Chuanfeng Ding
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Danni Zheng
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Lun Yi
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Xinyi Tong
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Chuang Wu
- Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, China
| | - Chuang Xue
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China.,Ningbo Institute of Dalian University of Technology, Ningbo, China
| | - Yongsheng Yu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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4
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Mir MA, Mehraj U, Sheikh BA, Hamdani SS. Nanobodies: The "Magic Bullets" in therapeutics, drug delivery and diagnostics. Hum Antibodies 2020; 28:29-51. [PMID: 31322555 DOI: 10.3233/hab-190390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies represent a well-established class of clinical diagnostics for medical applications as well as essential research and biotechnological tools. Although both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are indispensable reagents in basic research and diagnostics but both of them have their limitations. Hence, there is urgent need to develop strategies aimed at production of alternative scaffolds and recombinant antibodies of smaller dimensions that could be easily produced, selected and manipulated. Unlike conventional antibodies, members of Camelidae and sharks produce antibodies composed only of heavy chains with small size, high solubility, thermal stability, refolding capacity and good tissue penetration in vivo. The discovery of these naturally occurring antibodies having only heavy-chain in Camelidae family and their further development into small recombinant nanobodies represents an attractive alternative in drug delivery, diagnostics and imaging. Nanobody derivatives are soluble, stable, versatile, have unique refolding capacities, reduced aggregation tendencies and high-target binding capabilities. They can be genetically customized to target enzymes, transmembrane proteins or molecular interactions. Their ability to recognize recessed antigenic sites has been attributed to their smaller size and the ability of the extended CDR3 loop to quickly penetrate into such epitopes. With the advent of molecular engineering and phage display technology, they can be of potential use in molecular imaging, drug delivery and therapeutics for several major diseases. In this review we present the recent advances in nanobodies for modulating immune functions, for targeting cancers, viruses, toxins and microbes as well as their utility as diagnostic and biosensor tools.
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5
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Li Z, Zhang M, Zheng S, Song Y, Cheng X, Yu D, Du L, Ren L, Han H, Zhao Y. Genetic removal of the CH1 exon leads to the production of hypofunctional heavy chain-only IgG2a in rats. Transgenic Res 2020; 29:199-213. [PMID: 32078126 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-020-00189-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Despite great values in many applications, heavy chain-only antibodies (HcAbs) are naturally only produced in camelids and sharks, which are not easy to access and handle. Production of the type of antibodies in small laboratory animals would remarkably facilitate their applications. We previously reported a mouse line in which the CH1 exon of mouse γ1 was deleted that could express heavy chain-only IgG1 antibodies. However, these mice showed an extremely weak IgG1 response to specific antigens when immunized, and we could only achieve single VH domains with low affinity to antigens using these mice. One possibility is that the mouse germline VH repertoire was not sufficient to support the expression of functional heavy chain-only antibodies. In this study, we report the generation of a rat line in which the CH1 exon of the γ2a gene was removed and the γ1 and γ2b genes were silenced. Although the genetically modified rats expressed heavy chain-only IgG2a, they also exhibited a very weak IgG2a response to antigen immunization. Panning of a phage library constructed using IgG2a VH segments amplified from immunized rats identified antigen-specific single VH antibodies, which also exhibited much lower affinity than that of commercial mAbs. Together with our previous report, this study suggests that the simple genetic removal of the CH1 exon does not guarantee the successful expression of functional heavy chain-only antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenrong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Shunan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Song
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueqian Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijuan Du
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Liming Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Haitang Han
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yaofeng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Science, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China.
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Arbabi-Ghahroudi M. Camelid Single-Domain Antibodies: Historical Perspective and Future Outlook. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1589. [PMID: 29209322 PMCID: PMC5701970 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tremendous effort has been expended over the past two and a half decades to understand many aspects of camelid heavy chain antibodies, from their biology, evolution, and immunogenetics to their potential applications in various fields of research and medicine. In this article, I present a historical perspective on the development of camelid single-domain antibodies (sdAbs or VHHs, also widely known as nanobodies) since their discovery and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these unique molecules in various areas of research, industry, and medicine. Commercialization of camelid sdAbs exploded in 2001 with a flurry of patents issued to the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and later taken on by the Vlaams Interuniversitair Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) and, after 2002, the VIB-founded spin-off company, Ablynx. While entrepreneurial spirit has certainly catalyzed the exploration of nanobodies as marketable products, IP restrictions may be partially responsible for the relatively long time span between the discovery of these biomolecules and their entry into the pharmaceutical market. It is now anticipated that the first VHH-based antibody drug, Caplacizumab, a bivalent anti-vWF antibody for treating rare blood clotting disorders, may be approved and commercialized in 2018 or shortly thereafter. This elusive first approval, along with the expiry of key patents, may substantially alter the scientific and biomedical landscape surrounding camelid sdAbs and pave the way for their emergence as mainstream biotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Arbabi-Ghahroudi
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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7
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Drabek D, Janssens R, de Boer E, Rademaker R, Kloess J, Skehel J, Grosveld F. Expression Cloning and Production of Human Heavy-Chain-Only Antibodies from Murine Transgenic Plasma Cells. Front Immunol 2016; 7:619. [PMID: 28066429 PMCID: PMC5165034 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Several technologies have been developed to isolate human antibodies against different target antigens as a source of potential therapeutics, including hybridoma technology, phage and yeast display systems. For conventional antibodies, this involves either random pairing of VH and variable light (VL) domains in combinatorial display libraries or isolation of cognate pairs of VH and VL domains from human B cells or from transgenic mice carrying human immunoglobulin loci followed by single-cell sorting, single-cell RT-PCR, and bulk cloning of isolated natural VH–VL pairs. Heavy-chain-only antibodies (HCAbs) that naturally occur in camelids require only heavy immunoglobulin chain cloning. Here, we present an automatable novel, high-throughput technology for rapid direct cloning and production of fully human HCAbs from sorted population of transgenic mouse plasma cells carrying a human HCAb locus. Utility of the technique is demonstrated by isolation of diverse sets of sequence unique, soluble, high-affinity influenza A strain X-31 hemagglutinin-specific HCAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dubravka Drabek
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC , Rotterdam , Netherlands
| | - Rick Janssens
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC , Rotterdam , Netherlands
| | - Ernie de Boer
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC , Rotterdam , Netherlands
| | | | | | - John Skehel
- WHO Influenza Centre, Frances Crick Institute , London , UK
| | - Frank Grosveld
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Harbour Antibodies BV, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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8
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Steeland S, Vandenbroucke RE, Libert C. Nanobodies as therapeutics: big opportunities for small antibodies. Drug Discov Today 2016; 21:1076-113. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2016.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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9
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Abstract
Sera of camelids contain both conventional heterotetrameric antibodies and unique functional heavy (H)-chain antibodies (HCAbs). The H chain of these homodimeric antibodies consists of one antigen-binding domain, the VHH, and two constant domains. HCAbs fail to incorporate light (L) chains owing to the deletion of the first constant domain and a reshaped surface at the VHH side, which normally associates with L chains in conventional antibodies. The genetic elements composing HCAbs have been identified, but the in vivo generation of these antibodies from their dedicated genes into antigen-specific and affinity-matured bona fide antibodies remains largely underinvestigated. However, the facile identification of antigen-specific VHHs and their beneficial biochemical and economic properties (size, affinity, specificity, stability, production cost) supported by multiple crystal structures have encouraged antibody engineering of these single-domain antibodies for use as a research tool and in biotechnology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Muyldermans
- Research Group Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
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10
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Nagarajan G, Swami SK, Ghorui SK, Pathak KML, Singh RK, Patil NV. Cloning and sequence analysis of IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-γ from Indian Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). Res Vet Sci 2011; 92:420-6. [PMID: 21529863 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2011.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2010] [Revised: 03/23/2011] [Accepted: 03/31/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The cDNAs of three cytokines, viz., IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-γ from Dromedary camels were amplified by PCR using Bactrian camel sequences and subsequently cloned for sequence analysis. Relationship based on amino acid sequences revealed that Dromedary camel IL-2 shared 99.5% and 99.3% identity at the nucleotide and amino acid levels with Bactrian camel IL-2. In the case of IL-4, the identity of Dromedary camel was 99.7% and 99.2% at the nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively with that of Bactrian camel. The Dromedary camel IFN-γ shared 100% identity both at nucleotide and amino acid levels with Bactrian camel IFN-γ. Phylogenetic analysis based on amino acid sequences indicated the close relationship in these cytokine genes between the Dromedary camel and other camelids.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Nagarajan
- National Research Centre on Camel, Post Bag No. 7, Jorbeer, Bikaner 334 001, Rajasthan, India.
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11
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Nagarajan G, Swami SK, Ghorui SK, Pathak KML, Singh RK, Patil NV. Cloning and phylogenetic analysis of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) from Indian dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius). Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2011; 34:291-8. [PMID: 21367455 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2011.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2010] [Revised: 01/20/2011] [Accepted: 01/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The cDNAs of two proinflammatory cytokines viz., IL-6 and TNF-α from dromedarian camels were amplified by PCR using bactrian camel sequences and subsequently cloned for sequence analysis. Relationship based on amino acid revealed that dromedarian camel IL-6 shared 99.5% identity both at nucleotide and amino acid level with bactrian camel IL-6 and in case of TNF-α, the identity of dromedarian camel was 99.4% and 99.1% at nucleotide and amino acid level, respectively with that of bactrian camel. Phylogenetic analysis based on their amino acid sequences indicated the close relationship in these cytokine genes between dromedarian camel and other members of camelids.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Nagarajan
- National Research Centre on Camel, Post Bag No. 7, Jorbeer, Bikaner 334 001, Rajasthan, India.
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12
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Daley-Bauer LP, Purdy SR, Smith MC, Gagliardo LF, Davis WC, Appleton JA. Contributions of conventional and heavy-chain IgG to immunity in fetal, neonatal, and adult alpacas. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2010; 17:2007-15. [PMID: 20926693 PMCID: PMC3008178 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00287-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2010] [Revised: 08/06/2010] [Accepted: 09/20/2010] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In addition to conventional immunoglobulins, camelids produce antibodies that do not incorporate light chains into their structures. These so-called heavy-chain (HC) antibodies have incited great interest in the biomedical community, as they have considerable potential for biotechnological and therapeutic application. Recently, we have begun to elucidate the immunological functions of HC antibodies, yet little is known about their significance in maternal immunity or about the B lymphocytes that produce them. This study describes the application of isotype-specific reagents toward physiological assessments of camelid IgGs and the B cells that produce them. We document the specificities of monoclonal antibodies that distinguish two conventional IgG1 isotypes and two HC IgG3 variants produced by alpacas. Next, we report that the relative concentrations of five isotypes are similar in serum, milk, and colostrum; however, following passive transfer, the concentrations of HC IgG2 and IgG3 declined more rapidly than the concentration of conventional IgG1 in the sera of neonates. Finally, we assessed the distribution of B cells of distinct isotypes within lymphoid tissues during fetal and adult life. We detected IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3 in lymphocytes located in lymph node follicles, suggesting that HC B cells affinity mature and/or class switch. One IgG3 isotype was present in B cells located in ileal Peyer's patches, and one conventional IgG1 isotype was detected in splenic marginal zone B cells. Our findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge pertaining to HC antibodies and are compatible with functional specialization among conventional and HC IgGs in the alpaca.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. P. Daley-Bauer
- James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Hadley, Massachusetts 01035, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, Washington 99164
| | - S. R. Purdy
- James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Hadley, Massachusetts 01035, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, Washington 99164
| | - M. C. Smith
- James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Hadley, Massachusetts 01035, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, Washington 99164
| | - L. F. Gagliardo
- James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Hadley, Massachusetts 01035, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, Washington 99164
| | - W. C. Davis
- James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Hadley, Massachusetts 01035, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, Washington 99164
| | - J. A. Appleton
- James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Hadley, Massachusetts 01035, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, Washington 99164
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13
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Immunoglobulin aggregation leading to Russell body formation is prevented by the antibody light chain. Blood 2009; 115:282-8. [PMID: 19822901 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-07-234864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Russell bodies (RBs) are intracellular inclusions filled with protein aggregates. In diverse lymphoid disorders these occur as immunoglobulin (Ig) deposits, accumulating in abnormal plasma or Mott cells. In heavy-chain deposition disease truncated antibody heavy-chains (HCs) are found, which bear a resemblance to diverse polypeptides produced in Ig light-chain (LC)-deficient (L(-/-)) mice. In L(-/-) animals, the known functions of LC, providing part of the antigen-binding site of an antibody and securing progression of B-cell development, may not be required. Here, we show a novel function of LC in preventing antibody aggregation. L(-/-) mice produce truncated HC naturally, constant region (C)gamma and Calpha lack C(H)1, and Cmicro is without C(H)1 or C(H)1 and C(H)2. Most plasma cells found in these mice are CD138(+) Mott cells, filled with RBs, formed by aggregation of HCs of different isotypes. The importance of LC in preventing HC aggregation is evident in knock-in mice, expressing Cmicro without C(H)1 and C(H)2, which only develop an abundance of RBs when LC is absent. These results reveal that preventing antibody aggregation is a major function of LC, important for understanding the physiology of heavy-chain deposition disease, and in general recognizing the mechanisms, which initiate protein conformational diseases.
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14
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Matheson LS, Osborn MJ, Smith JA, Corcos D, Hamon M, Chaouaf R, Coadwell J, Morgan G, Oxley D, Brüggemann M. Light chain-deficient mice produce novel multimeric heavy-chain-only IgA by faulty class switching. Int Immunol 2009; 21:957-66. [PMID: 19561045 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxp062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we identified that diverse heavy chain (H-chain)-only IgG is spontaneously produced in light chain (L-chain)-deficient mice (L(-/-) with silenced kappa and lambda loci) despite a block in B cell development. In murine H-chain IgG, the first Cgamma exon, C(H)1, is removed after DNA rearrangement and secreted polypeptides are comparable with camelid-type H-chain IgG. Here we show that L(-/-) mice generate a novel class of H-chain Ig with covalently linked alpha chains, not identified in any other healthy mammal. Surprisingly, diverse H-chain-only IgA can be released from B cells at levels similar to conventional IgA and is found in serum and sometimes in milk and saliva. Surface IgA without L-chain is expressed in B220(+) spleen cells, which exhibited a novel B cell receptor, suggesting that associated conventional differentiation events occur. To facilitate the cellular transport and release of H-chain-only IgA, chaperoning via BiP association seems to be prevented as only alpha chains lacking C(H)1 are released from the cell. This appears to be accomplished by imprecise class-switch recombination (CSR) from Smu into the alpha constant region, which removes all or part of the Calpha1 exon at the genomic level.
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15
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Wesolowski J, Alzogaray V, Reyelt J, Unger M, Juarez K, Urrutia M, Cauerhff A, Danquah W, Rissiek B, Scheuplein F, Schwarz N, Adriouch S, Boyer O, Seman M, Licea A, Serreze DV, Goldbaum FA, Haag F, Koch-Nolte F. Single domain antibodies: promising experimental and therapeutic tools in infection and immunity. Med Microbiol Immunol 2009; 198:157-74. [PMID: 19529959 PMCID: PMC2714450 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-009-0116-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 362] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies are important tools for experimental research and medical applications. Most antibodies are composed of two heavy and two light chains. Both chains contribute to the antigen-binding site which is usually flat or concave. In addition to these conventional antibodies, llamas, other camelids, and sharks also produce antibodies composed only of heavy chains. The antigen-binding site of these unusual heavy chain antibodies (hcAbs) is formed only by a single domain, designated VHH in camelid hcAbs and VNAR in shark hcAbs. VHH and VNAR are easily produced as recombinant proteins, designated single domain antibodies (sdAbs) or nanobodies. The CDR3 region of these sdAbs possesses the extraordinary capacity to form long fingerlike extensions that can extend into cavities on antigens, e.g., the active site crevice of enzymes. Other advantageous features of nanobodies include their small size, high solubility, thermal stability, refolding capacity, and good tissue penetration in vivo. Here we review the results of several recent proof-of-principle studies that open the exciting perspective of using sdAbs for modulating immune functions and for targeting toxins and microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janusz Wesolowski
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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16
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Muyldermans S, Baral TN, Retamozzo VC, De Baetselier P, De Genst E, Kinne J, Leonhardt H, Magez S, Nguyen VK, Revets H, Rothbauer U, Stijlemans B, Tillib S, Wernery U, Wyns L, Hassanzadeh-Ghassabeh G, Saerens D. Camelid immunoglobulins and nanobody technology. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2008; 128:178-83. [PMID: 19026455 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2008.10.299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 351] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that all camelids have unique antibodies circulating in their blood. Unlike antibodies from other species, these special antibodies are devoid of light chains and are composed of a heavy-chain homodimer. These so-called heavy-chain antibodies (HCAbs) are expressed after a V-D-J rearrangement and require dedicated constant gamma-genes. An immune response is raised in these so-called heavy-chain antibodies following classical immunization protocols. These HCAbs are easily purified from serum, and the antigen-binding fragment interacts with parts of the target that are less antigenic to conventional antibodies. Since the antigen-binding site of the dromedary HCAb is comprised in one single domain, referred to as variable domain of heavy chain of HCAb (VHH) or nanobody (Nb), we designed a strategy to clone the Nb repertoire of an immunized dromedary and to select the Nbs with specificity for our target antigens. The monoclonal Nbs are well produced in bacteria, are very stable and highly soluble, and bind their cognate antigen with high affinity and specificity. We have successfully developed recombinant Nbs for research purposes, as probe in biosensors, to diagnose infections, and to treat diseases like cancer or trypanosomosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Muyldermans
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Interactions, VIB, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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Achour I, Cavelier P, Tichit M, Bouchier C, Lafaye P, Rougeon F. Tetrameric and Homodimeric Camelid IgGs Originate from the Same IgH Locus. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2008; 181:2001-9. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.181.3.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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18
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Zou X, Smith JA, Corcos D, Matheson LS, Osborn MJ, Brüggemann M. Removal of the BiP-retention domain in Cmicro permits surface deposition and developmental progression without L-chain. Mol Immunol 2008; 45:3573-9. [PMID: 18584871 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2008.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2008] [Revised: 04/25/2008] [Accepted: 05/07/2008] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Nascent, full length, immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy (H)-chains are post-translationally associated with H-chain-binding protein (BiP or GRP78) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The first constant (C) domain, CH1 of a C gene (Cmu, Cgamma, Calpha), is important for this interaction. The contact is released upon BiP replacement by conventional Ig light (L)-chain (kappa or lambda). Incomplete or mutated H-chains with removed variable (VH) and/or C(H)1 domain, as found in H-chain disease (HCD), can preclude stable BiP interaction. Progression in development after the preB cell stage is dependent on surface expression of IgM when association of a micro H-chain with a L-chain overcomes the retention by BiP. We show that IgM lacking the BiP-binding domain is displayed on the cell surface and elicits a signal that allows developmental progression even without the presence of L-chain. The results are reminiscent of single chain Ig secretion in camelids where developmental processes leading to the generation of fully functional H-chain-only antibodies are not understood. Furthermore, in the mouse the largest secondary lymphoid organ, the spleen, is not required for H-chain-only Ig expression and the CD5 survival signal may be obsolete for cells expressing truncated IgM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangang Zou
- The Babraham Institute, Babraham, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom
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19
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Zou X, Osborn MJ, Bolland DJ, Smith JA, Corcos D, Hamon M, Oxley D, Hutchings A, Morgan G, Santos F, Kilshaw PJ, Taussig MJ, Corcoran AE, Brüggemann M. Heavy chain-only antibodies are spontaneously produced in light chain-deficient mice. J Exp Med 2007; 204:3271-83. [PMID: 18086860 PMCID: PMC2150980 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20071155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2007] [Accepted: 11/20/2007] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In healthy mammals, maturation of B cells expressing heavy (H) chain immunoglobulin (Ig) without light (L) chain is prevented by chaperone association of the H chain in the endoplasmic reticulum. Camelids are an exception, expressing homodimeric IgGs, an antibody type that to date has not been found in mice or humans. In camelids, immunization with viral epitopes generates high affinity H chain-only antibodies, which, because of their smaller size, recognize clefts and protrusions not readily distinguished by typical antibodies. Developmental processes leading to H chain antibody expression are unknown. We show that L(-/-) (kappa(-/-)lambda(-/-)-deficient) mice, in which conventional B cell development is blocked at the immature B cell stage, produce diverse H chain-only antibodies in serum. The generation of H chain-only IgG is caused by the loss of constant (C) gamma exon 1, which is accomplished by genomic alterations in C(H)1-circumventing chaperone association. These mutations can be attributed to errors in class switch recombination, which facilitate the generation of H chain-only Ig-secreting plasma cells. Surprisingly, transcripts with a similar deletion can be found in normal mice. Thus, naturally occurring H chain transcripts without C(H)1 (V(H)DJ(H)-hinge-C(H)2-C(H)3) are selected for and lead to the formation of fully functional and diverse H chain-only antibodies in L(-/-) animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangang Zou
- The Babraham Institute, Babraham, Cambridge CB22 3AT, England, UK
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20
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Geraldes P, Rebrovich M, Herrmann K, Wong J, Jäck HM, Wabl M, Cascalho M. Ig Heavy Chain Promotes Mature B Cell Survival in the Absence of Light Chain. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 179:1659-68. [PMID: 17641032 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.179.3.1659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Survival of mature B cells is thought to depend on the BCR signaling (BCR) because ablation of either H chain (HC) expression or BCR signaling causes B cells to rapidly disappear. Whether a complete BCR is required for survival of mature B cells is not known. To address this question, we generated a mouse in which we can repress the expression of a transgenic Ig L chain (IgL) by doxycycline (IgL-repressible mouse). Repression of IgL abrogated expression. Surprisingly, however, IgL-negative B cells survived longer than 14 wk, expressed signal-competent HC on the cell's surface, and active unfolded protein response factors. Like postgerminal center B cells, IgL-negative B cells were small lymphocytes, not dividing and expressed Bcl-6. Our results indicate that expression of unpaired HC, as it may occur as a consequence of Ag ligation, somatic hypermutation, or receptor editing, facilitates the survival of cells either by inducing receptor signaling or by inducing unfolded protein response and/or the expression of survival genes such as Bcl-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Geraldes
- Transplantation Biology Program, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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21
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Odbileg R, Purevtseren B, Batsukh Z, Konnai S, Ohashi K, Onuma M. Complete cDNA sequences and phylogenetic analyses of the Th1 and Th2 cytokines of the bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus). J Vet Med Sci 2006; 68:941-6. [PMID: 17019063 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.68.941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The complementary DNAs of the Th1 (IL-2, IL-12p35, and IFN-gamma) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13) cytokine genes of the bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) were cloned, sequenced, and analyzed. IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12p35, IL-13, and IFN-gamma were found to have 465, 402, 537, 669, 411, and 501 bp length open reading frames with 154, 133, 178, 222, 136, and 166 amino acid encodings, respectively. The homology ranged from 58.8% to 100% between the nucleotide sequences of the camel cytokine genes and the published sequences of other mammalian genes, including the llama, pig, cow, horse, human, and mouse. The cDNA had highest homology with orders Artiodactyla (pigs and cattle) and Perissodactyla (horses), especially to the recently cloned llama sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raadan Odbileg
- Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
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Janssens R, Dekker S, Hendriks RW, Panayotou G, van Remoortere A, San JKA, Grosveld F, Drabek D. Generation of heavy-chain-only antibodies in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:15130-5. [PMID: 17015837 PMCID: PMC1586177 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0601108103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We have generated transgenic mice containing hybrid llama/human antibody loci that contain two llama variable regions and the human D, J, and Cmu and/or Cgamma constant regions. Such loci rearrange productively and rescue B cell development efficiently without LC rearrangement. Heavy-chain-only antibodies (HCAb) are expressed at high levels, provided that the CH1 domain is deleted from the constant regions. HCAb production does not require an IgM stage for effective pre-B cell signaling. Antigen-specific heavy-chain-only IgM or IgGs are produced upon immunization. The IgG is dimeric, whereas IgM is multimeric. The chimeric HCAb loci are subject to allelic exclusion, but several copies of the transgenic locus can be rearranged and expressed successfully on the same allele in the same cell. Such cells are not subject to negative selection. The mice produce a full antibody repertoire and provide a previously undescribed avenue to produce specific human HCAb in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rudi W. Hendriks
- Immunology, ErasmusMC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - George Panayotou
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center, Alexander Fleming, Varkiza 16602, Greece; and
| | - Alexandra van Remoortere
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Frank Grosveld
- *Departments of Cell Biology and
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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