The impact of kit, environment, and sampling contamination on the observed microbiome of bovine milk

In low-microbial biomass samples such as bovine milk, contaminants can outnumber endogenous bacteria. Because of this, milk microbiome research suffers from a critical knowledge gap, namely, does non-mastitis bovine milk contain a native microbiome? In this study, we sampled external and internal mammary epithelia and stripped and cisternal milk and used numerous negative controls, including air and sampling controls and extraction and library preparation blanks, to identify the potential sources of contamination. Two algorithms were used to mathematically remove contaminants and track the potential movement of microbes among samples. Results suggest that the majority (i.e., >75%) of sequence data generated from bovine milk and mammary epithelium samples represents contaminating DNA. Contaminants in milk samples were primarily sourced from DNA extraction kits and the internal and external skin of the teat, while teat canal and apex samples were mainly contaminated during the sampling process. After decontamination, the milk microbiome displayed a more dispersed, less diverse, and compositionally distinct bacterial profile compared with epithelial samples. Similar microbial compositions were observed between cisternal and stripped milk samples, as well as between teat apex and canal samples. Staphylococcus and Acinetobacter were the predominant genera detected in milk sample sequences, and bacterial culture showed growth of Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium spp. in 50% (7/14) of stripped milk samples and growth of Staphylococcus spp. in 7% (1/14) of cisternal milk samples. Our study suggests that microbiome data generated from milk samples obtained from clinically healthy bovine udders may be heavily biased by contaminants that enter the sample during sample collection and processing workflows.IMPORTANCEObtaining a non-contaminated sample of bovine milk is challenging due to the nature of the sampling environment and the route by which milk is typically extracted from the mammary gland. Furthermore, the very low bacterial biomass of bovine milk exacerbates the impacts of contaminant sequences in downstream analyses, which can lead to severe biases. Our finding showed that bovine milk contains very low bacterial biomass and each contamination event (including sampling procedure and DNA extraction process) introduces bacteria and/or DNA fragments that easily outnumber the native bacterial cells. This finding has important implications for our ability to draw robust conclusions from milk microbiome data, especially if the data have not been subjected to rigorous decontamination procedures. Based on these findings, we strongly urge researchers to include numerous negative controls into their sampling and sample processing workflows and to utilize several complementary methods for identifying potential contaminants within the resulting sequence data. These measures will improve the accuracy, reliability, reproducibility, and interpretability of milk microbiome data and research.

Exploring associations between the teat apex metagenome and Staphylococcus aureus intramammary infections in primiparous cows under organic directives

The primary objective of this study was to identify associations between the prepartum teat apex microbiome and the presence of Staphylococcus aureus intramammary infections (IMI) in primiparous cows during the first 5 weeks after calving. We performed a case-control study using shotgun metagenomics of the teat apex and culture-based milk data collected longitudinally from 710 primiparous cows on five organic dairy farms. Cases had higher odds of having S. aureus metagenomic DNA on the teat apex prior to parturition compared to controls (OR = 38.9, 95% CI: 14.84-102.21). Differential abundance analysis confirmed this association, with cases having a 23.8 higher log fold change (LFC) in the abundance of S. aureus in their samples compared to controls. Of the most prevalent microorganisms in controls, those associated with a lower risk of post-calving S. aureus IMI included Microbacterium phage Min 1 (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.25-0.53), Corynebacterium efficiens (OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.30-0.94), Kocuria polaris (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.35-0.82), Micrococcus terreus (OR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.44-0.93), and Dietzia alimentaria (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.26-0.75). Genes encoding for Microcin B17 AMPs were the most prevalent on the teat apex of cases and controls (99.7% in both groups). The predicted abundance of genes encoding for Microcin B17 was also higher in cases compared to controls (LFC 0.26).

IMPORTANCE

Intramammary infections (IMI) caused by Staphylococcus aureus remain an important problem for the dairy industry. The microbiome on the external skin of the teat apex may play a role in mitigating S. aureus IMI risk, in particular the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) by commensal microbes. However, current studies of the teat apex microbiome utilize a 16S approach, which precludes the detection of genomic features such as genes that encode for AMPs. Therefore, further research using a shotgun metagenomic approach is needed to understand what role prepartum teat apex microbiome dynamics play in IMI risk.

Bilateral vertebral arteries entering the C4 foramen transversarium with the left vertebral artery originating from the aortic arch

Vertebral arteries (VAs) serve as major blood vessels to the central nervous system. VAs typically arise from the subclavian arteries and ascend separately within the transverse foramina of the cervical vertebrae (C6-C1) before entering the skull at the foramen magnum and joining at the base of the pons to form the basilar artery of the vertebrobasilar circulation. Therefore, variations in the origin and anatomic course of the VAs have implications for invasive medical procedures involving the superior thoracic/cervical regions or the cervical vertebrae. The current case report describes variation in the entry point of both VAs and the site of origin of the left vertebral artery. The variation was revealed during routine dissection of a 72-year-old female cadaver. It was found that the left vertebral artery originated directly from the aortic arch to abnormally enter the transverse foramen of C4 instead of the transverse foramen of C6. The right vertebral artery arose as usual from the right subclavian artery. However, the right vertebral artery also directly entered the transverse foramen of C4 instead of the transverse foramen of C6.

Investigating the cow skin and teat canal microbiomes of the bovine udder using different sampling and sequencing approaches

There is a need for standardized, efficient, and practical sampling methods to support large population-based studies of the internal and external epithelial microbiomes of the bovine udder. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate different sampling devices for the isolation of microbial DNA originating from the internal and external teat epithelium. Secondary objectives were to survey and compare the microbial diversity of external and teat canal epithelial microbiomes using amplicon and shotgun metagenomic sequencing approaches. To address these objectives, we enrolled a convenience sample of 24 Holstein dairy cows and collected samples from the external epithelium at the base of udder, the external teat barrel epithelium, the external teat apex epithelium, and the teat canal epithelium. Extracted DNA was quantified and subjected to PCR amplification of the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene and sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA). A subset of samples was subjected to a shallow shotgun metagenomic assay on the Illumina HiSeq platform. For samples collected from the external teat epithelium, we found that gauze squares consistently yielded more DNA than swabs, and Simpson's reciprocal index of diversity was higher for gauze than for swabs. The teat canal epithelial samples exhibited significantly lower diversity than the external sampling locations, but there were no significant differences in diversity between teat apex, teat barrel, and base of the udder samples. There were, however, differences in the microbial distribution and abundances of specific bacteria across external epithelial surfaces. The proportion of shotgun sequence reads classified as Bos taurus was highly variable between sampling locations, ranging from 0.33% in teat apex samples to 99.91% in teat canal samples. These results indicate that gauze squares should be considered for studying the microbiome of the external epithelium of the bovine udder, particularly if DNA yield must be maximized. Further, the relative proportion of host to non-host DNA present in samples collected from the internal and external teat epithelium should be considered when designing studies that utilize shotgun metagenomic sequencing.

An evaluation of four CT-MRI co-registration techniques for radiotherapy treatment planning of prone rectal cancer patients

OBJECTIVES

MRI is the preferred staging modality for rectal carcinoma patients. This work assesses the CT-MRI co-registration accuracy of four commercial rigid-body techniques for external beam radiotherapy treatment planning for patients treated in the prone position without fiducial markers.

METHODS

17 patients with biopsy-proven rectal carcinoma were scanned with CT and MRI in the prone position without the use of fiducial markers. A reference co-registration was performed by consensus of a radiologist and two physicists. This was compared with two automated and two manual techniques on two separate treatment planning systems. Accuracy and reproducibility were analysed using a measure of target registration error (TRE) that was based on the average distance of the mis-registration between vertices of the clinically relevant gross tumour volume as delineated on the CT image.

RESULTS

An automated technique achieved the greatest accuracy, with a TRE of 2.3 mm. Both automated techniques demonstrated perfect reproducibility and were significantly faster than their manual counterparts. There was a significant difference in TRE between registrations performed on the two planning systems, but there were no significant differences between the manual and automated techniques.

CONCLUSION

For patients with rectal cancer, MRI acquired in the prone treatment position without fiducial markers can be accurately registered with planning CT. An automated registration technique offered a fast and accurate solution with associated uncertainties within acceptable treatment planning limits.

Intracrystalline proteins and the hidden ultrastructure of calcium oxalate urinary crystals: implications for kidney stone formation

The external appearance of urinary calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals suggests that they are solid, homogeneous structures, despite their known association with proteins. Our aim was to determine whether proteins comprising the organic matrix of CaOx crystals are superficial or intracrystalline in order to clarify the role of urinary proteins in the formation of kidney stones. CaOx crystals were precipitated from centrifuged and filtered, or ultrafiltered, healthy human urine. They were then treated with dilute NaOH to remove bound proteins, partially demineralized with EDTA, or fractured and subjected to limited proteolysis before examination by low-resolution scanning electron microscopy or field emission scanning electron microscopy. Crystals precipitated from centrifuged and filtered urine had a complex interior network of protein distributed throughout the mineral phase, which appeared to comprise closely packed subcrystalline particles stacked in an orderly array among an amorphous organic matrix. This ultrastructure was not evident in crystals deposited in the absence of macromolecules, which were completely solid. This is the first direct evidence that crystals generated from cell-free systems contain significant amounts of protein distributed throughout a complex internal cribriform ultrastructure. Combined with mineral erosion in the acidic lysosomal environment, proteins inside CaOx crystals would render them susceptible to attack by urinary and intracellular renal proteases and facilitate their further dissolution or disruption into small particles and ions for removal by exocytosis. The findings also have broader ramifications for industry and the materials sciences, as well as the development and resorption of crystals in biomineralization systems throughout nature.

The hole truth: intracrystalline proteins and calcium oxalate kidney stones

The ultimate aim of our research is to understand the role of macromolecules in the formation of human kidney stones, particularly their interactions with calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals. The invariable association of stones with proteins raises the possibility that proteins play a role in their formation, similar to the role of proteins in healthy biomineralization. Do these proteins induce mineralization? Are they merely a response to the disease process? Or are they protective molecules that were overwhelmed by mineral supersaturation? A protein of particular interest is fragment 1 (F1) of prothrombin. We have shown that mRNA for prothrombin is present in the kidney. Because the F1 fragment of prothrombin present in urine is slightly different from that found in the blood, we refer to this protein as "urinary prothrombin fragment 1" (UPTF1). Available evidence suggests that the kidney manufactures the protein for protection against stone disease and that the protein has a directive role in stone formation. We now have evidence that proteins are interred within CaOx crystals precipitated from human urine, where it is distributed in continuous channels. These proteins could facilitate crystal deconstruction and removal after attachment to the renal epithelium and endocytosis. We suspect that the formation of CaOx crystals in the urine is a normal process designed to permit harmless disposal of an excess of calcium, oxalate, or both. The incorporation of proteins provides a second line of defense against stone formation by enabling the destruction and removal of retained crystals. Understanding the basic molecular strategies by which plants produce protein-containing CaOx crystals may provide insight into human CaOx stone formation.

Characterization of monoclonal antibody CIBCNSH3 generated to the human EGF receptor

Monoclonal antibody CIBCNSH3 of IgG1 isotype has been generated against human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) using MDA MB 468 breast carcinoma cell line as immunogen. Earlier studies have revealed that this MAb blocked growth factor-receptor interaction and thus inhibited cell proliferation and tumor growth. In the present paper, this MAb has been extensively characterized to evaluate its application in the study of human cancers. The results were compared with those obtained using a control MAb ICR 62 specific to EGFR. Competitive assay showed that this MAb bound to an epitope in the extracellular domain of the EGFR to which MAb ICR 62 also bound. This MAb immunoprecipitated the 170 kD glycoprotein. The specificity was further confirmed by the formation of a single discrete band in western blot analysis. By flow cytometric analysis this monoclonal antibody revealed high binding affinity with MDA MB 468 cells. By immunocytochemical assay, out of 35 breast tumors studied, 40% were found to exhibit strong cell membrane staining and in the case of 25 oral cancers studied, 56% were strong positive. High expression of EGFR was observed in MDA MB 468 cells and HN 5 cells. These studies clearly indicate that MAb CIBCNSH3 might prove useful to identify tumors with high level of expression of EGFR associated with poor prognosis.

Anti-tumor activity of monoclonal antibody CIBCNSH3 generated to the human EGF receptor

The overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been demonstrated in many malignancies like squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, cervix, breast etc. which are most prevalent in India. This is often associated with poor prognosis and high mortality in these patients. Monoclonal antibodies generated against EGFR which inhibit binding of ligands like EGF to their receptor have anti-tumor activity and hence therapeutic application. One such monoclonal antibody designated as CIBCNSH3 generated in our laboratory has been found to recognize an epitope in the extracellular domain of EGFR by immunoprecipitation. By immunoperoxidase test this antibody exhibited strong reactivity to EGFR in head and neck cancers and breast cancers studied. It also inhibited the binding of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) to its receptor on MDA MB468 breast cancer cells rich in EGFR as revealed by competitive binding assay using 125I EGF, indicating its anti-tumor activity. The in vivo therapeutic efficacy has been demonstrated by injecting i.p. into tumor bearing mice 200 micrograms of the antibody for 4 consecutive days and then 100 micrograms twice a week resulting in complete regression of tumors of initial tumor size of 0.5-1.0 cm diameter. These results were compared with a control antibody against EGFR and also a nonspecific antibody which were administered to different groups of animals. In vivo studies performed using cell lines in culture like MDA MB468, MDA MB157 and HN5 with overexpression of EGFR revealed 98% cell death when incubated with different concentrations of the antibody. This monoclonal antibody seems to have a promising future application as therapeutic agent for tumors which overexpress EGFR.

Brk, a breast tumor-derived non-receptor protein-tyrosine kinase, sensitizes mammary epithelial cells to epidermal growth factor

brk (breast tumor kinase) shows homology to the src family of non-receptor protein-tyrosine kinases and is expressed in breast carcinomas. In order to investigate the role of brk in breast tumor development, we have examined the growth and transformation properties of human mammary epithelial cells engineered to overexpress Brk. Interestingly, like c-Src, overexpression of Brk leads to sensitization to EGF, and also results in a partially transformed phenotype. Further investigation of the latter activity was attempted by mutational analysis, targeting key residues known to affect tyrosine kinase activity in Src-like kinases. Mutation of amino acid residue Lys-219 to Met, by analogy to Src, abolished both kinase activity and transformation capacity. Mutation of amino acid residue Tyr-447 to Phe, however, resulted in a decrease in transforming potential without affecting kinase activity. These results suggest that while Src and Brk share some functional properties, they act differently during transformation. These differences are discussed in the context of the mechanisms underlying breast cancer development.

Radioimmunotherapy of breast cancer xenografts with monoclonal antibody ICR12 against c-erbB2 p185: comparison of iodogen and N-succinimidyl 4-methyl-3-(tri-n-butylstannyl)benzoate radioiodination methods

C-erbB2 p185 is a proto-oncogene product expressed in 25-30% of human invasive breast cancers that is associated with poor prognosis and resistance to endocrine therapy and chemotherapy. It is minimally expressed in normal adult tissues (M. F. Press et al., Oncogene, 5: 953-962, 1990). For this reason, it is an attractive target for radioimmunotherapy and other antibody-directed therapies. ICR12 is a rat IgG2a monoclonal antibody directed against a protein epitope of the external domain of the c-erbB2 p185. We performed experiments to optimize the direct iodination of ICR12 with 131I using the IodoGen method, and we found impairment of immunoreactive fraction with increasing specific activity. N-Succinimidyl 4-methyl-3-(tri-n-butylstannyl)benzoate (MATE) is a tin ester that can be radioiodinated easily and then coupled to the epsilon-amino group of lysine residues. This method has been shown to have improved uptake in tumors compared with antibody labeled by direct iodination (P. K. Garg et al., Nucl. Med. Biol., 20: 379-387, 1993). ICR12 could be labeled up to 16 mCi/mg by this technique without loss of immunoreactive fraction. Whole-body retention of MATE-labeled ICR12 was less than IodoGen (P < 0.0001). Radioimmunotherapy experiments in athymic mice bearing established MDA MB 361 human breast cancer xenografts showed growth inhibition for > 24 days at a dose of 600 microCi/mouse (P < 0.0001) when labeled by the IodoGen technique, and 12 days using the MATE method (P < 0.0001).

A monoclonal antibody that recognizes alkali-stabilized melphalan-DNA adducts and its application in immunofluorescence microscopy

Monoclonal antibodies were produced that recognized alkali-stabilized modifications of DNA formed by the anticancer drug melphalan in order to permit measurement of melphalan-DNA adducts in individual cells by immunofluorescent staining. Antibody Amp4/42 did not bind to alkali-treated control DNA or to DNA that had been alkylated with melphalan but not exposed to alkali. In a competitive enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay using DNA that had been reacted with radioactive melphalan in simple solution a 50% reduction in assay signal was caused by approximately 100 fmol total melphalan-DNA adducts/assay well. This sensitivity was only slightly influenced by heat denaturation of the DNA before alkylation or by the frequency of alkylated sites on DNA. The heat stability of the adducts recognized by Amp4/42 was greatly increased by the alkali-induced change which, in 0.1 M NaOH at 37 degrees C, was complete by 30 min. Amp4/42 appears to recognize a ring-opened structure resulting from alkaline hydrolysis of 7-alkyldeoxyguanosine. Melphalan-DNA adducts formed in mammalian cells showed an alkali-induced increase in immunoreactivity which occurred at a similar rate to that seen in DNA that had been alkylated in simple solution, but their maximum overall immunoreactivity was approximately 10-fold lower. This indicated that in cells the adducts recognized by Amp4/42 were formed or persisted as a smaller proportion of total adducts compared with alkylation of pre-purified DNA in simple solution. This antibody permitted immunofluorescent detection of melphalan-DNA adducts in single cells.

Regression of established breast carcinoma xenografts with antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy against c-erbB2 p185

The enzyme carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) was conjugated to the rat IgG2a monoclonal antibody (mAb) ICR12, which recognizes the external domain of the human c-erbB2 protooncogene product. The conjugate retained antigen-binding and enzyme activity. Radiolabeled conjugate localized efficiently and stably to MDA MB 361 breast carcinoma xenografts, which overexpress the c-erbB2 gene product p185. Radiotracer determinations and plasma enzyme activity studies in nu/nu mice gave conjugate blood clearance rate half-lives of approximately 4 days. In separate antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy regimes, one dose of the 4-[(2-chloroethyl)(2-mesyloxyethyl)amino]benzoyl-L-glutamic acid prodrug was administered to nu/nu mice bearing established MDA MB 361 tumors (mean volume, 170-260 mm3). In mice which had received ICR12-CPG2 12-14 days previously, sustained dose-dependent tumor stasis or regressions were effected, which in some cases persisted throughout observation periods of up to 90 days. In control mice which had received the isotype-matched irrelevant mAb ICR16-CPG2 conjugate, tumors grew progressively, as did those in mice treated with prodrug alone, or treated simultaneously with ICR12-CPG2 and prodrug at the maximum tolerated dose. Control chemotherapy with conventional drugs proved toxic and induced only minimal growth delays.

Presentation of anti-idiotypic antibody is sensitive to ionizing radiation

We have been investigating the generation of specific immune responses using monoclonal anti-idiotypic Abs (Ab2) as surrogate tumor Ag. We have prepared a series of idiotypic mAbs (Ab1) from CBH/cbi rats bearing the syngeneic sarcoma HSN and have used these Ab1 to generate autologous Ab2. By using the autologous Ab2 as Ag, we have isolated T cell lines from CBH/cbi rats that proliferate specifically in the presence of the Ab2, with spleen cells as APC. Specific proliferation of the T cells was prevented if the spleen cells used for presentation were irradiated with conventional doses of x-rays (1000 rad) just before use. Titration of the radiation response showed that the capacity of the spleen cells to present Ag decreased exponentially with x-ray doses of up to 100 rad, at which dose presentation was virtually abolished. The same irradiated spleen cells were fully competent to present OVA to CBH/cbi-derived rat T cell lines specific for this Ag. Preincubating the APC with Ag before irradiation abrogated the effect of x-irradiation on the presentation of Ab2. We conclude that, in this rat system, the presentation of autologous Ab2 is highly sensitive to the effects of low doses of x-rays. The clinical significance of these findings is discussed.

Presentation of anti-idiotypic antibody is sensitive to ionizing radiation

We have been investigating the generation of specific immune responses using monoclonal anti-idiotypic Abs (Ab2) as surrogate tumor Ag. We have prepared a series of idiotypic mAbs (Ab1) from CBH/cbi rats bearing the syngeneic sarcoma HSN and have used these Ab1 to generate autologous Ab2. By using the autologous Ab2 as Ag, we have isolated T cell lines from CBH/cbi rats that proliferate specifically in the presence of the Ab2, with spleen cells as APC. Specific proliferation of the T cells was prevented if the spleen cells used for presentation were irradiated with conventional doses of x-rays (1000 rad) just before use. Titration of the radiation response showed that the capacity of the spleen cells to present Ag decreased exponentially with x-ray doses of up to 100 rad, at which dose presentation was virtually abolished. The same irradiated spleen cells were fully competent to present OVA to CBH/cbi-derived rat T cell lines specific for this Ag. Preincubating the APC with Ag before irradiation abrogated the effect of x-irradiation on the presentation of Ab2. We conclude that, in this rat system, the presentation of autologous Ab2 is highly sensitive to the effects of low doses of x-rays. The clinical significance of these findings is discussed.

Significance of the c-erbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases in metastatic cancer and their potential as targets for immunotherapy

Overexpression of members of the type 1 receptor tyrosine kinase (c-erbB) family has been documented in many types of cancer. In the case of c-erbB1 (epidermal growth factor receptor) and c-erbB2, this has been closely linked with poor prognosis, and in particular is apparently associated with an invasive/metastatic phenotype and relative insensitivity to conventional therapies. The cell surface location of these molecules renders them attractive targets for a variety of immunotherapeutic strategies, some of which are showing promise in preclinical and early clinical trials.

Clinical radioimmunolocalization with a rat monoclonal antibody directed against c-erbB-2

Lymph node status is still the single most important prognostic factor in breast cancer and surgery remains the only reliable means of providing this information. This study evaluates using a highly specific radiolabeled monoclonal antibody to provide equivalent information. The optimum labeling conditions for radiolabeling a monoclonal antibody against the gene product of the protooncogene c-erbB-2 with Tc99m were established. This immunoconjugate was next evaluated in a mouse model system and averaged 20% localization of the total injected dose per gram of tumor at 24 h. Ten patients have had this immunoconjugate, with planar and tomographic reconstructed images being obtained at 24 h. The resulting images were compared to histopathological examination of the surgical specimens. Three patients acted as normal controls, two patients were selected on the basis of inappropriate sampling of adjacent ductal carcinoma in situ, three patients demonstrated only moderate antigen expression, and two patients demonstrated excellent tumor localization in both breast primary and regional node metastases. The high specificity of this antibody, ease of labeling, and excellent localization performance with a good antigen target encourage the development of this system as a method of localization and a potential means of antibody-guided therapy.

Preclinical models for the evaluation of targeted therapies of metastatic disease

It has been estimated that approx 60-70% of cancer patients harbor overt or subclinical metastases at diagnosis, and it is the eradication of such systemic disease that largely determines survival. Preclinical tumor model systems employed to evaluate potential new treatment strategies should aim to represent the process and patterns of metastasis of their clinical counterparts as closely as possible. Severe combined immune-deficient (SCID) and nu/nu mice have been extensively used as hosts for the growth of human tumor cell lines and in some cases fresh tumor material. However, in most instances the resulting neoplasms fail to metastasize, and the aberrant immune systems of such animals has limited their use mainly to passive therapies of localized disease. Recently, the development of specially selected tumor variants and the use of appropriate orthotopic sites for implantation has provided several models in which dissemination can be demonstrated. Where the gene coding for a potential target antigen has been cloned, and where its overexpression or mutation is associated with malignancy (e.g., c-erbB-2, H-ras), transgenic mice may yield tumors that will develop in these immunocompetent hosts. In some cases such tumors exhibit metastasis. A third approach is to transfect human genes of interest into appropriate rodent tumors expressing the desired metastatic phenotype. These various approaches are compared with particular reference to mammary carcinoma biology.

The human EGF receptor as a target for cancer therapy: six new rat mAbs against the receptor on the breast carcinoma MDA-MB 468

Using the breast carcinoma cell line MDA-MB 468 as immunogen, we have produced six new rat monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the human EGF receptor (EGFR) and are investigating their use for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in cancer patients whose tumours overexpress these receptors. The mAbs (three IgG2b and one each of IgG2a, IgG1 and IgA) were selected on the basis that they bound to the extracellular domain of the EGFR and blocked growth factor-receptor interaction. Competitive assays showed that, with the exception of antibody ICR65, the mAbs bound to one of two distinct epitopes on the external domain of the EGFR. ICR65, however, cross-reacted with mAbs binding to both epitopes. All of the mAbs immunoprecipitated the 170 kDa glycoprotein from cells expressing the EGFR but not the 185 kDa product of the related c-erbB-2 proto-oncogene. Unlike EGF and TGF alpha none of the mAbs stimulated the growth of quiescent human foreskin fibroblasts but they inhibited the EGF and TGF alpha induced growth stimulation of these cells in vitro. When tested for their effect on tumour cells the mAbs were found to inhibit the growth in vitro of a number of human tumours that overexpressed the EGFR (e.g. HN5, HN6, HN15, A431, MDA-MB 468) but they were without effect on tumour cell lines expressing low or undetectable amounts of the receptor. Our initial results indicate that this new generation of antibodies which bind with high affinity to the EGFR, block growth factor-receptor interaction and inhibit the growth of human squamous carcinoma cell lines overexpressing the receptor have potential for clinical application.

Antitumor activity of combinations of antibodies directed against different epitopes on the extracellular domain of the human EGF receptor

The receptor (EGFR) for epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth alpha (TGF alpha) is often overexpressed in certain types of human malignancy and high levels of expression of the receptor and/or coexpression of growth factors. EGF and TGF alpha have also been correlated with poor prognosis in many patients. We have produced a number of rat monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against four distinct epitopes on the external domain of the EGF receptor and are currently evaluating their potential for therapeutic use. Nine of these of MAbs were found to inhibit the binding of TGF and EGF to the receptor on tumor cells and these MAbs were able to inhibit the growth in vitro and in vivo of tumor cells that overexpress the EGF receptor. Here, we describe the results of experiments to determine the antitumor activity of combination treatment with two antibodies directed against separate epitopes on the external domain of human EGFR. Our results showed that treatment of human tumor xenografts with a combination of two anti-EGFR MAbs that bind to two distinct epitopes on the external domain of EGF receptor was not as effective as treatment with ICR62 alone, which binds to epitope C on the EGFR and is of IgG2b isotype. A phase I clinical trial with antibody ICR62 is currently underway in Royal Marseden Hospital (UK) in patients with head and neck and lung carcinomas.

Rat MAbs to the product of the c-erbB-2 proto-oncogene for diagnosis and therapy in breast cancer

The product of the c-erbB-2 protooncogene (p185) is a member of the EGF receptor family of transmembrane tyrosine kinases. Amplification of this gene and overexpression of the product has been observed in adenocarcinomas and has been correlated with poor prognosis in patients with breast and ovarian cancer. The very low levels of expression of p185 by normal adult tissues makes the receptor an almost tumor-specific target. We have prepared rat monoclonal antibodies against five distinct epitopes on the external domain of the c-erbB-2 product overexpressed by the breast cancer line BT474. The antibodies bind to the protein core of p185 and stain specifically the membranes in frozen sections of tumors overexpressing the c-erbB-2 product. Three of the antibodies, ICR12 (epitope A), ICR54, and ICR55 (epitope E), also stain the cell membrane in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections and bind to p185 in Western blots. An investigation of the stability of the antigen-antibody complexes indicates that the majority are not readily internalized by SKOV3 cells growing in vitro. Antibodies ICR12 (IgG2a) and ICR55 (IgG2a), which are directed against separate epitopes on the c-erbB-2 p185, are both of high affinity and immunoreactivity (> 75%) and localize specifically and stably to xenografted breast and ovarian carcinomas growing in athymic mice when labeled with 125I (up to 13% injected dose/g, ICR12 and ICR55) or a range of other radionuclides (up to 20% id/g, ICR12). We conclude that these antibodies may be useful as therapeutic vehicles for targeting radionuclides (imaging and therapy) or enzymes for activating prodrugs (ADEPT).

Monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of metastases. Evaluation of strategies using a syngeneic rat model

To investigate critical factors influencing the localization and antitumor effects of monoclonal antibodies (MAb) or toxic conjugates, we have adapted a single rat sarcoma, HSN, for preferential growth in the lungs, liver, and lymph nodes (the major sites of metastasis in humans) and have raised a panel of syngeneic rat MAbs to a stably-expressed cell surface antigen. Using this model we have shown that localization in tumors is significantly influenced by their anatomical location and vascularization, and the degree of MAb interaction with host cells. Uptake in small hepatic tumors was excellent, but access to lung tumors was limited by the poor permeability of pulmonary vessels. HSN cells transfected with th human IL-2 gene and coinjected in low numbers with parental tumors secreted sufficient cytokine to enhance the local permeability of vessels and doubled MAb localization in tumors without any systemic toxicity, suggesting that regional delivery of IL-2 may be used to enhance MAb localization in this situation. In order to extent the applicability of the model to studies of MAbs raised against human tumor targets, we have transfected the human c-erb B-2 gene (homolog of the rat neu) into the highly metastatic HSN.LV subline. MAbs raised against the external domain of the p185 product can now be screened for their ability to localize in metastases, and for various conjugates to inhibit tumor growth either independently of, or in association with, a fully functional immune system.

Application of a sensitive immunoassay to the study of DNA adducts formed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients undergoing high-dose melphalan therapy

The levels of DNA adducts formed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 13 patients undergoing high-dose melphalan therapy were determined 0-24 h after drug administration using a modification of a previously described immunoassay. This assay was validated for DNA extracted from drug-treated cells. Adduct levels in normal mononuclear blood cells 1 h after drug administration correlated well (r = 0.846) with drug dose (expressed as mg/m2) and with area under the curve for plasma levels of melphalan during the first h (r = 0.842). 1 patient sustained a high degree of toxic side-effects from the melphalan treatment and showed a high level of adducts. Plasma cell leukaemia tumour cells from another patient showed a level of adducts approximately six times higher than those in the normal blood cells of the other patients. The levels of DNA adducts in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells did not change markedly between 1 and 24 h after drug administration.

Synergistic interaction between ligands binding to the CD4 binding site and V3 domain of human immunodeficiency virus type I gp120

We demonstrate that soluble CD4 (sCD4) or a monoclonal antibody (mAb), 39.13g, binding to a conformational epitope of gp120 involved in CD4 binding, and mAbs binding to the V3 domain of gp120, can synergistically neutralize human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1). In contrast, a neutralizing mAb binding to a linear epitope within the CD4 binding domain was unable to exert a synergistic effect in combination with V3 mAbs, suggesting that synergism is dependent on ligands binding to the critical, discontinuous, gp120 residues constituting the CD4 binding site. A number of V3 mAbs showed increased binding to virion gp120 in the presence of sCD4, suggesting a mechanism for the synergistic neutralization. This effect was not observed with recombinant or detergent solubilized viral gp120, suggesting that the oligomeric structure of gp120 on viral particles affects V3 epitope exposure. This hypothesis is supported by the ability of two new V3 mAbs, 8/38c and 8/64b, to only neutralize HIV-1 in the presence of sCD4 or mAb 39.13g; binding studies demonstrate that these mAbs only bind to virion gp120 in the presence of sCD4. Thus, V3 epitope exposure is modulated by the interaction of virion gp120 with ligands specific for the CD4 binding domain and results in enhanced antibody-mediated neutralization.

c-erbB2 protein overexpression in breast cancer as a target for PET using iodine-124-labeled monoclonal antibodies

ICR 12, one of a panel of rat monoclonal antibodies recognizing the external domain of the human c-erb B2 proto-oncogene product, (Styles, 1990) was chosen as a candidate for radiolabeling with 124I for positron emission tomography of selected patients with breast cancer. By using N-bromosuccinimide (NBS), optimal labeling conditions were established using 125I. The labeling efficiency was determined using instant thin-layer chromatography (ITLC) and gel filtration (HPLC). The antibody was then labeled with the positron emitter 124I, and a labeling efficiency of 96% and immunoreactivity of 80%-90% was obtained. The product was stable, with less than 5% of the radiolabel being eluted after six days storage in plasma at 37 degrees C. Immunolocalization studies were performed in athymic mice bearing human breast carcinoma xenografts overexpressing the c-erb B2 gene product using as controls 125I labeled isotype-matched rat antibody, and antigen-negative tumors. Good uptake of 124I-labeled ICR12 was obtained in c-erb B2 expressing tumors (up to 12% injected dose per gram at intervals up to 120 hr), with localization indices of 3.4-6.2. Tumor xenografts of 6 mm diameter were successfully imaged with high resolution at 24, 48 and 120 hr using the RMH/ICR MUP-PET camera. We suggest that 124I-labeled ICR12 is a suitable agent to image and quantify immunolocalization in patients whose tumors overexpress the c-erb B2 proto-oncogene product.

Preparation and testing of monoclonal antibodies to recombinant proteins

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are useful, often essential, reagents for the isolation, identification, and cellular localization of specific gene products and for the determination of macromolecular structure. The ability to clone and sequence specific genes has revolutionized our understanding of cellular structure and function, and the ability to prepare recombinant proteins or to synthesize peptides based on protein sequences derived from cDNA clones provides sufficient material for generating specific antibodies. The recombinant proteins may be derived from prokaryotic systems, such as E. coli, or from eukaryotic expression systems, such as Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) or insect cells expressing constructs in baculovirus. The eucary-otic systems are being used increasingly for expression of glycoproteins because the recombinant material is glycosylated. A number of protocols will be described here that we have used successfully with both rat (Y3 and IR983F) and mouse (SP2/0) myelomas to generate MAbs to recombinant material or peptides based on cDNA sequences.

Rat monoclonal antibodies to nonoverlapping epitopes of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120 block CD4 binding in vitro

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to a recombinant form of the envelope glycoprotein gp120 of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1 IIIB) were raised in rats and screened for their ability to block recombinant gp120 binding to recombinant, soluble CD4 (sCD4) in vitro. Four such MAbs were identified and characterised. Each MAb bound strongly to gp120 from eight widely divergent HIV-1 strains from the United States and Africa. Two MAbs were mapped to the fourth conserved (C4) region of gp120, whereas the other two recognised an as yet undefined, conformationally sensitive epitope. MAbs to the latter epitope were the more potent in blocking the gp120-sCD4 interaction. None of the MAbs, however, had potent neutralising activity.

Isolation and characterization of a monoclonal rheumatoid factor specific for the hinge region of rat IgG2b

The isolation and characterization of an isotype-specific autoantibody-secreting hybridoma NET/2/3 from rats bearing the syngeneic tumour HSN is described. This rheumatoid factor of the IgM class recognizes an epitope within the hinge region of rat immunoglobulins of the IgG2b subclass which is destroyed by reduction of disulphide bonds. The specificity of NET/2/3, although not allotype-restricted, is highly isotype-restricted, as it does not bind to rat Ig other than IgG2b, nor does it react with the majority of mouse IgG, although some reactivity occurs with mouse IgG3. One remarkable feature of NET 2/3 is that it binds more strongly to F(ab')2 and Fab' fragments of rat IgG2b, obtained by digestion with pepsin, than to the whole molecule. This anti-isotype response is not peculiar to the HSN tumour model as NET/2/3-like antibodies have been found in the sera of rats immunized with various protein and cellular antigens. The possible biological role of this anti-isotype antibody is discussed.

Characterization of syngeneic rat monoclonal antibodies to the HSN tumor using syngeneic monoclonal anti-idiotopic antibodies

Twelve syngeneic anti-idiotopic mAb (anti-idiotypic/idiotopic antibodies Ab2)) were prepared from CBH/Cbi rats immunized with one of three monoclonal anti-HSN antibodies (Ab1) (11/160, ALN/11/53, or ALN/16/53) specific for the HSN tumor. The sera of the rats used for hybridoma production and all of the monoclonal Ab2 specifically inhibited the binding to HSN of the immunizing Ab1 only. It is concluded that, in this completely syngeneic system, only the private idiotopes associated with the antibody-combining site were immunogenic. Analyses using Western blotting showed that the Ab2 bound to intact Ab1 and to isolated H chains where the intra-strand disulfide bonds remained intact. The Ab2 did not bind to L chains or to fully reduced H chains of the Ab1. It is concluded that the idiotopes expressed on the H chain were conformational. When a panel of 13 monoclonal Ab1 (including the three used for immunization) were tested for reactivity with the Ab2, three reacted specifically with their respective Ab2 and 8 gave no binding suggesting that each Ab1 had a distinct idiotypic specificity despite the fact that all the Ab1 competed with each other for binding to Ag. However, the two remaining Ab1 (ALN/9/94 and ALN/12/17) generated from different tumor-bearing rats, were found to possess the same idiotypic specificity as 11/160. A detailed analysis using seven Ab2 raised against 11/160 showed that while the idiotype of ALN/9/94 and 11/160 were very similar, that of ALN/12/17 showed some clear differences. These three Ab1 have been shown previously to bind a sequential epitope on the HSN Ag in Western blots and it is postulated that the common idiotype of these Ab1 reflects their recognition of a sequential epitope. This may also account for the relatively frequent occurrence in tumor bearer sera of antibodies with this Id.

Characterization of syngeneic rat monoclonal antibodies to the HSN tumor using syngeneic monoclonal anti-idiotopic antibodies

Twelve syngeneic anti-idiotopic mAb (anti-idiotypic/idiotopic antibodies Ab2)) were prepared from CBH/Cbi rats immunized with one of three monoclonal anti-HSN antibodies (Ab1) (11/160, ALN/11/53, or ALN/16/53) specific for the HSN tumor. The sera of the rats used for hybridoma production and all of the monoclonal Ab2 specifically inhibited the binding to HSN of the immunizing Ab1 only. It is concluded that, in this completely syngeneic system, only the private idiotopes associated with the antibody-combining site were immunogenic. Analyses using Western blotting showed that the Ab2 bound to intact Ab1 and to isolated H chains where the intra-strand disulfide bonds remained intact. The Ab2 did not bind to L chains or to fully reduced H chains of the Ab1. It is concluded that the idiotopes expressed on the H chain were conformational. When a panel of 13 monoclonal Ab1 (including the three used for immunization) were tested for reactivity with the Ab2, three reacted specifically with their respective Ab2 and 8 gave no binding suggesting that each Ab1 had a distinct idiotypic specificity despite the fact that all the Ab1 competed with each other for binding to Ag. However, the two remaining Ab1 (ALN/9/94 and ALN/12/17) generated from different tumor-bearing rats, were found to possess the same idiotypic specificity as 11/160. A detailed analysis using seven Ab2 raised against 11/160 showed that while the idiotype of ALN/9/94 and 11/160 were very similar, that of ALN/12/17 showed some clear differences. These three Ab1 have been shown previously to bind a sequential epitope on the HSN Ag in Western blots and it is postulated that the common idiotype of these Ab1 reflects their recognition of a sequential epitope. This may also account for the relatively frequent occurrence in tumor bearer sera of antibodies with this Id.

Isolation and characterization of a serologically defined tumour membrane antigen from a chemically-induced rat sarcoma, HSN

Polypeptides containing the tumour antigenic determinant present on the external domain of a membrane antigen of the 3-4 benzpyrene-induced rat fibrosarcoma HSN have been isolated and purified. Following cleavage from intact cells with trypsin, the peptides were purified by immunoaffinity chromatography and SDS-PAGE. Three polypeptides of molecular weight 120, 45 and 42 kDa were obtained that bound the specific rat monoclonal antibody (MAb) 11/160 in Western blots. Chemical analyses of the 45-kDa fragment yielded the following sequence: NH2-I V F P H G S L M V I L E H T Q K P All 14 of the syngeneic MAbs prepared from rats bearing the HSN tumour competed with each other to bind to the specific antigen. Western blots of the purified tryptic fragments probed with 125I-AbI revealed that, while some of the MAbs (11/160, ALN/12/17 and ALN/9/94) recognized a sequential determinant, others (ALN/11/53, ALN/16/53, and AL/3/12) bound to a conformational epitope. It is concluded that the AbI bind to distinct but overlapping epitopes.

Sensitive detection of DNA modifications induced by cisplatin and carboplatin in vitro and in vivo using a monoclonal antibody

An assay that is based upon a monoclonal antibody (ICR4) is described that enables the quantitation of cisplatin-induced adducts on DNA down to 3 nmol Pt/g DNA (i.e., 1 Pt adduct/10(6) bases), the level necessary to produce toxic effects in cells in vitro and in vivo, using just a few micrograms of DNA. Detection is possible below this level (although probably not necessary for in vivo studies) but the cross-reactivity of unmodified DNA sequences complicates absolute quantitation of adducts. Therefore, it will be possible to investigate the distribution of clinically useful platinum drugs in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Rats of strain F344 appeared to be the best, among several tested, for the production of antibodies to modified DNA, and they were used for the production of hybridomas. Fifteen hybridomas which secreted antibodies that bound to DNA that was highly modified with cisplatin but not to normal DNA were obtained. One (ICR4) was chosen for further characterization because of its relatively strong binding to DNA modified to a moderate level with cisplatin. The characterization included the development of a sensitive competitive enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay and the use of DNA that had been reacted with cisplatin both in vitro and in vivo. The levels of platination of both types of DNA samples were determined by atomic absorbance spectroscopy. For DNA that had been exposed to cisplatin in vitro, 50% inhibition of antibody binding was caused by about 15 fmol of total DNA-bound Pt/assay well. At moderate levels of platination, heating of the DNA solution at 100 degrees C for 5 min increased its immunoreactivity such that 50% inhibition was caused by 2.5 fmol Pt adducts/well. Pt adducts on DNA extracted from cells that had been treated with cisplatin were less immunoreactive than DNA treated with cisplatin in vitro, but after heating the immunoreactivity increased such that 50% inhibition in the assay was caused by 2 fmol Pt adduct/well. This sensitivity was invariant over a wide range of levels of platinum adduct frequency. DNA adducts formed by the second generation anticancer drug carboplatin were recognized similarly to the adducts formed by cisplatin, but those formed by the clinically inactive trans-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) or chloro(diethylenetriamine)-platinum(II)-chloride were not significantly immunoreactive. Control DNA cross-reacted in the competitive assay but the immunoreactivity per mol base was 10(7) times lower than the immunoreactivity of cisplatin adducts.

Detailed investigation of the diagnostic value in tumour histopathology of ICR.2, a new monoclonal antibody to epithelial membrane antigen

The production and detailed immunostaining properties of a new rat monoclonal antibody (ICR.2) to epithelial membrane antigen are reported. The antibody was selected for its ability to compete with the polyclonal antiserum (M7), used in the original immunohistological studies, in order that it might serve as a direct replacement in diagnosing epithelial tumours. Most of the staining reactions on normal tissues were identical to those previously reported with M7 but there were some important differences. They included: positivity of renal and adrenal capsular fibroblasts, perineurium, some myoepithelial and smooth muscle cells, occasional osteoblasts and squamous and thyroid follicular epithelium in the normal state. The intercellular canaliculi of sweat glands and secretory canaliculi of gastric oxyntic cells were clearly demonstrated. These staining reactions could be obtained with M7 when a sensitive detection system was used although the results were usually weak and inconsistent. Nearly all adenosquamous and transitional carcinomas were positive. The remaining tumours fell into three major groups: (1) those which were consistently or nearly consistently negative--melanoma, seminoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, alveolar soft part sarcoma, adrenal cortical carcinoma, granulocytic sarcoma, paraganglioma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Hodgkin's disease and embryonal carcinoma: (2) those which were either negative or positive with distinctive patterns of staining--basal cell carcinoma, embryonal tumours: and (3) non-epithelial tumours that were consistently positive--epithelioid sarcoma, synovial sarcoma, osteosarcoma, chordoma and myeloma--or positive in a significant minority of cases--leiomyosarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, clear cell sarcoma of tendon sheath, various neuroectodermal tumours.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Rat monoclonal antibodies to the external domain of the product of the C-erbB-2 proto-oncogene

With the breast carcinoma cell line BT 474 used as a source of antigen, four rat monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) (3 IgG2a and I IgA) have been prepared against the external domain of the product of the c-erbB-2 proto-oncogene. All 4 antibodies stain frozen sections of tissues that over-express the product of the c-erbB-2 proto-oncogene, and competitive binding assays showed that the antibodies recognized 2 non-overlapping epitopes. Representative antibodies from the two groups (ICR12 and 13) were shown to specifically immunoprecipitate a 190 kDa protein from 35S-methionine-labelled breast carcinoma cells where the c-erbB-2 is amplified (BT 474 and MDA-MB 361). Two of the antibodies (ICR12 and ICR17) bind to the denatured antigen in Western blots and ICR12 stains formolsaline-fixed sections of breast carcinoma tissue that over-expresses the product of the c-erbB-2 proto-oncogene. These antibodies should be useful not only for immunocytochemical diagnoses but also for radio-immunoscintigraphic and therapeutic applications.

Pharmacokinetic studies of radiolabelled rat monoclonal antibodies recognising syngeneic sarcoma antigens. II. Effect of host age and immune status

In the preceding paper it was suggested that the tumour localisation of 125I-labelled syngeneic rat monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) may be limited in immunocompetent hosts by the presence of competing endogenous serum antibodies. In syngeneic congenitally athymic (nu/nu) and cyclosporin-A-treated rats (both of which fail to mount immune responses to tumour antigens) increased uptake of mAbs in tumour tissue was obtained compared with that in immunocompetent animals. However, in the case of IgG2b and IgG1 mAbs, this appeared to be due primarily to enhanced "non-specific" localisation mediated by Fc binding, since it was abolished by the use of F(ab')2 fragments with two out of three mAbs tested. Normal tissue distribution was also influenced by host immune status: in nu/nu rats the uptake of IgG2b mAbs in the spleen was up to fivefold higher than that previously found in normal animals and the levels in liver were also increased. This effect was not seen in cyclosporin-A-treated hosts, suggesting that the reticuloendothelial system of congenitally athymic animals contains cells with enhanced IgG2b-FcR activity. This hypothesis was strengthened by the observation that splenic uptake was reduced by either the use of F(ab')2 fragments, or prior "blockade" of Fc receptors by "cold competition" with excess unlabelled IgG2b mAbs. This blockade could not be effected by mAbs of any other isotype or by IgG2b F(ab')2 fragments. The former manoeuvre resulted in higher tumour specificity ratios but usually at the expense of reduced levels of tumour associated radiolabelled mAb. The latter was found to increase "absolute" tumour localisation by up to 35%. In an attempt to characterise further and compare the Fc receptor activity of intratumour and intrasplenic host cells. The distribution of IgG2b mAbs was assayed in 3-week, 8-week and 12-week-old rats. We were able operationally to distinguish the activity of these two categories of cells, suggesting that they represent either different lineages or differentially activated subpopulations: the splenic IgG2b binding was fully expressed in weanling nu/nu rats whereas the FcR activity of cells infiltrating MC24 sarcoma was limited in 3-week-old compared with 8-12-week-old hosts. A further difference was apparent in the subclass "preference" of FcR binding: in immunodeprived rats both IgG1 and IgG2b mAbs were able to bind to tumour-infiltrating host cells, but uptake of IgG1 mAbs in the spleen was always low and not reduced further by the use of F(ab')2 fragments.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Pharmacokinetic studies of radiolabelled rat monoclonal antibodies recognising syngeneic sarcoma antigens. I. Comparison of IgG subclasses

The object of our current investigations is to explore the potential of antibodies for localisation and treatment of disseminated disease, using as a model rat monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) raised against syngeneic tumour-specific antigens. As part of this study, antibodies of differing isotypes with specificity for either HSN or MC24 sarcoma were labelled with 125iodine and injected intravenously into normal rats or those bearing paired tumours in contralateral flanks. The blood clearance rates of the radiolabelled antibodies were found to be influenced by immunoglobulin subclass (IgG2b greater than IgG2a greater than IgG1) and to be increased non-specifically by the presence of growing tumours. The tumour and normal tissue distributions of the antibodies tested were also found to vary according to their apparent degree of interaction with host Fc-receptor-bearing cells, to the extent that tumour specificity in vitro was not necessarily reflected in selectivity of localisation in vivo. Three IgG2b monoclonal antibodies showed preferential uptake in the spleens of syngeneic rats and non-specific accumulation in tumours. This effect was not observed with antibodies of IgG2a or IgG1 subclass, and was abolished by the use of IgG2b F(ab')2 preparations. In spite of the use of immunoglobulin fragments, varying the assay time and testing tumours of different sizes, specific tumour localisation was low with all seven monoclonal antibodies tested. The maximum uptake achieved was less than 1% of the injected dose of antibody per gram of tumour. Much higher levels of antibody localisation have been reported for human tumour xenografts growing in nude mice, but these are rarely achieved in other systems. We propose that the use of autologous monoclonal antibodies recognising tumour-associated antigens of relatively low epitope density in syngeneic hosts provides a valid alternative model in which to investigate the factors limiting more effective, specific immunolocalisation of malignant disease.

Immunological detection of DNA damage caused by melphalan using monoclonal antibodies

Immunological detection of melphalan adducts on DNA should permit new types of clinical and experimental investigations. Five cloned rat hybridoma cell lines were derived, each producing an antibody that bound to DNA alkylated with melphalan (phenylalanine mustard) but not to normal DNA. Further characterization of one melphalan specific antibody (MP5/73) used a competitive fluorogenic enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay. Using denatured DNA, 50% inhibition of antibody binding was caused by 30 fmol of total melphalan adducts (determined using radioactive melphalan) per assay well. Denatured control DNA caused 16 to 24% inhibition at 45 micrograms (130 nmol)/well, the maximum concentration tested. Adducts on RNA behaved similarly to those on denatured DNA. Adducts on native DNA caused 50% inhibition at 272 to 1335 fmol/well dependent upon alkylation frequency and sonication treatment. Native control DNA caused no detectable inhibition at 45 micrograms/well. The adducts recognized by the antibody were thermo- and alkali labile. Denaturation of the alkylated DNA by moderate heating in the presence of 75% formamide gave 50% inhibition at 50 fmol/well, indicating that only 5% of the recognized adducts could bind antibody in native DNA.

Vaccination with syngeneic monoclonal anti-idiotype protects against a tumour challenge

Rat X rat hybridomas secreting monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies have been prepared from Hooded rats immunized with two tumour-reactive, syngeneic monoclonal antibodies 11/160 and M10/76 (specific, respectively, for the Hooded rat sarcomata HSN and MC24). The hybridomas were selected on the basis that the secreted antibodies competed with antigen for binding to the immunizing idiotype. One monoclonal anti-idiotype (HIM/1/230, gamma 2a isotype) that recognizes an antigen-binding site idiotope of antibody 11/160 has been found to substitute for antigen. Hooded rats vaccinated by three challenges with HIM/1/230 produce serum Ab3 that is indistinguishable in antigen specificity from the 11/160 Ab1, and show reduced tumour take following an i.v. challenge with 10(6) HSN cells. The response to vaccination with anti-idiotype was both qualitatively and quantitatively dependent on the mode of immunization. High titre 11/160-like Ab3 was generated only when the vaccine contained Freund's adjuvant, whereas resistance to tumour challenge was found only in animals vaccinated with anti-idiotype in the absence of adjuvant.

An ineffective monoclonal antibody-ricin A chain conjugate is converted to a tumouricidal agent in vivo by subsequent systemic administration of ricin B chain

An immunotoxin comprising a tumour-specific monoclonal antibody (11/160) coupled to ricin A chain, although inactive in in vitro cytotoxicity assays against HSNtc sarcoma target cells, was found to be capable of significant tumouricidal activity in syngeneic rats if potentiated by ricin B chain. The 11/160-ricin A, when bound to tumour cells prior to their inoculation, led to a slight inhibition of tumour growth s.c. compared with untreated sarcoma cells or those coated with antibody alone. However, all tumours in these groups developed progressively (69/69), whereas in those rats receiving 15 micrograms or 150 micrograms ricin B chain i.v. 5 min after tumour cell inoculation, the 'take rate' was reduced to 75% and 30% respectively, and significantly longer latent periods were evident for those tumours which did develop. Ricin B chain similarly inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the lung colonisation potential of 11/160-ricin A coated HSNtc cells. No effects were obtained if the B chain treatment followed inoculation of untreated or antibody-coated cells, suggesting that systemically administered B chain is capable of gaining access to and activating antibody-ricin A chain conjugates bound to the surface of syngeneic sarcoma cells in lung or subcutaneous sites. Tumour inhibition was obtained in some instances with intervals of up to 24 h between inoculation of conjugate-coated tumour cells and B chain. Experiments are in progress to determine if such potentiation may be feasible in a therapeutic rather than a prophylactic setting using this syngeneic solid tumour system.