Determination of rate and equilibrium binding constants for macromolecular interactions using surface plasmon resonance: use of nonlinear least squares analysis methods

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is a label-free, real time, optical detection method which has recently been commercialized as the BIAcore (Pharmacia). The technique relies on the immobilization of one of the interactants, the ligand, onto a dextran-coated gold surface. The second interactant, the ligate, is then injected across the surface and the interaction of the soluble ligate with the immobilized ligand is observed continuously and directly. The process of dissociation of bound ligate may also be observed directly after the sample plug has traversed the layer. Thus, the data generated contain information on the kinetic rate and equilibrium binding constants for the interaction under investigation. Historically, data from this instrument have been analyzed in terms of linear transformations of the primary data and requires that data from several ligate concentrations be analyzed to determine a single value for the association and dissociation rate constants. Here we discuss the analysis of untransformed BIAcore data by nonlinear least squares methods. The primary data are analyzed according to the integrated rate equations which describe the kinetics of the interaction of soluble ligate with immobilized ligand and the dissociation of the formed complex from the surface, respectively. Such analyses allow the direct determination of the association and dissociation rate constants for each binding experiment and, further, allow the analysis of data over a wider concentration range with lower associated errors compared to previously described methods. Through the use of modeling these interactions, we also demonstrate the limitations in determining the dissociation rate constant from the association phase of the interaction, thereby requiring that the dissociation process be analyzed. Indeed, the dissociation phase should be analyzed first to yield a relatively precise and unambiguous value of the dissociation rate constant, kd, which can then be used to constrain the analysis of the association phase to yield a better estimate of the association rate constant, k(a). We further demonstrate that, at least for the interaction investigated, the apparent rate and equilibrium binding constants determined using SPR are concentration independent and can be determined with good reproducibility.

Immobilization chemistries suitable for use in the BIAcore surface plasmon resonance detector

Surface plasmon resonance detectors, such as the BIAcore instrument produced by Pharmacia, show promise for the detection and quantitation of macromolecular interactions in a label-free mode. Such detectors rely on the covalent immobilization of one of the interacting species onto the sensing surface. To date, the only published chemistry for this purpose is reaction of primary amino-containing ligands with an N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester-activated surface. In an effort to increase the versatility of the BIAcore with respect to immobilizing ligands, we undertook an investigation of activation chemistries compatible with this system. Using readily available reagents, we demonstrated that the carboxylated dextran-coated sensing surface could be easily converted to functions other than NHS-esters, including amine-activated, hydrazine-activated, and sulfhydryl-activated surfaces. In addition, use was made of the streptavidin/biotin interaction to probe chemical modifications of the sensing surface, by employing specifically modified biotin derivatives.

Interpretation of deviations from pseudo-first-order kinetic behavior in the characterization of ligand binding by biosensor technology

Macromolecular interactions observed using surface plasmon resonance technology (BIAcore, Pharmacia) often display kinetic behavior which deviates from the pseudo-first-order time dependence that has been predicted for 1:1 interactions of ligand and ligate. In the present study we reviewed the majors reasons for such deviations, and present results which suggest that the most common source of deviations from the pseudo-first-order kinetic approximation of BIAcore kinetic data is likely to be heterogeneity of the immobilized ligand sites. A simplified analysis of the adsorption stage of BIAcore data is presented in terms of the net observed pseudo-first-order rate constant, kobs, rather than in terms of the association and dissociation rate constants, ka and kd. The analysis is then extended to the determination of the dissociation equilibrium constant for the interaction of ligand and ligate in the solution phase from sensorgrams reflecting competition between soluble and immobilized forms of ligand for ligate.

Phospholipid/alkanethiol bilayers for cell-surface receptor studies by surface plasmon resonance

Supported hybrid bilayer membranes (HBM) composed of a monolayer of phospholipid and a monolayer of alkanethiol associated with a thin gold film on glass are useful as model lipid bilayer membranes for studying membrane receptor-ligand and cell-cell binding events by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Measurements of specific binding of proteins and lipid vesicles to well-defined HBMs have been performed under conditions of continuous flow using a commercial SPR instrument (BIAcore). HBMs are shown to be stable in flow and to block nonspecific adsorption of proteins to the alkanethiol/gold surface. The use of such supported lipid bilayers in flow provides a means of conducting equilibrium and kinetic studies of models of ligand-cell and cell-cell interactions with receptors or ligands in a membrane environment. Compared to the extended dextran polymer layer that is currently used for surface modification of BIAcore "sensor chips," the described HBMs provide a well-defined surface that will permit less ambiguous modeling of these important biological interactions.

Cloning and functional characterization of a novel human CC chemokine that binds to the CCR3 receptor and activates human eosinophils

Eotaxin has been found to bind exclusively to a single chemokine receptor, CCR3. Using expression sequence tag screening of an activated monocyte library, a second chemokine has been identified; it was expressed and purified from a Drosophila cell culture system and appears to only activate CCR3. Eotaxin-2, MPIF-2, or CKbeta-6, is a human CC chemokine with low amino acid sequence identity to other chemokines. Eotaxin-2 promotes chemotaxis and Ca2+ mobilization in human eosinophils but not in neutrophils or monocytes. Cross-desensitization calcium mobilization experiments using purified eosinophils indicate that eotaxin and MCP-4, but not RANTES, MIP-1alpha, or MCP-3, can completely cross-desensitize the calcium response to eotaxin-2 on these cells, indicating that eotaxin-2 shares the same receptor used by eotaxin and MCP-4. Eotaxin-2 was the most potent eosinophil chemoattractant of all the chemokines tested. Eotaxin-2 also displaced 125I-eotaxin bound to the cloned CCR3 stably expressed in CHO cells (CHO-CCR3) and to freshly isolated human eosinophils with affinities similar to eotaxin and MCP-4. 125I-Eotaxin-2 binds with high affinity to eosinophils and both eotaxin and cold eotaxin-2 displace the ligand with equal affinity. Eotaxin and eotaxin-2 promote a Ca2+ transient in RBL-2H3 cells stably transfected with CCR3 (RBL-2H3-CCR3) and both ligands cross-desensitized the response of the other but not the response to LTD4. The data indicate that eotaxin-2 is a potent eosinophil chemotactic chemokine exerting its activity solely through the CCR3 receptor.

Molecular imprinting of amino acid derivatives at low temperature (0 degrees C) using photolytic homolysis of azobisnitriles

Molecular imprints of L-phenylalanine anilide (print molecule) were prepared using a number of free radical initiation systems. Polymers were prepared using azobisnitriles as either thermal initiators or photoinitiators at temperatures ranging from 0 to 60 degrees C and evaluated in the high-performance liquid chromatographic mode for enantioselectivity. The results show that preparation of molecular imprints at 0 degrees C using photolytic homolysis of azobisnitriles significantly increases enantioselectivity and allows separations of the enantiomers of the print molecule to be performed at room temperature. This compares to previous reports of molecular imprints where separations needed to be performed at elevated temperatures (80-90 degrees C). The present method is also easier to perform and less time-consuming than those previously described.

A novel procedure for labeling immunoglobulins by conjugation to oligosaccharide moieties

A novel method is described for the biotinylation of immunoglobulins. The procedure relies on the generation of reactive aldehydes on the carbohydrate moieties of the immunoglobulin by oxidation with sodium periodate and subsequent reaction with biotin hydrazide. The method is simple and specific and results in stable conjugates retaining full immunologic activity. It has been applied successfully to a number of mouse monoclonal antibodies of both IgG and IgM classes, and to human IgM preparations. The procedure may also be applied to conjugation of immunoglobulins with fluorescent dyes.

Determination of kinetic rate and equilibrium binding constants for macromolecular interactions: a critique of the surface plasmon resonance literature

Over the past year, the BIAcore system (which is based on the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon) has become increasingly popular for the study of macromolecular interactions. This biomolecular interaction analysis system allows the detection of macromolecular interactions in real time and in a label-free mode. The real-time detection properties of this technique suggest its potential in the generation of data relating to the kinetics of interaction of biomolecules.

Quantitation of glycoproteins on electroblots using the biotin-streptavidin complex

A method for the detection and quantitation of glycoproteins on nitrocellulose electroblots is described. Protein mixtures may be solubilized in sodium dodecyl sulfate prior to labeling, which is especially useful when dealing with membrane proteins. Mild periodate oxidation produces aldehydes on the oligosaccharide moieties which are then specifically condensed with biotin aminocaproyl hydrazide. After polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and transfer of proteins onto nitrocellulose membranes, biotinylated glycoproteins are detected with enzyme-linked streptavidin and quantitated by densitometric scanning. As little as 1 ng of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein can be detected by this method. The use of mild oxidation conditions renders the method highly selective for the detection of sialic acid-containing glycoproteins.

Site-specific immobilization of antibodies by their oligosaccharide moieties to new hydrazide derivatized solid supports

This report describes a new method for immobilization of antibodies to solid supports. Antibodies are bound to the solid supports by covalent bonds between aldehydes generated on the carbohydrate side chains of the antibody and hydrazide groups on the solid support. The hydrazone bonds that are formed are stable at least from pH 2-10, permitting the acid elution of antigens from the affinity column. Over 25 mg of affinity-purified rabbit IgG binds per ml of solid support, with most of the bound antibodies retaining biological activity. Advantages of this new affinity support over existing technology are discussed along with procedures for the preparation and use of affinity columns containing monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies.

Cloning, in vitro expression, and functional characterization of a novel human CC chemokine of the monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP) family (MCP-4) that binds and signals through the CC chemokine receptor 2B

Here we describe the characterization of a novel human CC chemokine, tentatively named monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP-4). This chemokine was detected by random sequencing of expressed sequence tags in cDNA libraries. The full-length cDNA revealed an open reading frame for a 98-amino acid residue protein, and a sequence alignment with known CC chemokines showed high levels of similarity (59-62%) with MCP-1, MCP-3, and eotaxin. MCP-4 cDNA was cloned into Drosophila S2 cells, and the mature protein (residues 24-98) was purified from the conditioned medium. Recombinant MCP-4 induced a potent chemotactic response (EC50 = 2.88 +/- 0.15 nM) and a transient rise in cytosolic calcium concentration in fresh human peripheral blood monocytes but not in neutrophils. Binding studies in monocytes showed that MCP-4 and MCP-3 were very potent in displacing high affinity binding of 125I-MCP-1 (IC50 for MCP-4, MCP-3, and unlabeled MCP-1 of 2.1 +/- 1.4, 0.85-1.6, and 0.7 +/- 0.2 nM respectively), suggesting that all three chemokines interact with the CC chemokine receptor-2 (MCP-1 receptor). This was confirmed in binding studies with Chinese hamster ovary cells, stably transfected with the CC chemokine 2B receptor. Northern blot analysis in extracts of normal human tissues showed expression of mRNA for MCP-4 in small intestine, thymus, and colon, but the level of protein expression was too low to be detected in Western blot analysis. However, expression of MCP-4 protein was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry in human atherosclerotic lesion and found to be associated with endothelial cells and macrophages.

Site-directed immobilization of glycoproteins on hydrazide-containing solid supports

Methods are described for the preparation and use of solid supports containing hydrazide functions for the immobilization of glycoproteins specifically through the oligosaccharide moieties. The solid supports are prepared from commercial "active ester" agarose by reaction with hydrazine hydrate. Glycoproteins are oxidized with sodium periodate, resulting in the production of aldehydes on the oligosaccharide moieties. Oxidized glycoprotein is then reacted with the hydrazide-derivatized solid support to produce stable hydrazone linkages. Data are presented for the optimization of binding of oxidized glycoprotein to hydrazide-derivatized agarose. Agarose hydrazide/glycoprotein gels were shown to be stable from pH 3 to 10 and activity studies using immobilized avidin show that this method of immobilization results in an increased "specific activity" of bound protein when compared with standard methods of immobilization.

Detection of receptor-ligand interactions using surface plasmon resonance: model studies employing the HIV-1 gp120/CD4 interaction

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR), a label-free, real time optical detection principle, has been investigated for its potential to detect and quantitate macromolecular ligand-ligate interactions. As model systems, the interactions of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein, gp120, and the monoclonal antibody L-71, with a soluble form of the T-cell receptor CD4 (sCD4), were investigated. In an effort to demonstrate potential analytical applications of this technology, operational characteristics of the SPR instrumentation (BIAcore, Pharmacia) including stability of the sensing surface and reproducibility in the measurement of such macromolecular interactions were investigated. In addition, the ability to detect and quantitate sCD4 directly from unfractionated cell culture supernatants, such as Streptomyces lividans, was investigated. The results demonstrate that SPR has potential in quantitating macromolecular interactions in both purified and crude samples and that the reproducibility in, and sensitivity of, such determinations is comparable to other techniques.

Immunoreactivity of PMP-22, P0, and other 19 to 28 kDa glycoproteins in peripheral nerve myelin of mammals and fish with HNK1 and related antibodies

Mammalian peripheral nervous system (PNS) myelin contains several glycoproteins with molecular weights of 19 to 28 kDa, including the major 28 kDa P0 glycoprotein and a recently cloned protein called PMP-22. Some glycoproteins in this M(r) range in humans, cats and some other mammals react with HNK1, a mouse monoclonal antibody that identifies a carbohydrate epitope shared between the immune system and a number of adhesion proteins in the nervous system. A variety of antibodies to P0, PMP-22, and the carbohydrate determinants reacting with HNK1 were used to characterize immunochemically these 19 to 28 kDa glycoproteins of cat PNS myelin. The HNK1-reactive components include P0 and two slightly smaller 23 to 26 kDa proteins that are immunologically related to P0. However, HNK1 reacts most strongly with a lower molecular weight glycoprotein that does not react with the antibodies to P0 and was identified as PMP-22. Since the carbohydrate structure reacting with HNK1 is generally expressed on adhesion molecules, this result suggests that PMP-22 may function in cell-cell or membrane-membrane interactions. Furthermore, the related human anti-MAG monoclonal IgM antibodies from patients with neuropathy also react strongly with PMP-22, suggesting that it may be a target antigen in the pathogenesis of this disease. Purified PNS and CNS myelin from bony fish (toadfish and trout) were also shown to contain major glycoproteins, in the same 19 to 28 kDa M(r) range, that react very strongly with HNK1. It is shown that fish myelin has major proteins of this size that are immunologically and structurally related to mammalian P0, and it is demonstrated here that one of the strongly HNK1-positive proteins reacted well with an antiserum raised to bovine P0. The presence of high levels of the adhesion-related HNK1 epitope on these major myelin proteins of fish suggests that this carbohydrate structure may have played a role in the molecular evolution of myelin.

Active site cavity of herpesvirus proteases revealed by the crystal structure of herpes simplex virus protease/inhibitor complex

Human herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) are responsible for herpes labialis (cold sores) and genital herpes, respectively. They encode a serine protease that is required for viral replication, and represent a viable target for therapeutic intervention. Here, we report the crystal structures of HSV-1 and HSV-2 proteases, the latter in the presence and absence of the covalently bound transition state analog inhibitor diisopropyl phosphate (DIP). The HSV-1 and HSV-2 protease structures show a fold that is neither like chymotrypsin nor like subtilisin, and has been seen only in the recently determined cytomegalovirus (CMV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) protease structures. HSV-1 and HSV-2 proteases share high sequence homology and have almost identical three-dimensional structures. However, structural differences are observed with the less homologous CMV protease, offering a structural basis for herpes virus protease ligand specificity. The bound inhibitor identifies the oxyanion hole of these enzymes and defines the active site cavity.

Enantiomeric resolution of amino acid derivatives on molecularly imprinted polymers as monitored by potentiometric measurements

Potentiometric measurements have been applied to the detection of enantiomeric separations on molecularly imprinted polymers. A flow-through column electrode, based on the use of polymers imprinted against L-phenylalanine anilide, is described. The electrode consisted of a glass column in which the polymer was packed and where the end frits constituted the electrodes. The flow stream potential across the column can be continuously recorded as solvent is pumped through the system. The column resolved the enantiomers of phenylalanine anilide as detected by both UV absorption and potentiometric measurements and the recorded signals could be correlated with the concentration of phenylalanine anilide. The calibration graphs obtained for the UV absorption of phenylalanine anilide were linear over the concentration range investigated, whereas the potentiometric signal was shown to be exponentially linear with concentration. The application of molecular imprints to the preparation of supports suitable for chromatographic separations of enantiomers and for the preparation of specific electrodes is discussed.

Characterization of HIV-1 p24 self-association using analytical affinity chromatography

Analytical affinity chromatography (AAC) was used to detect and quantitate the self-association of p24gag, the major structural capsid protein of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1). p24gag was immobilized on a hydrophilic polymer (methacrylate) chromatographic support. The resulting affinity column was able to interact with soluble p24, as judged by the chromatographic retardation of the soluble protein upon isocratic elution under nonchaotropic binding conditions. The variation of elution volume with soluble protein concentration fit to a monomer-dimer model for self-association. The soluble p24-immobilized p24 association process was observed using both frontal and zonal elution AAC at varying pH values; the dissociation constant was 3-4 x 10(-5) M at pH 7. That p24 monomer associates to dimers was determined in solution using analytical ultracentrifugation. The solution Kd was 1.3 x 10(-5) M at pH 7. AAC in the zonal elution mode provides a simple and rapid means to screen for other HIV-1 macromolecules that may interact with p24 as well as for modulators, including antagonists, of HIV p24 protein assembly.

Specificity of human IgM monoclonal antibodies from patients with peripheral neuropathy

Some patients with peripheral neuropathy and gammopathy have IgM monoclonal antibodies that react with the myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), some 20-26 kDa glycoproteins present only in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), and some acidic glycolipids that are also PNS-specific. This communication describes an investigation of 18 patients with IgM paraproteinemia and neuropathy to test for the presence of antibodies that react with each of these components. Eleven patients had IgM that reacted with MAG, and in all cases the IgM also reacted with the lower Mr glycoproteins and the acidic glycolipids that are specific for the PNS. With respect to the other 7 patients that did not react with MAG, in no instance did immune-staining of electroblots reveal the presence of reactivity with the 20-26 kDa glycoproteins of the PNS or with any other protein antigen in the PNS or central nervous system (CNS). However, these 7 patients fell into 3 categories with regard to reactivity with acidic glycolipids: three reacted with the acidic glycolipid fraction of both PNS and CNS tissue; two reacted with the acidic glycolipid fraction of the PNS but not the CNS; and two showed no reactivity with the acidic glycolipids from either PNS or CNS.

Molecular recognition in synthetic polymers. Enantiomeric resolution of amide derivatives of amino acids on molecularly imprinted polymers

Molecular imprints were prepared using L-phenylalanine anilide as the print molecule and methacrylic acid as the functional monomer. Methacrylic acid interacts ionically with the primary amine of the print molecule and via hydrogen bonding with the amide function. In the HPLC mode such polymers were shown to exhibit efficient enantiomeric resolution of a racemic mixture of the original print molecule. Enantiomeric resolution was shown to be dependent on the ratio of methacrylic acid to print molecule in the pre-polymerization mixture and specific for the presence of both print molecule and functional monomer. Further analyses showed the importance of both the primary amino and amide functions in the correct stereochemistry for recognition and enantiomeric resolution of compounds on such polymers. Other amide derivatives of amino acids including p-nitroanilides, beta-naphthylamides and amides were recognized by such polymers, and enantiomeric resolution was obtained for amide derivatives of amino acid ranging from alanine to tryptophan on a single polymer. The implications of these findings with respect to the mechanism of recognition and the ability to predict enantiomeric resolution of molecules on molecularly imprinted polymers will be discussed.

Hydrazido-derivatized supports in affinity chromatography

Many chemistries have been developed for the immobilization of ligands onto insoluble matrices for subsequent use in affinity systems. One such chemistry which has received little attention involves the use of hydrazido-derivatized solid supports. Hydrazine derivatives are strong nucleophiles which will react with a number of functional groups including aldehydes which may be generated on the oligosaccharide moieties of glycoconjugates by specific oxidation reactions. This paper presents a brief overview of the chemistries involved and the uses of hydrazido-derivatized solid supports for the site-directed immobilization of glycoconjugates. Specific examples from the literature on the uses of affinity matrices prepared by this method are cited.

Myelin-associated calpain II

Anti-chicken muscle calpain (calcium-activated neutral protease) antibody (ACAb) was found to be absorbed by purified human brain myelin when titrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, suggesting the close association of the protease with myelin. To confirm this, calcium-dependent protease was extracted from myelin membrane and purified on a phenyl Sepharose CL 4B column. It was activated by calcium ion in the millimolar range, and therefore was determined to be calpain II. This enzyme fraction was electrophoresed and immunostained with ACAb, resulting in staining as a single band with apparent molecular weight of 80K. This protease degraded exogenous myelin-associated glycoprotein. From the present results, it is suggested that calpain is bound to myelin membrane and involved in the turnover of myelin proteins.

Detection and quantitation of hexa-histidine-tagged recombinant proteins on western blots and by a surface plasmon resonance biosensor technique

The use of short peptide affinity tag sequences has become commonplace for the expression and purification of recombinant proteins. Many of these tags are antibody epitopes and detection of tagged proteins via Western blots is straightforward. However, the most common affinity tag used at present for the expression of recombinant proteins is a hexa-histidine, or like sequence, which exhibits strong affinity for Ni(II). The one drawback of histidine-containing affinity tags is the inability to specifically detect such recombinant proteins on Western blots. Here we describe the synthesis and use of biotinyl-nitrilotriacetic acid which, in combination with streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase, allows for the detection of hexa-histidine-tagged recombinant proteins on Western blots. In addition, we describe a surface plasmon resonance technique, employing a solid-phase Ni(II)-nitrilotriacetic acid complex, for the detection and quantitation of hexa-histidine-tagged recombinant proteins in solution. The surface plasmon resonance technique also allows for the oriented immobilization of the recombinant proteins for subsequent ligand interaction studies.