Biomedical subjects

Elisabeth Kremmer

Publications and source records attributed to Elisabeth Kremmer.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed2004

Coordinated regulation of replication protein A activities by its subunits p14 and p32.

The heterotrimeric replication protein A (RPA) has multiple essential activities in eukaryotic DNA metabolism and in signaling pathways. Despite extensive analyses, the functions of the smallest RPA subunit p14 are still unknown. To solve this issue we produced and characterized a dimeric RPA complex lacking p14, RPADeltap14, consisting of p70 and p32. RPADeltap14 was able to bind single-stranded DNA, but its binding mode and affinity differed from those of the heterotrimeric complex. Moreover, in the RPADeltap14 complex p32 only minimally recognized the 3'-end of a primer in a primer-template junction. Partial proteolytic digests revealed that p14 and p32 together stabilize the C terminus of p70 against degradation. Although RPADeltap14 efficiently supported bidirectional unwinding of double-stranded DNA and interacted with both the simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen and cellular DNA polymerase alpha-primase, it did not support cell-free SV40 DNA replication. This inability manifested itself in a failure to support both the primer synthesis and primer elongation reactions. These data reveal that efficient binding and correct positioning of the RPA complex on single-stranded DNA requires all three subunits to support DNA replication.

Antigens, Viral, Tumor↗

PubMed2004

Differential up-regulation of cytosolic and membrane-bound heat shock protein 70 in tumor cells by anti-inflammatory drugs.

PURPOSE: Modulation of the heat shock protein (HSP) response affects sensitivity to therapeutic agents in cancer. Here, drugs with anti-inflammatory potential (cyclooxygenase 1/2 inhibitors) and peroxidase proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonists were analyzed for their capacity to affect Hsp70 expression in human cancer cells with a divergent Hsp70 membrane expression pattern. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: In dose kinetics, the nonlethal concentration of acetyl-salicyl acid, celecoxib, rofecoxib, and the insulin-sensitizer pioglitazone was identified for the human adenocarcinoma cell line CX-. With the exception of CLX, which was diluted in DMSO, all reagents were dissolved in water. After treatment with the different compounds at nontoxic concentrations for 6 h, followed by a 1-h recovery period, the cytosolic Hsp70 levels were measured in CX-2 and CX- tumor cells by Western blot analysis. Fold increase was calculated in relation to the housekeeping protein tubulin. Membrane-bound Hsp70 was analyzed by flow cytometry using a FITC-labeled Hsp70-specific monoclonal antibody. Untreated cells and cells incubated with equivalent amounts of the diluting agents served as controls. The immunological function was tested in granzyme B apoptosis assays, standard (51)Cr release assays, and antibody blocking studies. RESULTS: Compared with aqua dest, the cytoplasmic amount of Hsp70 was equally enhanced in CX-2 and CX- cells by all compounds. An increase in membrane-bound Hsp70, detected selectively in CX- cells, corresponded to an enhanced sensitivity to granzyme B- and natural killer cell-mediated kill that was blockable by using a Hsp70-specific antibody. CONCLUSIONS: Although increase in cytosolic Hsp70 levels conferred resistance to further stress, membrane-bound Hsp70 rendered tumor cells more sensitive to the immunological attack mediated by granzyme B and natural killer cells. Our data provide a biological rational for combining anti-inflammatory drugs with immunotherapy in cancer therapy.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗

PubMed2004

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays based on rabbit polyclonal and rat monoclonal antibodies against isoproturon.

This work describes the production and characterization of rabbit polyclonal antisera (pAb) and rat monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against isoproturon. Coating antigen and enzyme-tracer formats were developed. Standard curves for isoproturon were conducted either in 40 mM phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or in Milli-Q water. PAb 352 together with the best enzyme tracer revealed in the optimized ELISA (enzyme tracer format) a test midpoint of 1.06 +/- 0.34 microg/L (n = 19, standard set up in Milli-Q water) with a detection limit of about 0.1 microg/L. The comparable ELISA with mAb IOC 7E1 had test midpoints of 0.07 +/- 0.04 microg/L (n = 7, standards in Milli-Q water) and 0.11 +/- 0.08 microg/L (n = 33; standards in 40 mM PBS). The limits of detection were about 0.003 and 0.01 microg/L in Milli-Q water and PBS, respectively. Noticeable cross reactivities (CRs) were seen with the major metabolites, namely 4-isopropylaniline, 4-isopropylphenylurea, and 1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-3-methylurea. With pAb 352, these CRs were 5%, 7%, and 31%, respectively, and with mAb IOC 7E1, they were 3%, 5%, and ca. 19%, respectively. All arylurea herbicides had only minor CRs, which ranged from no CR (e.g., chlorosulfuron) to a maximum of 3.3% (chlortoluron). Influences of organic solvents (methanol, ethanol, acetonitrile, and acetone) were evaluated. Both pAb- and mAb-based immunoassays showed the highest tolerance for methanol, up to 5%. Ethanol and acetonitrile could not be used above 2% without an influence on the assays. The same was true for acetone, although tested only in the mAb-based assay. Water samples of different origins and matrices were spiked and analyzed with these pAb and mAb ELISAs. The results demonstrated that these immunoassays are useful screening tools.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Detection of wild type and deleted latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) of Epstein-Barr virus in clinical biopsy material.

The latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of two postulated viral oncogenic proteins. Sequence variations, and in particular a 30 base pair deletion variant called CAO, may define different disease populations. We developed a panel of rat monoclonal antibodies (MAb) specific for the non-wild type LMP1 and compared the presence of the antibody staining with LMP1 DNA sequence analysis on clinical samples of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), Hodgkin's disease, lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) from normal volunteers, and patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The results demonstrate specificity of the monoclonal cocktail for detecting the non-wild type LMP1 and the ability to sub-differentiate between the mediterranean type of LMP1 and the CAO-LMP1. Double immunofluorescence on paraffin material using the traditional CS1-4 monoclonal antibodies and the CAO-cocktail revealed no dual population of cells in the biopsy material from the Asian region.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2004

Chemokine receptor CCR9 contributes to the localization of plasma cells to the small intestine.

Humoral immunity in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue is characterized by the production of immunoglobulin A (IgA) by antibody-secreting plasma cells (PCs) in the lamina propria. The chemokine CCL25 is expressed by intestinal epithelial cells and is capable of inducing chemotaxis of IgA+ PCs in vitro. Using a newly generated monoclonal antibody against murine CCR9, we show that IgA+ PCs express high levels of CCR9 in the mesenteric lymph node (MLN) and Peyer's patches (PPs), but down-regulate CCR9 once they are located in the small intestine. In CCR9-deficient mice, IgA+ PCs are substantially reduced in number in the lamina propria of the small intestine. In adoptive transfer experiments, CCR9-deficient IgA+ PCs show reduced migration into the small intestine compared with wild-type controls. Furthermore, CCR9 mutants fail to mount a regular IgA response to an orally administered antigen, although the architecture and cell type composition of PPs and MLN are unaffected and are functional for the generation of IgA PCs. These findings provide profound in vivo evidence that CCL25/CCR9 guides PCs into the small intestine.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Expression of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) in EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with virtually all cases of undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and has been classified as a group I carcinogen. In addition to its potential role in the pathogenesis of NPC, EBV also provides a possible target for immunotherapy of NPC, since a limited number of viral genes are expressed in the neoplastic cells. The EBV-encoded latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) is considered a promising target since it provides epitopes recognized by EBV-specific T-cells. Using immunohistochemistry, the present study shows that LMP2A is expressed at the protein level in the neoplastic cells of 16 of 35 (45.7%) NPC biopsies. This finding provides further evidence suggesting that NPC tumour cells may be susceptible to lysis by cytotoxic T-cells directed against LMP2A and should encourage efforts to develop immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of NPC.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

PubMed2004

Cloning and expression pattern of vat-1 homolog gene in zebrafish.

The VAT-1 protein is present in the electric organ of marine rays where it is suggested to play a central role in nerve signal transmission. VAT-1 homolog protein was also identified in mouse and human but its function remains to be determined. We have investigated VAT-1 homolog in zebrafish Danio rerio since it is an excellent model amenable to the combination of genetic, molecular and embryological studies. Amino acid sequence analysis shows that the zebrafish VAT-1 homolog shares approximately 51-61% identity with the electric ray, mouse, and human counterparts. By in situ hybridization, vat-1 homolog mRNA is first observed in the trigeminal nuclei at the 8-somite stage. At 20-somite stage, vat-1 homolog is detected in the brain, namely in primary clusters of neurons, in the epiphysis and in the hindbrain. vat-1 homolog is also present in the neural tube but this expression disappears after 72 h post-fertilization. At 24 h post-fertilization, vat-1 homolog starts to be expressed in the developing gut. At later stages, vat-1 homolog is present throughout the brain, appears in the maturing retina and the pharyngeal cavity.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

PubMed2004

Alterations of glucosylceramide-beta-glucosidase levels in the skin of patients with psoriasis vulgaris.

Hydrolysis of glucosylceramides by the enzyme glucosylceramide-beta-glucosidase (GlcCer'ase) results in ceramide, a critical component of the intercellular lamellae that mediates the epidermal permeability barrier. A disturbance of ceramide formation is supposed to influence the transepidermal water loss in common skin diseases like atopic eczema or psoriasis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether GlcCer'ase levels were altered in the skin of subjects with psoriasis vulgaris. Skin punch biopsies were taken from lesional and non-lesional psoriatic skin and GlcCer'ase was evaluated both at the RNA and at the protein level. Normal skin from surgical patients provided the baseline GlcCer'ase expression in healthy subjects. Our results show that GlcCer'ase mRNA expression was decreased in psoriatic non-lesional skin compared to normal controls in all cases. Interestingly, in lesional psoriatic skin the level of GlcCer'ase was increased compared to non-lesional skin in all cases. For the immunohistochemical analysis, we used a newly synthesized monoclonal antibody anti-human GBC (GlcCer'ase-GST fusion protein). The results confirmed that GlcCer'ase, mainly present in the upper epidermis, was decreased in psoriatic skin compared to normal control and was increased in lesional compared to non-lesional psoriatic skin. Our findings support the concept that alteration in water permeability barrier in lesional psoriatic skin can serve as a trigger for the upregulation of the expression of enzymes like GlcCer'ase with consequent stimulation of ceramide generation.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

EBNA2 amino acids 3 to 30 are required for induction of LMP-1 and immortalization maintenance.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen 2 (EBNA2), a direct transcriptional activator of viral and cellular genes, is required for EBV-induced B-cell transformation. The functional role of conserved regions within the amino terminus of the protein preceding the poly-proline region has yet to be fully characterized. Thus, we tested whether the EBNA2 amino-terminal 30 amino acid residues, containing evolutionarily conserved region 1, are required for stimulating viral and cellular gene expression necessary for B-cell transformation in a viral transcomplementation assay. We found that these residues are required for its ability to induce LMP-1 expression in lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs), to stimulate LMP-1 promoter reporter plasmids in transient-cotransfection assays, and to rescue LCL growth following inactivation of endogenous wild-type EBNA2 protein. Deletion of amino acid residues 3 to 30 also impaired its ability to self-associate in coimmunoprecipitation assays. These data indicate that EBNA2 residues 3 to 30 comprise an essential domain required for induction of LMP-1 expression and, consequently, for maintenance of the immortalized phenotype of LCLs. The ability to self-associate into dimers or multimers conferred by this domain may be an important mechanism for these effects.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

PubMed2004

Surface expression of collagen receptor Fc receptor-gamma/glycoprotein VI is enhanced on platelets in type 2 diabetes and mediates release of CD40 ligand and activation of endothelial cells.

Diabetes is associated with an enhanced collagen-mediated platelet activation that contributes significantly to thromboischemic complications. In this study, the platelet collagen receptor glycoprotein VI (GPVI) was studied in 385 patients with type 2 diabetes. Surface expression of the platelet Fc receptor that forms a functional complex with GPVI was significantly increased in patients with diabetes compared with those without diabetes (P = 0.02). Fc receptor expression correlated with GPVI expression and was found to be independently associated with diabetes (r = 0.529, P < 0.001). Stimulation of GPVI through a specific anti-GPVI monoclonal antibody significantly enhanced surface expression of CD40L (P = 0.006). Because CD40L is a potent platelet-derived cytokine that is involved in thrombosis and atherosclerosis, we evaluated the effect of GPVI-mediated release of CD40L on activation of endothelial cells. Coincubation of GPVI-stimulated platelets resulted in substantial enhanced endothelial surface expression of CD62P, alphavbeta3, and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (P < 0.05) and secretion of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (P < 0.01). These results suggest that the function of collagen receptor GPVI is altered in type 2 diabetes and may play an important role in atherothrombotic complications. Inhibition of GPVI may be a promising pharmacological target in the treatment of high-risk diabetic patients.

Blood Platelets↗

PubMed2003

A novel docking site on Mediator is critical for activation by VP16 in mammalian cells.

ARC92/ACID1 was identified as a novel specific target of the herpes simplex transactivator VP16 using an affinity purification procedure. Characterization of the protein revealed tight interactions with human Mediator mediated through a von Willebrand type A domain. ARC92/ACID1 further contains a novel activator-interacting domain (ACID), which it shares with at least one other human gene termed PTOV1/ACID2. The structure of ARC92/ACID1 is of ancient origin but is conserved in mammals and in selected higher eukaryotes. A subpopulation of Mediator is associated with ARC92/ACID1, which is specifically required for VP16 activation both in vitro and in mammalian cells, but is dispensable for other activators such as SP1. Despite many known targets of VP16, ARC92/ACID1 appears to impose a critical control on transcription activation by VP16 in mammalian cells.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Soluble glycoprotein VI dimer inhibits platelet adhesion and aggregation to the injured vessel wall in vivo.

Platelet-collagen interactions play a fundamental role in the process of arterial thrombosis. The major platelet collagen receptor is the glycoprotein VI (GPVI). Here, we determined the effects of a soluble dimeric form of GPVI on platelet adhesion in vitro and in vivo. We fused the extracellular domain of GPVI with the human immunoglobulin Fc domain. The soluble dimeric form of GPVI (GPVI-Fc) specifically bound to immobilized collagen. Binding of GPVI-Fc to collagen was inhibited competitively by soluble GPVI-Fc, but not control Fc lacking the external GPVI domain. GPVI-Fc inhibited the adhesion of CHO cells that stably express human GPVI and of platelets on collagen and attenuated thrombus formation under shear conditions in vitro. To test the effects of GPVI-Fc in vivo, arterial thrombosis was induced in the mouse carotid artery, and platelet-vessel wall interactions were visualized by intravital fluorescence microscopy. Infusion of GPVI-Fc but not of control Fc virtually abolished stable arrest and aggregation of platelets following vascular injury. Importantly, GPVI-Fc but not control Fc, was detected at areas of vascular injury. These findings further substantiate the critical role of the collagen receptor GPVI in the initiation of thrombus formation at sites of vascular injury and identify soluble GPVI as a promising antithrombotic strategy.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Complex protein-DNA dynamics at the latent origin of DNA replication of Epstein-Barr virus.

The sequential binding of the origin recognition complex (ORC), Cdc6p and the minichromosome maintenance proteins (MCM2-7) mediates replication competence at eukaryotic origins of DNA replication. The latent origin of Epstein-Barr virus, oriP, is a viral origin known to recruit ORC. OriP also binds EBNA1, a virally encoded protein that lacks any activity predicted to be required for replication initiation. Here, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation and chromatin binding to compare the cell-cycle-dependent binding of pre-RC components and EBNA1 to oriP and to global cellular chromatin. Prereplicative-complex components such as the Mcm2p-Mcm7p proteins and HsOrc1p are regulated in a cell-cycle-dependent fashion, whereas other HsOrc subunits and EBNA1 remain constantly bound. In addition, HsOrc1p becomes sensitive to the 26S proteasome after release from DNA during S phase. These results show that the complex protein-DNA dynamics at the viral oriP are synchronized with the cell division cycle. Chromatin-binding and chromatin-immunoprecipitation experiments on G0 arrested cells indicated that the ORC core complex (ORC2-5) and EBNA1 remain bound to chromatin and oriP. HsOrc6p and the MCM2-7 complex are released in resting cells. HsOrc1p is partly liberated from chromatin. Our data suggest that origins remain marked in resting cells by the ORC core complex to ensure a rapid and regulated reentry into the cell cycle. These findings indicate that HsOrc is a dynamic complex and that its DNA binding activity is regulated differently in the various stages of the cell cycle.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Locoregional alpha-radioimmunotherapy of intraperitoneal tumor cell dissemination using a tumor-specific monoclonal antibody.

PURPOSE: The locoregional application of tumor-specific antibodies conjugated with highly cytotoxic alpha-emitters is a promising new strategy for therapy of i.p. tumor cell dissemination. Using this approach, an antibody specifically targeting diffuse-type gastric cancer cells was coupled to the high linear energy transfer alpha-emitter (213)Bi for treatment of i.p. tumor cell spread in a nude mouse model. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Nude mice were inoculated with HSC45-M2 human gastric cancer cells expressing mutant d9-E-cadherin. Twenty-four h after cell inoculation, mice received i.p. injections of either (213)Bi-d9MAb specifically binding to mutant d9-E-cadherin of HSC45-M2 cells or unspecific (213)Bi-d8MAb (7.4 or 22.2 MBq). Survival of treated animals was monitored compared with controls that had been injected with nonlabeled monoclonal antibody (MAb) or saline. Toxicity was evaluated by WBC counts after injection of 1.85, 7.4, or 22.2 MBq and analysis of chromosomal aberrations of bone marrow cells after injection of 7.4, 14.8, or 22.2 MBq. RESULTS: Survival rates of control mice and of mice treated with (213)Bi-MAbs differed significantly: the mean survival of untreated controls and mice that were given the nonlabeled antibody was 23 and 26 days. After injection of 22.2 MBq of the specific (213)Bi-d9MAb or the unspecific (213)Bi-d8MAb, mean survival was at least 143 or 130 days, respectively. Treatment with 7.4 MBq of (213)Bi-d9MAb increased mean survival to at least 232 days and with (213)Bi-d8MAb to at least 172 days. WBC counts decreased within 2 days after (213)Bi-therapy but reached pretreatment values between day 14 and 21 after activity injection. Chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells could only be detected at day 1 after (213)Bi-therapy. The frequency of chromosomal damages increased depending on the applied (213)Bi-activity. CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic efficacy of the (213)Bi-d9MAb together with a low bone marrow toxicity support the locoregional therapy for that subgroup of diffuse-type gastric carcinoma patients expressing d9-E-cadherin.

Alpha Particles↗

PubMed2003

Protein kinase C delta induces Src kinase activity via activation of the protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP alpha.

Previously we have shown that protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton in smooth muscle cells is transmitted by the non-receptor tyrosine kinase, Src. Several authors have described how 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) stimulation of cells results in an increase of Src activity, but the mechanism of the PKC-mediated Src activation is unknown. Using PKC isozymes purified from Spodoptera frugiperda insect cells, we show here that PKC is not able to activate Src directly. Our data reveal that the PKC-dependent Src activation occurs via the activation of the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) PTP alpha. PTP alpha becomes activated in vivo after TPA stimulation. Further, we show that PKC delta phosphorylates and activates only PTP alpha in vitro but not any other of the TPA-responsive PKC isozymes that are expressed in A7r5 rat aortic smooth muscle cells. To further substantiate our data, we show that cells lacking PKC delta have a markedly reduced PTP alpha and Src activity after 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate stimulation. These data support a model in which the main mechanism of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced Src activation is the direct phosphorylation and activation of PTP alpha by PKC delta, which in turn dephosphorylates and activates Src.

Actins↗

PubMed2003

Minor histocompatibility antigens on canine hemopoietic progenitor cells.

Adoptive immunotherapy with CTL against minor histocompatibility Ags (mHA) provides a promising way to treat leukemia relapse in allogeneic chimeras. Here we describe the in vitro generation of CTL against mHA in the dog. We tested their inhibitory effect on the growth of hemopoietic progenitor cells stimulated by hemopoietic growth factors in a 4-day suspension culture. CTL were produced by coculture of donor PBMC with bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs). These DCs were characterized by morphology, high expression of MHC class II and CD1a, and the absence of the monocyte-specific marker CD14. Characteristically these cells stimulated allogeneic lymphocytes (MLR) and, after pulsing with a foreign Ag (keyhole limpet hemocyanin), autologous T cells. CTL were generated either ex vivo by coculture with DCs of DLA-identical littermates or in vivo by immunization of the responder with DCs obtained from a DLA-identical littermate. In suspension culture assays the growth of hemopoietic progenitor cells was inhibited in 53% of DLA-identical littermate combinations. In canine families mHA segregated with DLA as restriction elements. One-way reactivity against mHA was found in five littermate combinations. In two cases mHA might be Y chromosome associated, in three cases autosomally inherited alleles were detected. We conclude that CTL can be produced in vitro and in vivo against mHA on canine hemopoietic progenitor cells using bone marrow-derived DCs.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

The sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor S1P4 regulates cell shape and motility via coupling to Gi and G12/13.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptors represent a novel subfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors binding S1P specifically and with high affinity. Although their in vivo functions remain largely unknown, in vitro extracellular application of S1P induces distinct S1P receptor-dependent cellular responses including proliferation, differentiation, and migration. We have analyzed signaling pathways engaged by S1P(4), which is highly expressed in the lymphoid system. Here we show that S1P(4) couples directly to Galpha(i) and even more effectively to Galpha(12/13)-subunits of trimeric G-proteins, but not to Galpha(q) unlike other S1P receptors. Consequently, CHO-K1 cells ectopically expressing S1P(4) potently activate the small GTPase Rho and undergo cytoskeletal rearrangements, inducing peripheral stress fiber formation and cell rounding, upon S1P stimulation. Overexpression of S1P(4) in Jurkat T cells induces pertussis toxin-sensitive cell motility even in the absence of exogenously added S1P. In addition, S1P(4) is internalized upon binding of S1P. The capacity of S1P(4) to mediate cellular responses, such as motility and shape change through Galpha(i)- and Galpha(12/13)-coupled signaling pathways may be important for its in vivo function which is currently under investigation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2003

Polyclonal anti-PrP auto-antibodies induced with dimeric PrP interfere efficiently with PrPSc propagation in prion-infected cells.

Prion diseases are neurodegenerative infectious disorders for which no prophylactic regimens are known. In order to induce antibodies/auto-antibodies directed against surface-located PrP(c), we used a covalently linked dimer of mouse prion protein expressed recombinantly in Escherichia coli. Employing dimeric PrP as an immunogen we were able to effectively overcome autotolerance against murine PrP in PrP wild-type mice without inducing obvious side effects. Treatment of prion-infected mouse cells with polyclonal anti-PrP antibodies generated in rabbit or auto-antibodies produced in mice significantly inhibited endogenous PrP(Sc) synthesis. We show that polyclonal antibodies are binding to surface-located PrP(c), thereby interfering with prion biogenesis. This effect is much more pronounced in the presence of full IgG molecules, which, unlike Fab fragments, seem to induce a significant cross-linking of surface PrP. In addition, we found immune responses against different epitopes when comparing antibodies induced in rabbits and PrP wild-type mice. Only in the auto-antibody situation in mice an immune reaction against a region of PrP is found that was reported to be involved in the PrP(Sc) conversion process. Our data point to the possibility of developing means for an active immunoprophylaxis against prion diseases.

Animals↗