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L Riechmann

Publications and source records attributed to L Riechmann.

28 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Antigen-antibody interactions: an NMR approach.

With recent advances in methodology, it now appears that NMR can be used at an unprecedented level of sophistication to obtain new insights into the solution structure and dynamics of the antibody combining site, both free and in its complex with antigen. Most promising in this regard is the Fv fragment (molecular weight approximately 25 kD) which can be produced by genetic engineering in a form suitable for NMR studies. Isotopic labeling is required to make specific resonance assignments. NMR can also provide information on the conformational preferences of immunogenic peptides and can be used to probe the conformation and dynamics of peptides (appropriately labeled with 13C or 15N) bound to the Fab fragment (molecular weight approximately 50 kD) of antipeptide antibodies.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Remission induction in non-Hodgkin lymphoma with reshaped human monoclonal antibody CAMPATH-1H.

A genetically reshaped human IgG1 monoclonal antibody (CAMPATH-1H) was used to treat two patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Doses of 1-20 mg daily were given intravenously for up to 43 days. In both patients lymphoma cells were cleared from the blood and bone marrow and splenomegaly resolved. One patient had lymphadenopathy which also resolved. These effects were achieved without myelosuppression, and normal haemopoeisis was restored during the course of treatment, partially in one patient and completely in the other. No antiglobulin response was detected in either patient. CAMPATH-1H is a potent lympholytic antibody which might have an important use in the treatment of lymphoproliferative disorders and additionally as an immunosuppressive agent.

Aged↗

Expression of an antibody Fv fragment in myeloma cells.

The antigen binding site on antibodies is fashioned by loops at the tips of the beta-sheet framework of both heavy and light chain variable domains. A heterodimer of both variable domains (Fv fragment), incorporating loops from an anti-lysozyme antibody, was expressed and secreted from myeloma cells in good yield (8 mg/l in supernatant from roller bottles), and shown to bind lysozyme. The two subunits were found to be in dynamic equilibrium but are overwhelmingly associated at neutral pH. The small size of Fv fragments (25 x 10(3) Mr) make them attractive for structural studies, in vivo imaging, and therapy.

Animals↗

Reshaping human antibodies for therapy.

A human IgGI antibody has been reshaped for serotherapy in humans by introducing the six hypervariable regions from the heavy- and light-chain variable domains of a rat antibody directed against human lymphocytes. The reshaped human antibody is as effective as the rat antibody in complement and is more effective in cell-mediated lysis of human lymphocytes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Reaction mechanism, specificity and pH-dependence of peptide synthesis catalyzed by the metalloproteinase thermolysin.

The initial rates of peptide bond formation catalyzed by the metalloproteinase thermolysin were determined. The dependence of the formation rates on the concentration of the carboxyl donor and the acceptor can be explained by a rapid-equilibrium random bireactant mechanism, in which the binding of one substrate has a positive influence on the binding of the other (synergism). The specificity of the enzyme for the donor and acceptor in the condensation reaction was further investigated by determining the apparent kinetic parameters kcat and Km for various substrates. The pH-dependence of the initial rates of synthesis was found to be identical to the pH-dependence of the hydrolytic action of the enzyme. The rates are also shown to be independent of the pKa of the amino group of the acceptor, indicating that deprotonation of the attacking nucleophile in the synthetic reaction is not rate-limiting.

Hydrogen-Ion Concentration↗

Peptide synthesis catalyzed by the serine proteinases chymotrypsin and trypsin.

The ratio of the initial rates of aminolysis and hydrolysis in peptide semisynthesis catalyzed by chymotrypsin (EC 3.4.21.1) and trypsin (EC 3.4.21.4) was found to depend non-linearly on the concentration of the added nucleophile. This is in agreement with a mechanism for the peptide semisynthesis where nucleophile binding to the acyl-enzyme precedes the aminolysis reaction. The acyl-enzyme-nucleophile complex can still be deacylated by water. A temperature optimum was observed for peptide synthesis for valinamide as nucleophile. This and the similarity of the P'1 specificity in peptide hydrolysis and nucleophile specificity in peptide semisynthesis also support the mechanism including the nucleophile binding. The influence of added nucleophiles on the acylation step during peptide synthesis was studied by determining kcat and Km for the appearance of the leaving group from the acyl donor. Acceptor (= nucleophile) specificity was shown to be more important for high ratios of aminolysis: hydrolysis than donor specificity. The maximum product concentration during kinetically controlled peptide semisynthesis was found to be independent of the enzyme content.

Acylation↗

Kinetic studies on the mechanism and the specificity of peptide semisynthesis catalyzed by the serine proteases alpha-chymotrypsin and beta-trypsin.

The mechanism of peptide semisynthesis catalyzed by alpha-chymotrypsin and beta-trypsin has been investigated. The dependence of the apparent ratio of the second order rate constants for the deacylation of the acyl-enzyme intermediate by water and other nucleophiles (amino acid amides) on the nucleophile concentration indicates a mechanism that involves two acyl-enzymes. One with and one without bound nucleophile that both can be deacylated by water. The nucleophile specificity in peptide semisynthesis catalyzed by the proteases was found to reflect the P1-specificity in the corresponding hydrolytic reaction.

Acylation↗