Biomedical subjects

M Ohlin

Publications and source records attributed to M Ohlin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

A carbohydrate binding module as a diversity-carrying scaffold.

The growing field of biotechnology is in constant need of binding proteins with novel properties. Not just binding specificities and affinities but also structural stability and productivity are important characteristics for the purpose of large-scale applications. In order to find such molecules, libraries are created by diversifying naturally occurring binding proteins, which in those cases serve as scaffolds. In this study, we investigated the use of a thermostable carbohydrate binding module, CBM4-2, from a xylanase found in Rhodothermus marinus, as a diversity-carrying scaffold. A combinatorial library was created by introducing restricted variation at 12 positions in the carbohydrate binding site of the CBM4-2. Despite the small size of the library (1.6 x 10(6) clones), variants specific towards different carbohydrate polymers (birchwood xylan, Avicel and ivory nut mannan) as well as a glycoprotein (human IgG4) were successfully selected for, using the phage display method. Investigated clones showed a high productivity (on average 69 mg of purified protein/l shake flask culture) when produced in Escherichia coli and they were all stable molecules displaying a high melting transition temperature (75.7 +/- 5.3 degrees C). All our results demonstrate that the CBM4-2 molecule is a suitable scaffold for creating variants useful in different biotechnological applications.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2001

A central core structure in an antibody variable domain determines antigen specificity.

Antibody binding sites provide an adaptable surface capable of interacting with essentially any molecular target. Using CDR shuffling, residues important for the assembly of mucin-1 specific paratopes were defined by random recombination of the complementarity determining regions derived from a set of mucin-1 specific clones, previously selected from an antibody fragment library. It was found that positions 33 and 50 in the heavy chain and 32, 34, 90, 91 and 96 in the light chain were conserved in many of the clones. These particular residues seem to be located centrally in the binding site as indicated by a structure model analysis. The importance of several of these conserved residues was supported by their presence in a mouse monoclonal antibody with a known structure and the same epitope specificity. Several of these corresponding residues in the mouse monoclonal antibody are known to interact with the antigen. In conclusion, critical residues important for maintaining a human antigen-specific binding site during the process of in vitro antibody evolution were defined. Furthermore, an explanation for the observed restricted germline gene usage in certain antibody responses against protein epitopes is provided.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

The immune diversity in a test tube--non-immunised antibody libraries and functional variability in defined protein scaffolds.

Technologies to develop and evolve the function of proteins and, in particular, antibodies have developed rapidly since the introduction of phage display. Importantly, it has become possible to identify molecules with binding properties that cannot be found by other means. A range of different approaches to create general libraries that are useful for the selection of such molecules specific for essentially any kind of target have emerged. We herein review some of the most prominent approaches in the field and in particular discuss specific features related to the development of antibody libraries based on single antibody framework scaffolds. This approach not only permits identification of a range of specific binders, but also facilitates further evolution of initially derived molecules into molecules with optimised functions.

Antibodies↗

PubMed2000

Recombining germline-derived CDR sequences for creating diverse single-framework antibody libraries.

We constructed a single-chain Fv antibody library that permits human complementarity-determining region (CDR) gene fragments of any germline to be incorporated combinatorially into the appropriate positions of the variable-region frameworks VH-DP47 and VL-DPL3. A library of 2 x 109 independent transformants was screened against haptens, peptides, carbohydrates, and proteins, and the selected antibody fragments exhibited dissociation constants in the subnanomolar range. The antibody genes in this library were built on a single master framework into which diverse CDRs were allowed to recombine. These CDRs were sampled from in vivo-processed gene sequences, thus potentially optimizing the levels of correctly folded and functional molecules, and resulting in a molecule exhibiting a lower computed immunogenicity compared to naive immunoglobulins. Using the modularized assembly process to incorporate foreign sequences into an immunoglobulin scaffold, it is possible to vary as many as six CDRs at the same time, creating genetic and functional variation in antibody molecules.

Germ-Line Mutation↗

PubMed1999

Complementarity-determining region (CDR) implantation: a theme of recombination.

A novel technology in the area of antibody engineering has been developed which allows for the creation of new types of antibody molecules. It is called complementarity-determining region (CDR) implantation and permits the random combination of CDR sequences formed in vivo into a single master framework. Thus, totally new gene combinations can be produced and used in selection processes. The result is a genetic variability which is extremely large, even exceeding the natural variability found in the immune system. In this commentary, CDR implantation is presented and the technology is discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Exploiting sequence space: shuffling in vivo formed complementarity determining regions into a master framework.

A novel approach in molecular design is presented, where in vivo formed complementarity determining regions (CDR) from antibody genes were shuffled into a specific framework region. A synthetic gene library of soluble VH-fragments was created and the complexity of the library was determined by sequencing. The synthetic genes were diverse and contained random combinations of CDR from different germlines. All CDR were randomised in one step and by using in vivo formed CDR, the length, sequence and combination were varied simultaneously.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1998

New approach to steroid separation based on a low affinity IgM antibody.

IgM antibodies are often of low affinity (dissociation constant (Kd) > 10(-5) M) and therefore they are usually neglected as tools in, e.g., immunoassays. Previous studies have shown that low affinity biological interactions can be studied and exploited in affinity chromatography, biosensor technology and capillary electrophoresis. In this study we have demonstrated that IgM can be a useful ligand for analytical separation of antigens in weak affinity chromatography (WAC). A low affinity human monoclonal IgM antibody, directed at digoxin, was produced in a hybridoma cell culture, purified to homogeneity and immobilized onto an HPLC support. The IgM HPLC column displayed specific weak affinity retention in the 0.01-0.1 mM range as evaluated with digoxin and ouabain. The specificity was not affected when samples of ouabain in a crude environment of diluted serum were separated on the IgM column. These findings suggest an approach in immunoadsorbent technology where biomolecules can be analyzed and separated with weak affinity chromatography using IgM as a general affinity ligand.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1998

Effect of cysteine substitutions on dimerization and interfragment linkage of human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B (gp UL55).

Experiments were carried out to analyze the function of cysteine residues at amino acid positions 506 (cI), 550 (cII), 573 (cIII), and 610 (cIV), in dimerization and/or disulfide linkage of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) glycoprotein B (gB). Single c-codons or pairs were substituted in the gB sequence of constructs which were used for transfection and selection of stable transfectants. Analysis of gB expression products revealed that single substitutions of cIII or cIV, but neither single nor double substitutions of cI or/and cII prevented gB dimerization. All substituted gB derivatives were, however, no longer processed by proteolytic cleavage. After deletion of the membrane anchor domain, correct proteolytic processing was again observed for anchorless gB forms. Substitutions of cI or cI/cII in secretory gB appeared to interfere with disulfide linkage between gB cleavage fragments. In the case of anchorless gB with substitutions of cII, cIII, or cIII/cIV, however, extracellular gB forms were not recovered. Using the Sindbis expression system recovery of all anchorless gB forms with cysteine substitutions was achieved. Analysis verified involvement of cI/II substitutions in intrachain disulfide linkage between cleavage fragments of HCMV gB.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1998

Insertions and deletions in hypervariable loops of antibody heavy chains contribute to molecular diversity.

Antibody diversity, a molecular feature which allows these proteins to specifically interact with a diverse set of targets, is created at the genetic level by a variety of means. These include germline gene segment recombination, junctional diversity and single basepair (bp) substitution. We here demonstrate that a human high affinity antibody specific for an exogenous protein antigen carry three amino acid residues immediately adjacent to the first hypervariable loop of the heavy chain. These additional residues are shown not to be encoded by the germline repertoire. We also describe the characteristics of insertions and deletions, not found in any known germline sequence, within the first and second hypervariable loops of other previously described antibody-encoding genes. These findings demonstrate that insertions or deletions of entire codons provide yet another approach by which the human antibody repertoire is diversified in vivo. Since these major genetic modifications occur within or immediately adjacent to loops contributing to the antigen-binding site, they are likely to affect the binding properties of the mutated antibodies.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Three-dimensional structure of a human Fab with high affinity for tetanus toxoid.

BACKGROUND: The wide range of antibody specificity and affinity results from the differing shapes and chemical compositions of their binding sites. These shapes range from discrete grooves in antibodies elicited by linear oligomers of nucleotides and carbohydrates to shallow depressions or flat surfaces for accommodation of proteins, peptides and large organic compounds. OBJECTIVES: To determine the Fab structure of a high-affinity human antitoxin antibody. To explore structural features which enable the antibody to bind to intact tetanus toxoid, peptides derived from the sequence of the natural immunogen and antigenic mimics identified by combinatorial chemistry. To explain why this Fab shows a remarkable tendency to produce crystals consistently diffracting to d spacings of 1.7-1.8 A. To use this information to engineer a strong tendency to crystallize into the design of other Fabs. STUDY DESIGN: The protein was crystallized in hanging or sitting drops by a microseeding technique in polyethylene glycol (PEG) 8000. Crystals were subjected to X-ray analysis and the three-dimensional structure of the Fab was determined by the molecular replacement method. Interactive computer graphics were employed to fit models to electron density maps, survey the structure in multiple views and discover the crystal packing motif of the protein. RESULTS: Exceptionally large single crystals of this protein have been obtained, one measuring 5 x 3 x 2 mm (l x w x d). The latter was cut into six irregular pieces, each retaining the features of the original in diffracting to high resolution (1.8 A) with little decay in the X-ray beam. In an individual Fab, the active site is relatively flat and it seems likely that the protein antigen and derivative peptides are tightly held on the outer surface without significant penetration into the interior. There is no free space to accommodate even a dipeptide between VH and VL. One of the unique features of the B7-15A2 Fab is a large aliphatic ridge dominating the center of the active site. The CDR3 of the H chain contributes significantly to this ridge, as well as to adjoining regions projected to be important for the docking of the antigen. Both the ease of crystallization and the favorable diffraction properties are mainly attributable to the tight packing of the protein molecules in the crystal lattice. DISCUSSION: The B7-15A2 active site provides a stable and well defined platform for high affinity docking of proteins, peptides and their mimotopes. The advantages for future developments are suggested by the analysis of the crystal properties. It should be possible to incorporate the features promoting crystallization, close packing and resistance to radiation damage into engineered human antibodies without altering the desired specificities and affinities of their active sites.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1997

Evaluation of novel control elements by construction of eukaryotic expression vectors.

A novel mammalian eukaryotic expression vector for the production of immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) genes has been designed. This expression vector contains the variable heavy chain (VH) promoter, the IgH intron enhancer (muE) and the IgH 3' enhancer (3'E). This construct, designated pTIF-1, was stably transfected into the myeloma cell line J558L. A fivefold increase in the expression level of a rearranged IgH gene was observed when using the pTIF-1 vector containing the 3'E compared to an expression vector lacking this enhancer. Interestingly, this positive effect on the expression level of the 3' enhancer appears to be position independent. The introduction of two recently identified Ig control elements, HS3 and HS4, to the vector cassette did not further elevate the expression level in the cell line tested. The pTIF-1 vector can be used for expression of any antibody specificity, using PCR amplification of the VDJ region of interest. Furthermore, the constant region can easily be exchanged, which further facilitates studies to dissect different effector functions of IgH constant genes.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Altered gene expression associated with apoptosis in a pre-B-leukemic cell line following cross-linking of MHC class I.

The major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) has recently been shown not only to present antigens to the immune system but also to mediate transmembrane signaling, resulting in activation, inactivation, or apoptosis. Such signaling has been observed in both normal and malignant cells of the B and T cell lineage. Cross-linking of MHC-I on the pre-B-acute-lymphocytic cell line KM-3 induces an apoptotic process, which becomes evident after approximately 12 h. In order to better understand the mechanisms regulating this apoptotic process, we have investigated both gene expression and the effect of cross-linking on certain intracellular events. Differential display PCR was used to isolate two gene fragments whose level of expression was associated with the induction of apoptosis as they were downregulated in KM-3 cells following MHC-I cross-linking. These genes encode novel molecules whose function remains to be elucidated. It was further demonstrated that the apoptotic process was not accompanied by changes in [Ca2+]i, the level of activation of NF-kappaB, or changes in protein kinase C activity and that the initiation of apoptosis could be prevented by phorbol ester treatment. It is thus suggested that multiple, fine-tuned molecular events determine the outcome of cross-linking of MHC-I in this pre-B-lymphocytic cell line.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1997

Cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B-specific antibody analysis using electrochemiluminescence detection-based techniques.

An electrochemiluminescence technique was used to develop versatile and sensitive assay strategies for determination of seroreactivities against biologically important cytomegalovirus neutralization epitopes expressed on glycoprotein B. Indirect binding assays showed wide linear assay ranges and revealed that serum samples diluted in parallel with a monoclonal antibody-based standard, simplifying quantitative analytical assessments.

Antibodies, Viral↗

PubMed1996

Selection of binders from phage displayed antibody libraries using the BIAcore biosensor.

In this report we show that phage displayed antibodies can be selected based on dissociation rate constants, using a BIAcore biosensor. To demonstrate the principle, two Fab phage stocks displaying antibodies specific for hen egg lysozyme or phenyloxazolone were mixed in a ratio of 1:10 and injected over the biosensor chip containing immobilized lysozyme. Antigen-specific bound phages were eluted and analysed for specificity and phage titer. This procedure enriched for phages carrying specific antibodies. Selection of high affinity binders from phage libraries was then demonstrated with the BIAcore when phages were eluted and collected at different time points. Soluble antibody fragments were subsequently expressed and their kinetic parameters were determined. The time of elution was directly proportional to the affinity, due to decreased dissociation rate constants. This procedure offers a rapid and simple approach for selecting binders from phage libraries differing in antibody dissociation rate constants.

Bacteriophages↗

PubMed1996

Immunoglobulin production induced by CD57+ GC-derived helper T cells in vitro requires addition of exogenous IL-2.

Germinal centers (GC) are well-defined areas in lymphoid organs were B cells proliferate and differentiate in response to T-cell-dependent antigens. The GC comprises B cells, follicular dendritic cells, tangible body macrophages, and a low number of CD4+ T cells. A large portion of these T cells expresses CD57. We have examined the ability of the CD4+ CD57+ GC T cells to become activated and to take part in B cell activation processes. These T cells coexpress CD45RO, CD69, CD28, and upon mitogenic stimulation CD25. The cell population was found neither to contain nor to be able to produce any specific mRNA for IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-gamma upon activation. Levels of mRNA encoding CD40 ligand was also undetectable under similar conditions. Furthermore, in contrast to ordinary CD4+ T cells, this population expressing CD57 was unable to induce B cells to Ig production in the presence of pokeweed mitogen or SEA unless IL-2 was added to the cultures. However, despite their apparent lack of function CD4+ CD57+ GC T cells were found to rescue GC B cells from cell death in vitro to the same extent as CD4+ CD57+ Th cells. The phenotypical and functional differences found between these Th cells and regular Th-cells suggest that they either represent a T cell subset with distinct properties within the GC yet to be determined or that they represent T cells, late in the immune response, having lost most of their original functions and capabilities.

B-Lymphocytes↗

PubMed1996

Antibodies specific for the antigenic domain 1 of glycoprotein B (gpUL55) of human cytomegalovirus bind to different substructures.

Glycoprotein B (gB, gpUL55) is a major antigen for the induction of neutralizing antibodies against human cytomegalovirus, making it an attractive antigen for active and passive immunoprophylaxis. The immunodominant region on gB is the antigenic domain 1 (AD-1), a complex structure which requires a minimal linear amino acid sequence of more than 75 amino acids (aa 552-635) for antibody binding. We have analyzed the fine specificity of neutralizing and nonneutralizing AD-1-binding monoclonal antibodies. Point mutations were introduced into AD-1 and mutants were expressed as bacterial fusion proteins. The antigens were analyzed in immunoblots using a panel of 13 human and murine monoclonal antibodies. Complete loss of binding of all antibodies was observed with mutations at cysteine residues 573 and 610 as well as with a combinatorial exchange of prolines at position 577 and 613. The remaining mutations had different effects on antibody binding. Six individual recognition patterns were observed, indicating various antigenic substructures on AD-1. Changing the Fc portions of 3 murine monoclonal antibodies to human IgG1 showed that neutralization of AD-1-binding immunoglobulins is exerted by different mechanisms. Dependent on the recognized substructure within AD-1, avidity-dependent as well as Fc portion-mediated effects were observed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1996

Light chain shuffling of a high affinity antibody results in a drift in epitope recognition.

Human polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against pathogens and toxins are potentially useful in the treatment of various diseases. A number of human monoclonal antibodies with protective capacity in vitro have been established by conventional hybridoma technology. However, with the development of phage-display technology, the possibility of specifically tailoring antigen-binding properties has improved substantially. We show here that the reactivity of a high affinity, virus-neutralizing human antibody against the AD-2 epitope of cytomegalovirus gB can be modified by introducing other Vkappa sequences together with the original VH sequence. The fine specificity, as determined by the requirement of particular amino acid residues in the epitope, is shifted in these new antibody fragments. It was also evident that the VH/Vkappa pairing was not promiscuous, since antibody fragments selected by phage display retained light chain sequences very similar to the original hybridoma-derived light chain, proving that a high affinity interaction was very dependent on a co-operativity between both variable domains. These findings show that phage display technology might modify the binding properties of pre-existing, high affinity antibodies.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1996

Selection of phage displayed antibodies based on kinetic constants.

The display of antibody fragments on the surface of filamentous bacteriophages and the selection of binders from antibody libraries have provided powerful tools to generate human antibodies. We reported recently a new concept (SAP system) for the selection of specific phages by linking antigenic recognition and phage replication, using a soluble fusion protein containing the antigen and a fragment of the M13 coat protein 3. In this investigation, a model library has been composed using six different antibody fragments which were characterized individually regarding their kass, kdiss and Ka. All Fab fragments were specific for a 15 amino acid region of the V3 loop of gp120 (HIV-1). We demonstrated that the SAP system could discriminate between the kinetic parameters of each clone, using different selection strategies. Phages expressing high affinity clones were selected preferentially using low doses of antigen but clones of lower affinity also could be selected by increasing the antigen concentration or using a preselection procedure. Phages expressing antibody fragment with high association or low dissociation rate constants were retrieved by utilizing short contact times between antigen and antibody or antigen-chase conditions.

Antibody Affinity↗