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M Ohlin

Publications and source records attributed to M Ohlin.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Low affinity, antibody binding of an Escherichia coli-derived component.

This investigation describes the detection of a component in Escherichia coli capable of binding a large proportion of human antibody variable domains including otherwise highly monospecific antibodies induced by an in vivo antibody response. This interaction is of low affinity, but cross-linking of IgG molecules by, e.g. anti-immunoglobulin preparations, provides a sufficient degree of multivalency to promote a high avidity interaction. This binding which occurs both with kappa and lambda light chain-containing antibodies, appears to involve the variable region of human antibodies making it a superantigen-like activity. This is proposed based on the facts that: (i) different human antibodies of IgG1 isotype appear to bind to different extents suggesting that variable domain differences determine the binding activity; and (ii) addition of soluble antigen abrogates the interaction with the E. coli-derived molecule. Future studies of the nature and possible in vivo consequences of these interactions are warranted since any superantigen activity associated with this binding might affect the human immune response occurring as a consequence of E. coli infections.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗
PubMed1996

In vitro immunization of naive human B cells yields high affinity immunoglobulin G antibodies as illustrated by phage display.

In vitro antibody responses to a synthetic immunogen, consisting of both a B cell [V3 loop of gp120 from human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)] and a T-helper epitope (15 amino acids of tetanus toxoid) was studied. The in vitro activation was performed by primary and secondary in vitro immunizations, using lymphocytes obtained from uninfected, seronegative donors. Analysis of the in vitro immune response demonstrated an antigen-specific isotype switch, which was dependent on the presence of antigen-specific T-helper cells, CD40 ligation and antigen. Antibody libraries were constructed from cells derived directly from the naive donors, or from primary or secondary in vitro immunized B cells. Five libraries were displayed on filamentous phage and selected for anti-V3-specific Fab fragments, using a selection approach that linked recognition and phage replication. A panel of 19 recombinant antigen-specific Fab. representing different phases of the humoral in vitro immune response were sequenced, expressed and analysed using a biosensor. Recombinant Fab fragments derived from cultures on day 12 exhibited an increase in affinity of close to two orders of magnitude compared to those obtained from cells primary immunized for 7 days. This study provides the first evidence that an antigen-specific in vitro immune response can yield high-affinity immunoglobulinG antibodies.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Structural domains involved in human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B-mediated cell-cell fusion.

A novel fusion assay was established to determine fusion activity with cocultivated human foreskin fibroblasts of stable transfectants derived from human astrocytoma cells (U373) expressing authentic or mutagenized human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B (HCMV gB; gpUL55). Compared to transfectants expressing authentic HCMV gB, those expressing gB forms with a deletion of hydrophobic domain 1 (hd1; aa 714-747) or with deletions of specific segments in the cytoplasmic tail (aa 811-825 and 871-906) exhibited significantly reduced heterologous fusogenicity. HCMV gB-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) as well as MAb against cellular annexin II prevented fusion of the transfectant expressing authentic gB. Comparable surface exposure of HCMV gB or its derivatives was demonstrated in all transfectants by FACS analysis. Our observations are compatible with the notion that indigenous fusion activity of HCMV gB depends on the extracellular hd1 domain and on the conformation of the cytoplasmic tail.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed1995

A point mutation in a murine immunoglobulin V-region strongly influences the antibody yield in Escherichia coli.

Recombinant DNA technology has made it possible to produce specific Fab and scFv antibody (Ab) fragments in prokaryotic host cells. Using vectors designed for periplasmic expression of encoded Ab fragments, we have been studying how the sequence and genetic localization of the light chain (L-chain) variable region gene of a mouse Ab (CB-Nm.1) determined the level of Ab production. The variable region was shown to belong to the V kappa V family and contained a previously unreported Ile72. Nine different Ab constructions were tested in monocistronic (scFv) or dicistronic (Fab) operons for their ability to affect the synthesis level of the L-chain. When the gene coding for the L-chain was located downstream from the Fd fragment gene, the substitution of codons encoding Ile by a codon encoding Thr was found to be crucial for any expression of the L-chain fragment. This was, however, not accompanied by an increase in L-chain-specific mRNA, neither was there any change in the size of the mRNA. The fact that the unmutated L-chain protein was produced from cells transformed with certain other constructions indicated that the protein as such was not incompatible with the prokaryotic environment. Together, this suggested that the translation process was involved in the restricted production of the L-chain. Thus, surprisingly small substitutions significantly affected the expression level, a fact that will have important implications on the library size expressed in prokaryotic hosts, including phage-displayed Ab libraries.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1995

CD4+CD57+ T cells derived from peripheral blood do not support immunoglobulin production by B cells.

A small subpopulation of CD4+ T cells found in peripheral blood coexpresses the CD57+ marker normally found on, e.g., NK cells. It is known that this population occurs in a higher frequency in certain diseases. The same antigen has also been shown to be expressed on CD4+ T cells derived from germinal centers. The localization of this cell population to specialized lymphoid structures suggests that it may play a role in the evolution of the antibody response following antigenic stimulation in vivo. We have examined the ability of peripheral blood helper T cells coexpressing CD57 to participate in B cell activation/differentiation and evaluated their responses to polyclonal stimulation. The CD4+CD57+ T cells do not express mRNA for a number of different cytokines or for the CD40 ligand after activation in vitro. Furthermore these cells do not induce differentiation of B cells into immunoglobulin-producing cells. Consequently, despite their CD4 phenotype and their ability to be activated, to express the IL-2 receptor, and to enter into the cell cycle, they do not act as T helper cells under conditions where CD4+/CD57- cells normally do so. The findings suggest that this peripheral blood helper T cell population is functionally different from regular CD4+ T cells. The basis for the lack of proper costimulatory signals for immunoglobulin production might be related to the low expression of CD28.

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed1995

Antigen-binding sites dominate the surface properties of IgG antibodies.

A new technique, liquid-liquid partition chromatography in an aqueous polyethylene glycol-dextran two-phase system, was used to detect differences in surface properties of antibodies with different antigen-binding sites. Employing well-characterized monoclonal IgG antibodies and Fab and Fc fragments thereof as well as chimeric IgG antibodies we found a remarkable relationship between structure of the antibody combining site and chromatographic behaviour. The surface properties of the IgG antibodies were dominated by those of its antigen-binding regions. In addition, our results indicated that the constant parts of the IgGs form similar scaffoldings, on to which CDRs of variable shapes and sizes are interspaced and constitute the major dominant differences in exposed surface properties.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Human antibody reactivity against the lower matrix protein (pp65) produced by cytomegalovirus.

The lower matrix protein (pp65) is a major product of many laboratory strains of cytomegalovirus (CMV). It is thus an integral part of many CMV serological assays based on native antigen. Recombinant fragments of pp65 have previously been investigated for their usefulness in more-defined assays. The latter antigens have, however, failed to develop a positive response with serum samples derived from a substantial number of infected individuals. Here we show that the human humoral immune response to CMV pp65 is highly diverse and recognizes at least seven distinct but in some cases partly overlapping epitopes. Most of these epitopes could not be mimicked by any of the investigated recombinant or synthetic antigens. Furthermore, when we investigated the ability of human CMV-seropositive serum samples to block the reactivity of pp65-specific antibodies recognizing five different epitopes within pp65, it was evident that several sera did not contain significant levels of antibodies against any of these or overlapping structures. It was thus concluded that the antibody response against CMV pp65 is weak in some CMV-infected individuals, making this antigen unsuitable for use alone in serological screening systems for CMV infection.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Enhanced ELISA sensitivity using TCA for efficient coating of biologically active lipopolysaccharides or lipid A to the solid phase.

A new simple, reproducible and sensitive ELISA that uses trichloroacetic acid (TCA) for the coating of lipooligosaccharide (LOS), smooth lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or lipid A to the solid phase has been developed. The experimental parameters (temperature of coating, time of coating, antigen concentration and TCA concentration) were evaluated by a complete factorial design (2(4)). As a result of the evaluation, two main coating procedures were developed. In one, LOS was shown to coat efficiently in 0.2% TCA, at 37 degrees C, when incubated for only 30 min. In the other procedure, LOS in 0.2% TCA was coated at 37 degrees C for 16 h. The slower procedure proved, as expected, to be even more efficient than the former. The new ELISA was compared to three previously reported ELISAs, and showed the greatest sensitivity, probably, as a consequence of the higher coating efficiency of LOS to plates. The biologic activity of LOS was not modified by the low TCA concentration used, as proven by retention of its biological activity in the induction of procoagulant activity in blood mononuclear cells. We conclude that small amounts of biologically active LOS/LPS or lipid A can be coated on solid surfaces by this approach to achieve a rapid and economical assay procedure.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Flow cytometric analysis of the stability of antibody production by human x human x mouse heterohybridoma subclones.

Flow cytometry has been utilized to evaluate the stability of antibody production by unstable subclones of a human x human x mouse heterohybridoma. Heterogeneity of cell-associated immunoglobulin heavy chain expression was demonstrated in different subclones and an increased frequency of cells containing low levels of heavy chain was found to correlate with low antibody productivity. However, the majority of cells were not completely devoid of heavy chains suggesting that the genetic information for the gamma chain was not lost. In contrast, the gene encoding the kappa light chain was shown to be absent from the subclones expressing low levels of heavy chain and these subclones also contained substantially reduced levels of heavy chain mRNA, suggesting that the production of this protein was controlled at the level of transcription or mRNA stability. In conclusion, the correlation of staining intensity as observed by flow cytometry antibody productivity makes flow cytometry a suitable technique for the rapid evaluation of heterohybridoma cell lines used for antibody production.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Restricted variable region gene usage and possible rheumatoid factor relationship among human monoclonal antibodies specific for the AD-1 epitope on cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B.

The nucleotide sequences of the variable region genes encoding five different human, high affinity antibodies, specific for the major neutralization determinant (AD-1) expressed by human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B (gp58/116), have been determined. Three of the five heavy chain variable regions belonged to the small VHV-family, although they combined with a diverse set of light chains (V kappa IIIb, V lambda II and V lambda III). The other two antibodies belonged to VH-families III and IV. One of the VHV-family genes most likely originated from a previously unreported germline gene or allele, since it carries a nine nucleotide insert in framework 1. In addition, V lambda-genes showed variable homology (77-95%) to known germline sequences, while V kappa-genes showed high homology (approximately 98%) with their proposed germline origin. Despite the close homology of the V kappa IIIb-gene used to express one of the antibodies with its corresponding germline gene, the protein did not strongly express some idiotypes associated with this light chain family. There is, thus, no direct relation between the expression of these crossreactive idiotypes and the use of even modestly mutated light chains belonging to this V kappa-family, which has been implicated in the development of anti-idiotypic networks possibly inducing autoantibodies, such as rheumatoid factors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Site-directed primary in vitro immunization: production of HIV-1 neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies from lymphocytes obtained from seronegative donors.

The design of an in vitro immunization system based on a synthetic heterotope immunogen, which was a peptide containing both T- and B-cell epitopes, that elicited a neutralizing, primary human humoral immune response against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) is reported here. This heterotope construct contained the major neutralizing B-cell epitope, within the V3 region of glycoprotein 120 (gp120), linked to a promiscuous helper T-cell epitope of tetanus toxin. The peptide was used to induce a human humoral in vitro immune response against the V3 region, using lymphocytes obtained from healthy, sero-negative blood donors. The in vitro immunized peripheral blood lymphocytes were Epstein-Barr virus infected and the antibody response to the synthetic peptide was evaluated using a solid-phase ELISA with the recombinant C-terminal fragment of gp120 (pB1, amino acid residues 287-467, derived from the HIV-1 LAI isolate). The heterotope construct yielded a significantly frequency of specifically immunized B cells, in contrast to the control immunizations with individual T and B epitopes, mixtures of these epitopes or no immunogen at all. This approach allowed us to generate human monoclonal antibodies, using lymphocytes derived from sero-negative donors, that cross-neutralized several HIV-1 strains, inhibited syncytia formation as well as prevented spreading of the viral infection from cell to cell. Thus, site-directed in vitro immunization using synthetic heterotopes might prove valuable in the dissection and induction of a protective humoral immune response.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Intra- and extracellular expression of an scFv antibody fragment in E. coli: effect of bacterial strains and pathway engineering using GroES/L chaperonins.

We have studied the influence of bacterial host on the secretion of single-chain Fv antibody fragment (scFv), the production of this antibody fragment as intracellular fusion protein, and the effect of chaperonin coexpression on intracellular antibody expression. Seven bacterial strains were transformed with a vector carrying the genes encoding the variable regions of an anti-CEA scFv antibody and the ompA leader sequence (ptrp/ompA/scFvCEA). Expression and secretion of this antibody fragment were highest in the W3110 strain, as determined by Western blot analysis and enzyme immunoassay, where the scFv fragment amounted to approximately 30% of the total periplasmic protein. Except for BMH71-18, the other strains were unsuitable for antibody fragment expression, suggesting screening of bacterial strains as an important parameter. For intracellular expression, the scFv was expressed as a fusion protein with a 26-amino acid N-terminal fragment of human interleukin-2 (IL-2), using the pIL-2f/scFvCEA vector. The fusion protein was expressed at 30% of total biomass and retained antigen binding after in vitro refolding. Co-expression of chaperonin-encoding plasmid pGroES/L with pIL-2f/scFv increased the intracellular production of the fusion protein twofold, with a similar increase in the final amount of active scFv antibody fragment that could be obtained after in vitro refolding. The chaperonins had no effect on secretion of scFv antibody fragments, using the ptrp/ompA/scFvCEA.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed1993

Fine specificity of the human immune response to the major neutralization epitopes expressed on cytomegalovirus gp58/116 (gB), as determined with human monoclonal antibodies.

The humoral immune response to human cytomegalovirus (CMV) membrane glycoprotein gp58/116 (gB) has been studied by establishing cell lines producing specific human monoclonal antibodies. These cell lines were generated from peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from a healthy carrier. Hybridomas producing gp58/116-specific antibodies were detected by reactivity to procaryotically expressed proteins containing the major neutralizing epitopes of this glycoprotein complex. One antibody, ITC88, which recognized an epitope located between amino acid residues 67 and 86 of gp116, potently neutralized the virus at 1 to 2 micrograms of immunoglobulin G per ml. Only four of the six human antibodies detecting the major neutralizing domain of gp58 neutralized the virus, and none of them required complement for activity. All antibodies that bound mature, processed gp58 recognized a conformational epitope involving sequences between residues 549 and 635. However, small differences existed between the antibodies in the actual minimal requirement for C- and N-terminal parts of this epitope. By peptide mapping with several of the antibodies, the epitope was shown to consist mainly of residues between amino acids 570 to 579 and 606 to 619. Despite the conformational nature of the epitope, the antibodies recognized both reduced and denatured native antigen. Presence of carbohydrates was not required for antigen binding of these gp58-specific human antibodies, but in at least one case, it greatly enhanced antigen recognition, indicating an importance of carbohydrate structures in some epitopes within the major neutralizing specificity of gp58.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1993

Effect of cell-derived growth factors and cytokines on the clonal outgrowth of EBV-infected B cells and established lymphoblastoid cell lines.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a potent inducer of polyclonal B lymphocyte proliferation and is widely used as a tool for the establishment of B cell lines producing human monoclonal antibodies. However, because of low transformability, low clonability, and the inherent instability of EBV-infected B cells, valuable antibody-producing B cells are often lost during this procedure. We have here examined various cell-derived cytokines for their ability to enhance both the cellular outgrowth of newly infected B cells and the clonability of infected B cells and lymphoblastoid cell lines. Our results show that the murine thymoma cell line EL-4 is superior to peripheral blood mononuclear cells in both cellular outgrowth and cloning experiments, whereas monocyte-derived factors and monocyte cell lines were less capable than peripheral blood mononuclear cells in enhancing cellular outgrowth and cloning. Furthermore, the human T cell hybridoma cell line MP6 that secretes a B cell growth and differentiation factor, recently identified as an isoform of thioredoxin, is also capable of stimulating EBV-infected B cells and lymphoblastoid cell lines. Co-cultivation of EBV-infected B cells with MP6 cells significantly enhanced the cloning efficiency at the 1 cell/well level. The present results also suggest that one potential role of the MP6-derived thioredoxin could be the up regulation of IL-6 receptor expression in EBV-infected B cells.

B-Lymphocytes↗
PubMed1993

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacologic properties of antiuterotonic oxytocin analogs in the rat.

The pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic properties were evaluated in a series of antiuterotonic oxytocin analogs, modified at positions 1, 2, 4, 8 and, in one case, position 9 of the oxytocin (OT) molecule. [Mpa1,D-Tyr2(Et),Val4,Orn8,desGly9]-OT, [Mpa1,Tyr2(Et),Val4,Orn8]-OT and [Mpa1,D-Tyr2,Val4,Orn8]-OT displayed similar plasma clearance rates (Clps) using the constant infusion method in rats. Two analogs, [Mpa1,D-Tyr2(Et),Val4,Orn8]-OT and, particularly, [Mpa1,D-Tyr2(Et),Thr4,Orn8]-OT, were cleared at significantly higher rates compared with the others. [Mpa1, D-Tyr2(Et), Val4, Orn8]-OT and [Mpa1, D-Tyr2(Et), Thr4, Orn8, desGly9]-OT were most potent in eliciting a short-term in vivo antiuterotonic effect, whereas the duration of effect was longest for [Mpa1, D-Tyr2, Val4, Orn8]-OT and [Mpa1, D-Tyr2(Et), Thr4, Orn8, desGly9]-OT. The Clp of [Mpa1, D-Tyr2, Val4, Orn8]-OT was similar regardless of the infusion rate. No relationship between antiuterotonic effect and Clp of the five peptides could be demonstrated, and no significant linear correlation between Clp and effect duration was found. The apparent volumes of distribution for the present analogs were 10-fold larger than the blood volume, a finding to be considered when measuring in vivo antagonistic activity. The 24-h urinary excretion ranged from 14.3 to 25.6% of the i.v. dose and was negatively correlated with peptide lipophilicity. It is concluded that, in addition to diverging pharmacologic properties, peptide analogs may differ markedly in kinetic parameters like Clp, volumes of distribution and urinary excretion despite minor molecular modifications.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Human peripheral blood lymphocytes transplanted into SCID mice constitute an in vivo culture system exhibiting several parameters found in a normal humoral immune response and are a source of immunocytes for the production of human monoclonal antibodies.

Human PBL from vaccinated healthy blood donors, which was transplanted i.p. into mice with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), exhibited an Ag-dependent humoral Ir against tetanus toxoid. This Ir was dose dependent and was completely abrogated by immunizing with large amounts of Ag, suggesting a high dose tolerization of the B cells. A dose-dependent selection of specific, high affinity B clonotypes was also suggested, since immunization with low concentrations of tetanus toxoid produced antisera with higher avidity than immunizations using a high dose of Ag. The production of human Ig and the clonal outgrowth of normal human B cells in the SCID mouse was strongly down-regulated by human NK cells. Human immune B lymphocytes were also recovered from immunized SCID mice and transformed with EBV, yielding lymphoblastoid cell lines producing high affinity antitetanus human IgG antibodies. These results suggest that SCID mice, repopulated with human PBL, can constitute a functional model of several parameters of a normal human humoral Ir and can provide a source of immune B cells for the production of human mAb.

Animals↗