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Mats Ohlin

Publications and source records attributed to Mats Ohlin.

26 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

A divalent antibody format is required for neutralization of human cytomegalovirus via antigenic domain 2 on glycoprotein B.

Glycoprotein B (gB) of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the dominating protein in the envelope of this virus and gives rise to virus-neutralizing antibodies in most infected individuals. We have previously isolated a neutralizing human antibody specific for antigenic domain 2 (AD-2) on gB, a poorly immunogenic epitope, which nevertheless is capable of eliciting potent neutralizing antibodies. In order to define parameters important for the neutralization of HCMV via gB, we have investigated the virus-neutralizing capacity and the kinetics of the interaction with AD-2 of the monomeric and dimeric forms of a single chain variable fragment (scFv) corresponding to this antibody. We demonstrate here that neutralization of HCMV via AD-2 on gB can be mediated by dimeric scFv, while monomeric fragments cannot mediate neutralization of the virus, despite a slow dissociation from the intact glycoprotein. This finding is discussed in the context of possible mechanisms for antibody-mediated virus neutralization.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Antigenic domain 1 of human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B induces a multitude of different antibodies which, when combined, results in incomplete virus neutralization.

Glycoprotein B (gB, gpUL55) is the major antigen for the induction of neutralizing antibodies against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), making it an attractive molecule for active and passive immunoprophylaxis. The region between aa 552 and 635 of HCMV gB (termed AD-1) has been identified as the immunodominant target for the humoral immune response following natural infection. AD-1 represents a complex domain which requires a minimal continuous sequence of more than 70 aa for antibody binding. Neutralizing as well as non-neutralizing antibodies can bind to AD-1 in a competitive fashion. The fine specificity of AD-1-binding monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and affinity-purified human polyclonal antibodies was analysed by using recombinant proteins containing single amino acid substitutions spanning the entire AD-1 domain. Our results revealed that all MAbs had individual patterns of binding to the mutant proteins indicating the presence of a considerable number of distinct antibody-binding sites on AD-1. The neutralization capacity of antibodies could not be predicted from their binding pattern to AD-1 mutant proteins. Polyclonal human antibodies purified from different convalescent sera showed identical binding patterns to the mutant proteins suggesting that the combined antibody specificities present in human sera are comparable between individuals. Neutralization capacities of polyclonal human AD-1 antibodies did not exceed 50% indicating that, during natural infection, a considerable proportion of non-neutralizing antibodies are induced and thus might provide an effective mechanism to evade complete virus neutralization.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A novel mammalian display system for the selection of protein-protein interactions by decoy receptor engagement.

The emerging field of proteomics has created a need for new high-throughput methodologies for the analysis of gene products. An attractive approach is to develop systems that allow for clonal selection of interacting protein pairs from large molecular libraries. In this study, we have characterized a novel approach for identification and selection of protein-protein interactions, denoted SPIRE (selection of protein interactions by receptor engagement), which is based on a mammalian expression system. We have demonstrated proof of concept by creating a general plasma membrane bound decoy receptor, by displaying a protein or a peptide genetically fused to a trunctated version of the CD40 molecule. When this decoy receptor is engaged by a ligand to the displayed protein/peptide, the receptor expressing cell is rescued from apoptosis. To design a high-throughput system with a highly parallel capacity, we utilized the B cell line WEHI-231, as carrier of the decoy receptor. One specific peptide-displaying cell could be identified and amplified, based on a specific receptor engagement, in a background of 12 500 wild-type cells after four selections. This demonstrates that the approach may serve as a tool in post-genomic research for identifying protein-protein interactions, without prior knowledge of either component.

Animals↗

Length of the antibody heavy chain complementarity determining region 3 as a specificity-determining factor.

The antigen binding site of an antibody is made up of residues residing in six hypervariable loops of the heavy and light chains. In most cases several or all of these loops are required for the establishment of the antigen-binding surface. Five of these loops display a limited diversity in length and sequence while the third complementarity determining region (CDR) of the heavy chain is highly different between antibodies not only with respect to sequence but also with respect to length. Its extensive diversity is a key component in the establishment of binding sites allowing for the recognition of essentially any antigen by humoral immunity. The relative importance of its sequence vs its length diversity in this context is however, not very well established. To investigate this matter further we have used an approach employing combinatorial antibody libraries and antigen-specific selection in the search for CDRH3 length and sequence diversity compatible with a given antigen specificity, the major antigenic determinant on the tumour-associated antigen mucin-1. In this way we have now defined heavy chain CDR3 length as a critical parameter in the creation of an antigen-specific binding site. We also propose that this may reflect a dependence of a particular structure of this hypervariable loop, the major carrier of diversity in the binding site, for establishment of a given specificity.

Antibody Specificity↗

Thermostable carbohydrate-binding modules in affinity chromatography.

Affinity chromatography is routinely used mostly on a preparative scale to isolate different biomolecules such as proteins and carbohydrates. To this end a variety of proteins is in common use as ligands. To extend the arsenal of binders intended for separation of carbohydrates, we have explored the use of carbohydrate-binding modules (CBM) in affinity chromatography. The thermostable protein CBM4-2 and two variants (X-6 and A-6) thereof, selected from a newly constructed combinatorial library, were chosen for this study. The CBM4-2 predominantly binds to xylans but also crossreacts with glucose-based oligomers. The two CBM-variants X-6 and A-6 had been selected for binding to xylan and Avicel (a mixture of amorphous and microcrystalline cellulose), respectively. To assess the ability of these proteins to separate carbohydrates, they were immobilized to macroporous microparticulate silica and analyses were conducted at temperatures ranging from 25 to 65 degrees C. With the given set of CBM-variants, we were able to separate cello- and xylo-oligomers under isocratic conditions. The affinities of the CBMs for their targets were weak (in the mM-microM range) and by adjusting the column temperature we could optimize peak resolution and chromatographic retention times. The access to thermostable CBM-variants with diverse affinities and selectivities holds promise to be an efficient tool in the field of affinity chromatography for the separation of carbohydrates.

Amino Acid Sequence↗