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Biomedical subjects

R W Baldwin

Publications and source records attributed to R W Baldwin.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Detection of polymorphic epithelial mucins in the serum of systemic breast cancer patients using the monoclonal antibody, NCRC-11.

Serum from patients with systemic breast cancer was found to contain elevated levels of polymorphic epithelial mucin (PEM) as detected using an immunoradiometric assay employing the monoclonal antibody NCRC-11. PEM was partially purified from pooled sera from these patients and the complex, polymorphic, high-molecular-mass (greater than 400 kDa) mucin was identified by sodium dodecylsulphate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Western blotting and immunostaining with the NCRC-11 antibody. Serial serum samples from 16 patients with metastatic breast cancer were assayed for circulating PEM defined by the monoclonal antibody NCRC-11. The clinical course of disease in these patients was assessed independently as progressive, static or responsive. Increasing NCRC-11 antigen levels correlated with disease progression in 6/7 patients, and decreasing antigen levels correlated with an objective response to treatment in 5/6 patients. Measurement of NCRC-11-defined PEM antigen in patients undergoing therapy for metastatic breast cancer showed an overall accuracy of 75%.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

The influence of anti-(ricin toxin A chain) monoclonal antibodies on the pharmacokinetics of ricin toxin A chain and recombinant ricin A chain in mice.

Two monoclonal antibodies against ricin toxin A chain (RTA) have been examined for their effects on the blood survival and biodistribution of RTA and recombinant ricin A chain in mice. When admixed with the toxins at 1:1 molar ratios prior to intravenous injection, the antibodies prolonged blood survival and whole-body retention of both species of RTA, and this was due essentially to reduced renal clearance of the toxins. Immune complexes were identified by gel filtration chromatography and immune precipitation with anti-IgG antiserum in mixtures prior to injection and in the serum of mice injected with the mixtures. An irrelevant monoclonal antibody showed no complex formation, and no effect on biodistribution. These studies have shown that immune complexes formed between monoclonal antibodies and protein antigens of molecular mass up to at least 30 kDa survive in the circulation, rather than being cleared by the reticuloendothelial system. Such antibodies could be used to modulate the biodistribution of toxic molecules such as ribosome-inhibiting proteins like RTA. This might be exploited therapeutically, for example in the construction of bispecific antibodies against ribosomal inhibiting proteins and tumour-associated antigens.

Animals↗

Production of a human monoclonal antibody recognising a determinant on mouse IgG2b from a patient receiving mouse monoclonal antibody for diagnostic imaging.

The development of human antibodies recognising mouse immunoglobulins represents an obstacle to effective antibody therapy. This study shows that patients produce modest titres of antibodies (predominantly anti-mouse rather than anti-idiotypic) after a single low-dose injection for immunoscintigraphy, suggesting that repeated imaging with the same or a different antibody could be a problem. Fusion of the lymphocytes from a patient who had been imaged twice previously resulted in a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to an IgG2b isotypic determinant. Anti-IgG2b antibodies predominated in this patient's serum. Production of human monoclonal antibodies from patients given mouse monoclonal antibodies not only allows a finer dissection of the immune repertoire but also provides possible reagents for controlling the human anti-(mouse Ig) response, for selection of class-switch variants of mouse monoclonal antibodies and enhancing tumour imaging.

Animals↗

Immunological and structural features of the protein core of human polymorphic epithelial mucin.

The protein core of high mol. wt polymorphic epithelial mucin (PEM--approximately 400 kDa glycoprotein) which is associated with breast carcinomas, consists of a repeating 20 amino acid peptide motif [Gendler et al. (1988) J. biol. Chem. 263, 12,820-12,823]. Monoclonal antibodies C595 (anti-urinary mucin) and NCRC-11 (anti-breast carcinoma cells), and other antibodies against human milk fat globule membranes, were found to recognize determinants present within this 20 amino acid peptide. A model of the peptide was developed based on hydropathicity and structure prediction calculations and these indicated that the repeated structure is dominated by a hydrophilic domain of seven amino acids, extending into two flanking beta turns. NMR analysis of the 20 amino acid peptide was undertaken to probe the secondary structure. Epitope mapping experiments involving solid phase synthesis of overlapping heptapeptides in the repeat unit identified the minimum structures for antibody binding as Arg-Pro-Ala-Pro and Arg-Pro-Ala for the C595 and NCRC-11 antibodies, respectively. These determinants were found within the predicted hydrophilic turn region domain of the peptide. The epitopes for six other PEM-reactive monoclonal antibodies were also determined to reside within the predicted hydrophilic turn domain. This evidence is in accord with the disposition of this region of the PEM peptide core being at the exterior of the glycoprotein where it would be accessible to antibody recognition and binding events.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Syngeneic anti-idiotypic antibody prevents localization of a murine monoclonal antibody in human tumour xenografts.

BALB/c mice were immunized against syngeneic mouse monoclonal antibody (Mab) 791T/36 to produce anti-idiotypic antibody. To examine the effect of this antibody on tumour localization of the Mab, serum from these mice was transferred to nude mice with human tumour xenografts and distribution was studied with I-125 labelled Mab. Serum containing anti-idiotypic antibody prevented tumour localization of the Mab. This finding has implications for the clinical use of human or humanized Mab since, if these evoke anti-idiotypic antibody, this alone may be sufficient to prevent tumour targeting.

Animals↗

A bispecific monoclonal antibody against methotrexate and a human tumour associated antigen augments cytotoxicity of methotrexate-carrier conjugate.

A bispecific monoclonal antibody, reactive with methotrexate (MTX) and a tumour associated antigen (gp72) has been produced by fusing spleen cells from MTX immunised mice with 791T/36/3 (anti-gp72) hybridoma. The hybrid antibody was purified from anti-MTX and anti-gp72 antibodies present in the hybridoma culture supernatant by combinations of affinity chromatography on a MTX-agarose immunoabsorbent and stepwise acid elution from Sepharose-Protein A. A particular feature of the present antibody is that it reacts with conjugated MTX; this would allow in vivo targeting of conjugates, increasing many fold the number of molecules of drug carried or localising to pre-targeted antibody. Dual binding between tumour cell surface antigen and MTX was demonstrated by the ability of the hybrid antibody to bridge between tumour cells and MTX as MTX-HSA conjugate, reaction here being detected by flow cytofluorimetry. Purified hybrid antibody specifically enhanced the in vitro cytotoxicity of MTX-HSA for gp72 positive tumour cells.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

C595--a monoclonal antibody against the protein core of human urinary epithelial mucin commonly expressed in breast carcinomas.

Urinary mucins which express determinants for the anti-breast carcinoma monoclonal antibody, NCRC-11 (IgM), closely resemble the mammary mucins found in milk fat globules and carcinomas. An IgG3 monoclonal antibody, C595, was prepared against urinary mucins isolated on a NCRC-11 antibody affinity column, and this 'second generation' antibody was shown to have a very similar pattern of reactivity to the original NCRC-11 antibody. By immunohistology, the profile of reactivity of both antibodies with tumour and normal tissue specimens was virtually identical. Both antibodies reacted with epithelial mucins isolated from breast tumours or normal urine using an NCRC-11 antibody affinity column, although the antibodies were unreactive with other antigen preparations. Heterologous immunoradiometric assays ('sandwich' tests) confirmed that NCRC-11 and C595 epitopes were co-expressed on the same molecule. C595 antibodies inhibited the binding of radiolabelled NCRC-11 antibodies to antigen, suggesting that the two epitopes were in close topographical proximity. The protein core of the mammary mucins has recently been shown to consist predominantly of a repeated 20 amino acid sequence (Gendler et al., 1988). Peptides with this complete sequence and small fragments were synthesised, and the C595 antibody was found to recognise an epitope within this repeat. The ability to identify and synthesise monoclonal antibody-defined determinants, as well as those in the adjacent or overlapping sequences within the protein core of epithelial mucins, is viewed as a strategy for facilitating the production of antibodies of new and novel specificity to complement the panels of existing anti-breast cancer reagents.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Polymorphic epithelial mucin from the sera of advanced breast cancer patients--isolation and partial characterisation.

The anti-breast carcinoma monoclonal antibody (MAb), NCRC-11 defines a polymorphic epithelial mucin (PEM) which is elevated in the circulation of advanced breast carcinoma patients. Here we describe the purification and partial characterisation of this component from patients' sera and its use in the production of a second generation MAb, C568 (IgM). Pooled sera was fractionated by immunoaffinity and size-exclusion chromatography and the purity of preparations assessed by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting. Serum-derived PEM shows a similar pattern of electrophoretic mobility to PEM isolated from primary breast tumour tissue and migrates as several bands in 4% SDS polyacrylamide gels (Mr greater than 400,000). The epitope expression of PEMs isolated from either source is also similar, with both bearing topographically distinct determinants for several anti-mucin MAbs. The immunoreactivities of antibodies C568 and NCRC-11 were unaffected by boiling, reduction and alkylation, or by enzyme desialylation of PEM. Periodate oxidation and proteolytic digestion have suggested that the antigenic determinant for C568 is carbohydrate in nature whilst that of NCRC-11 is peptidic. In accord with the mucinous nature of the molecule, serum-derived PEM is susceptible to reductive beta-elimination, elutes in the void volume of a Sepharose CL-4B column and has a buoyant density of 1.45 g ml-1.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

A phase I/II study of trichosanthin treatment of HIV disease.

Trichosanthin, a ribosomal inhibitor protein, blocks HIV replication in lymphocytes and macrophages. This agent was used to treat 51 patients with advanced HIV disease in a dose-escalation study in which three injections were administered over a 9-21-day period in a dose range of 10-30 micrograms/kg per injection. The maximum tolerated dose was estimated to be 30 micrograms/kg. Reversible but severe fatigue and myalgias were the major dose-limiting side-effects; mild leucocytosis and elevations in serum transaminases were noted and were reversible. Non-dose-related reversible mental status changes were seen in six patients and were considered to be associated with the drug. This was usually manifest as dementia, but progressed to coma in two patients. This reversed, but the sequelae resulted in death in one patient. Decreases in serum p24 antigen levels were noted 1 month after the first infusion in 10 of 18 patients who entered the study with elevated levels; one converted to negative. Values usually remained low to the end of the study period (2 months). In those patients with CD4+ cell levels greater than 50 x 10(6) cells/l significant decreases in sedimentation rate and increases in CD4+ cell numbers were also noted. These changes were found at all dose levels but only in patients receiving three infusions.

Adult↗

Suppression of urushiol-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity responses in mice with serum IgG immunoglobulin from human hyposensitized donors.

Serum IgG immunoglobulin fractions from human subjects hyposensitized to poison ivy/oak by oral administration of urushiol suppressed the induction of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses in mice to this hapten. This suppressive activity was hapten specific because it did not modify DTH responses to dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). Absorption of human serum with lymph node cells from urushiolsensitized but not DNFB-sensitized mice removed the suppressive activity, suggesting that anti-idiotypic antibodies reacting with T-cell receptors are involved.

Animals↗

Phase I study of monoclonal antibody-ricin A chain immunotoxin XomaZyme-791 in patients with metastatic colon cancer.

Monoclonal antibody 791T/36, recognizing a Mr 72,000 antigen on the surface of colon carcinoma cells, has been used to construct an immunotoxin by conjugating to it the ribosomal inhibitor protein, ricin toxin A chain. The antibody 791T/36 has been shown to bind to membranes of freshly disaggregated tumor cells from human colon tumors, and to localize in tumors in vivo. Subacute toxicology testing in rats receiving immunotoxin i.v. showed, at highest doses, weight loss, decreased serum albumin, and hepatocyte vacuolization without elevation in liver function tests. A Phase I dose escalation study was carried out in which 17 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were treated with doses of immunotoxin ranging from 0.02 to 0.2 mg/kg/day in 1-h i.v. infusions for a 5-day course. Side-effects included a composite of signs and symptoms thought to be generic to ricin A chain immunotoxins, including decreased serum albumin, mild fever, and flu-like symptoms, all being reversible. Two additional findings, reversible proteinuria and mental status changes, were also noted which may be characteristic of this immunotoxin. By 10-20 days after therapy, most patients developed IgM and IgG antibodies against both the ricin toxin A chain and the immunoglobulin portion of the immunotoxin, which were asymptomatic. A strong anticombining site antibody response was seen. Biological activity manifest as mixed tumor regression was seen in five patients.

Adult↗

Mouse IgG2b monoclonal antibody fragmentation. Preparation and purification of Fab, Fc and Fab/c fragments.

Mouse IgG2b fragmentation has been poorly described in the literature because of the sensitivity of this subclass to proteases and the inability to produce F(ab')2 fragments. The fragments obtained include both Fc and Fab fragments and an intermediate of degradation, the Fab/c fragment, consisting of the Fc region and one Fab arm, which was first described by Parham (1983). Optimised pepsin digestion led to the formation of Fab/c in yields of up to 30% depending on the IgG2b antibodies susceptibility. DEAE-cellulose chromatography of the digested antibodies allowed, in all cases, separation of Fab fragments from Fc bearing fragments. Depending on the differences in pI between the fragments, Fab/c fragment purification was achieved either by CM-cellulose chromatography or by recycling HPLC gel filtration chromatography. Both procedures gave 97.5% purity Fab/c fragments. Fc fragments were purified by HPLC gel filtration chromatography. In cancer therapy the monovalent Fab/c fragments could be useful for drug targeting or for immunotherapy providing it retains a good affinity.

Animals↗

Flow cytometric screening of monoclonal antibodies for drug or toxin targeting to human cancer.

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that are candidates for antibody-directed therapy were evaluated by a flow cytometric method. This method accurately quantitates the intensity of staining and the percentage of cells from freshly derived primary tumors expressing the relevant cell surface antigens. This method was applied to human colorectal, gastric, and ovarian carcinomas. It allowed calculations of the number of drug molecules that potentially could be delivered by each MAb as well as selection of the optimal combinations of antibodies for treatment of each type of cancer. The binding of all the MAbs varied among the tumors, although combinations of antibodies reduced this problem. A combination of MAbs C14 and NCRC-23 recognized 97% of colorectal tumors. A combination of C14, NCRC-23, and 791T/36 recognized 95% of gastric tumors. Combinations of either 791T/36 and C14 or 791T/36 and NCRC-11 recognized 80% of ovarian tumors. The number of cells binding with a single MAb varied within the tumor. The optimal anti-colorectal tumor antibody was NCRC-23 (anti-carcinoembryonic antigen), which recognized a mean of 65% of the large cells within a tumor at a mean antigen density of 4.9 X 10(5) sites/cell. The optimal anti-gastric tumor antibody was C14 (anti-Y hapten), which recognized a mean of 66% of the large cells within a tumor at a mean antigen density of 4.4 X 10(5) sites/cell. The optimal anti-ovarian antibody was 115/D8, which recognized 54% of the large cells at a mean antigen density of 4.2 X 10(5) sites/cell. These antigen densities were similar to those calculated for HLA/ABC antigens in colorectal and ovarian cancers. However, the gastric tumors expressed elevated levels of major histocompatibility complex class I antigens, with a mean density of 7.3 X 10(5) sites/cell. Combinations of antibodies that recognize a high proportion of tumor cells are likely to be necessary for MAb-drug targeting to prevent tumor recurrence and/or metastases.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

The influence of syngeneic anti-idiotypic antibody on the biodistribution of an anti-tumour monoclonal antibody in BALB/c mice.

BALB/c mice were immunized against syngeneic murine 791T/36 monoclonal antibody (MAb) by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of the antibody conjugated to ricin toxin A chain. Subsequently, in these and control mice, the biodistribution of radioiodinated 791T/36 antibody and isotype-matched (IgG2b) control immunoglobulin was examined. Pre-treated mice showed marked perturbation of biodistribution of the 791T/36 antibody but not of control IgG2b. This was manifest as rapid hepatic clearance of the antibody which was followed by accelerated catabolism and excretion of the radiolabel. Anti-idiotypic antibodies were identified in immunotoxin pretreated mice by their ability to inhibit the binding of FITC-labelled 791T/36 antibody to tumour target cells. These studies show that antibody responses, even to only the idiotype of a MAb, may produce marked perturbation of its biodistribution. This has implications for the clinical use of human or chimeric MAbs for tumour imaging or targeting of therapeutic agents since, if anti-idiotypic antibodies are evoked, they could still prevent tumour localization of antibody or conjugate.

Animals↗

Abrogation of antibody responses in rats to murine monoclonal antibody 791T/36 by treatment with daunomycin-cis-aconityl-791T/36 conjugates.

The majority of monoclonal antibodies in clinical use are of murine origin. It is now well-established that patients generate an antibody response to the mouse immunoglobulin which restricts repeated administration. Pre-sensitization of patients to mouse antibody is screened by hypersensitivity to i.d. administered antibody. This study shows that low doses of mouse antibody administered either i.d. or s.c. are highly immunogenic and suggests that a serological assay would be a safer method of screening for anti-mouse antibodies. Rats treated with monoclonal antibody linked via an acid labile cis-aconityl bond to daunomycin failed to produce a primary response to this conjugate. They were also rendered immunologically unresponsive to subsequent challenges with the unconjugated monoclonal antibody. The induced state of immunological unresponsiveness to free antibody persisted in the rats for 18 weeks and although antibody-cis-aconityl-daunomycin pre-treated animals eventually responded to the fourth challenge with free antibody, at week 25, the response was still significantly less than in the free antibody-pre-treated and challenged animals. These studies show that the use of antibody-cis-aconityl-daunomycin conjugates may provide an approach for the control of human responses to mouse immunoglobulin.

Animals↗

Influence of circulating antigen on the biodistribution and tumour localization of radiolabelled monoclonal antibody in a human tumour: nude mouse xenograft model.

A monoclonal antibody, against a colorectal carcinoma tumour-associated antigen, was radioiodinated and its biodistribution studied in comparison with that of control immunoglobulin in nude mice with colon carcinoma xenografts. Tumour localization of the antibody in comparison with normal tissues was poor, and in absolute terms more control IgG than antibody was present per gram of tumour. This failure to achieve localization could not be ascribed to poor immunoreactivity of the antibody nor to the failure of the xenografts to express the appropriate antigen. Analysis of serum from mice with xenografts showed the presence of circulating tumour-derived antigen. This serum-borne antigen was found to form immune complexes both in vitro and in vivo with the monoclonal antibody, and this complex formation is probably the limiting factor in tumour localization of the antibody. This is one of only few examples where mice with human tumour xenografts have levels of circulating antigen sufficient to perturb biodistribution of antibody. These findings are relevant to the biodistribution of monoclonal antibodies in the clinical situation, since circulating antigen is often found in cancer patients.

Animals↗