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Biomedical subjects

S L Morrison

Publications and source records attributed to S L Morrison.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Novel vectors for the expression of antibody molecules using variable regions generated by polymerase chain reaction.

A new family of vectors has been produced which facilitates the cloning and expression of immunoglobulin variable regions cloned by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The vectors are designed to express the cloned variable regions joined to human constant regions and take advantage of priming in the leader sequence so that no amino acid changes will be introduced into the mature antibody molecule. Both the heavy chain and light chain vectors utilize a murine VH promoter provided with an EcoRV restriction site so that the amplified variable regions can be directly cloned into a functional promoter. For the heavy chain an NheI restriction site has been generated at the first two amino acids of CH1 and the cloned leader and variable region are fused directly to the CH1 domain of the constant region. When the leader and variable regions of the light chain were fused directly to C kappa, no expression was observed. Therefore the light chain expression vector was designed with a SalI restriction site for cloning into a splice junction 3' of the variable region; VL then is joined to C kappa by splicing. Both vectors direct the expression of functional, fully assembled immunoglobulin molecules with the expected molecular weight. Use of redundant oligomers to prime the PCR permits the cloning and expression of recombinant antibodies without any prior information as to their sequence and makes it possible to rapidly generate recombinant antibodies from any monoclonal antibody producing cell line.

Animals

Production and characterization of a murine/human chimeric anti-idiotype antibody that mimics ganglioside.

The VL and VH from a murine anti-idiotypic antibody that mimics ganglioside have been cloned, sequenced, and expressed as a chimeric mouse/human IgG1 antibody. The chimeric antibody retained a binding specificity indistinguishable from the original murine antibody. The VH was a member of Vgam 3.8 family. The sequences are discussed in terms of ways in which proteins may mimic ganglioside epitopes.

Amino Acid Sequence

Monoclonal IgM rheumatoid factors bind IgG at a discontinuous epitope comprised of amino acid loops from heavy-chain constant-region domains 2 and 3.

A combination of site-directed mutagenesis and exon exchange has been used to further define the structure on IgG recognized by monoclonal IgM rheumatoid factors (RFs) from patients with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. Most of these RFs bound IgG1, -2, and -4 but not IgG3. For these RFs, His-435 is a critical residue for binding and replacing it with arginine, the residue present in IgG3, destroys or reduces RF binding. However, additional polymorphic sequences in both the heavy-chain constant-region domains (CH) 2 and 3 are important for RF binding. Among the important residues in CH2 are amino acids 252-254 and 309-311, which are conserved among IgG isotypes and comprise two loops of amino acids on the surface of the domain. Therefore, at least three regions, two from CH2 and one from CH3, contribute significantly to the epitope recognized by the RFs. Although this epitope contains many of the same residues as the staphylococcal protein A binding site on IgG, the binding specificities of staphylococcal protein A and monoclonal RFs are not identical. Sera from patients with rheumatoid arthritis contain antibodies directed not only at this epitope but also at other sites on IgG.

Amino Acid Sequence

Sequence of the gamma 2b membrane 3' untranslated region: polya site determination and comparison to the gamma 2a membrane 3' untranslated region.

We present here the nucleotide sequence of the gamma 2b membrane 3' untranslated region as well as approximately 443 nucleotides of 3' flanking sequence. Although this region contains two potential polyadenylation hexanucleotides AATAAA (located 1328 and 1407 nucleotides downstream of the last membrane exon), it appears that only the first site directs polyadenylation of the mature mRNA. The first AATAAA is followed by several sequences which may influence its relative strength: the region downstream of this AATAAA is 44% T-rich and contains a pair of CAYTG sequences (4/5 match) which overlap two sequences which have a 6/8 match to the sequence YGTGTTYY. These sequences have been found in proximity to a large number of 3' ends [Gil and Proudfoot, Cell 49, 399-406 (1987); McLauchlan et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 13, 1347-1368. (1985); Berget, Nature 309, 179-182 (1984)]. The AATAAA site at position 1407 is not flanked by a T- or GT-rich sequence and is followed by a single CAYTG sequence (4/5 match) and a single YGTGTTYY sequence (6/8 match). The region downstream of the second AATAAA site also contains a sequence which has an 8/12 match with a sequence found in all heavy chain secreted 3' untranslated regions [Kobrin et al., Molec. Cell. Biol. 6, 1687-1697 (1986)]. Consistent with sequence comparisons between other regions of these two genes, the gamma 2b sequence has striking homology with the gamma 2a 3' untranslated region. A notable difference between gamma 2b and gamma 2a is the absence of an extensive array of GAA, GA, GGAA, and GGA repeats from the gamma 2b sequence. The GA repeats are postulated to form a stem loop structure in the gamma 2a 3' untranslated region; gamma 2b then would be missing the 5' half of the stem. Interestingly, neither the gamma 2b nor the gamma 2a 3' untranslated regions show large homologies to the mu, delta, gamma 3, or the alpha membrane 3' untranslated regions.

Animals

Mapping rheumatoid factor binding sites using genetically engineered, chimeric IgG antibodies.

We are using chimeric IgG antibodies consisting of murine variable regions joined to human constant regions as rheumatoid factor (RF) binding substrates to localize and map IgM RF binding sites on IgG. Using chimeric antibodies in a modified RF ELISA, we showed that RFs from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WMac) patients differ in their binding specificities for IgG3, although some of these RFs share common specificity for IgG1, IgG2, and IgG4. By shuffling constant region domains between IgG3 and IgG4, we showed that sequence variation in the CH3 domain is responsible for WMac-derived RF differentiation of IgG3 and IgG4. By making site-directed mutations in the wild-type IgG3 or IgG4 human gamma constant genes, we showed that His-435 is an essential residue in RF binding to IgG for most WMac RFs. The allotypic polymorphism in IgG3 at 436 is not responsible for differences in previous reports of high-frequency IgG3 binding by WMac RFs. A amino acid loop in the CH2 domain of IgG4 proximal to the CH2-CH3 interface is important in WMac RF binding to IgG; a more distal CH2 loop in CH2 has a more variable effect on WMac RF binding. To evaluate the contribution of the N-linked carbohydrate moiety at Asn-297 to RF binding sites on IgG, we measured RF binding to aglycosylated IgG antibodies produced by mutating the glycosylation signal Asn-297 to another amino acid. Of all four IgG subclasses, only aglycosylated IgG3 was a better RF binding substrate than its glycosylated subclass counterpart.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals

In vitro antibodies: strategies for production and application.

The approaches to the production of antibodies (Ab) using the techniques of genetic engineering and expression are reviewed. Genetic engineering facilitates the production of proteins tailormade for an intended use. Bacterial and mammalian expression systems are commonly used for the production of Ab and Ab-like molecules. While genomic or cDNA cloning can be used to obtain the relevant variable regions, PCR-based cloning approaches facilitate the acquisition of additional binding specificities. Large numbers of different chimeric Abs with murine variable regions joined to constant regions from human and other species have been expressed and found to exhibit the expected binding specificities and effector functions. These molecules have been used to study the structural basis of effector functions such as complement activation and Fc receptor binding, and potentially they may be used as therapeutic agents. Carbohydrate has been shown to influence both variable and constant region function. Single-chain Abs and fusion proteins with Ab binding specificities joined to nonimmunoglobulin sequences provide a source of Ab-like molecules with novel properties, and genetically engineered Ab-like molecules provide a source of useful antigens. Combinatorial libraries produced in bacteriophage present an alternative to hybridomas for the production of Abs with desired combining specificities. Issues of the immunogenicity of the recombinant molecules are addressed.

Animals

Root surface characteristics associated with subgingival placement of monolithic tetracycline-impregnated fibers.

The purpose of this investigation was to inspect and characterize the subgingival root surface after a 10-day exposure in vivo to 25% tetracycline hydrochloride by weight in an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer fiber matrix with and without root planing therapy. The root surfaces were examined by fluorescent-light microscopy (FLM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Thirty-two teeth were selected for study, 4 from each of 8 patients. The teeth of each patient were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: non-treated control (C), scaling and root planing only (RP), tetracycline-impregnated fiber only (F), and scaling and root planing with tetracycline-impregnated fiber application (RP/F). SEM revealed a visible reduction in the subgingival microbial flora in both the F and RP/F treatment groups in comparison with the C group specimens. Many of the residual bacteria observed in F and RP/F specimens appeared non-viable, exhibiting obvious loss of membrane integrity. In contrast, the RP specimens exhibited randomly distributed areas of residual subgingival plaque and calculus with newly developing plaque fronts; the plaque fronts undoubtedly having formed during the 10 days post-therapy. All RP/F specimens exhibited an incomplete removal of adsorbed root surface pellicle and demineralization of the subsequently exposed root surface. EDS analysis of large crystals adhering to root surfaces of F and RP/F specimens revealed high chloride peaks, suggesting the presence of residual tetracycline. FLM examination of F and RP/F treated specimens showed a superficial penetration of tetracycline into the root surface of about 10 microns. Areas of demineralized root showed slight tetracycline penetration into exposed dentinal tubules.

Adsorption

The second century of the antibody. Molecular perspectives in regulation, pathophysiology, and therapeutic applications.

The modern age of immunology began in 1890 with the discovery of antibodies as a major component of protective immunity. The 2nd century of the antibody begins with a focus on the molecular physiology and pathophysiology of immunoglobulin production. Numerous human variable-region antibody genes have been identified through advances in molecular cloning and anti-variable-region monoclonal antibodies. Some of these variable-region genes are now known to be involved in specific stages of B-lymphocyte differentiation and immune development. This connection has yielded new insights into the pathogenesis of immune dyscrasias and lymphoid neoplasia; common variable immunodeficiency and cryoglobulinemia are highlighted here. The molecular regulation of immunoglobulin expression suggests new targets for pathogenesis and clinical intervention. Finally, genetically engineered antibodies offer novel opportunities for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Agammaglobulinemia

Genetically engineered antibodies: progress and prospects.

Techniques of genetic engineering and expression have been applied to the production of antibodies in a variety of expression systems. Novel antibodies have been produced with a variety of modifications: as chimeric antibodies, as "humanized" antibodies, with catalytic groups, as bifunctional or fusion proteins, and as functional fragments such as Fabs or Fvs. The domain structure of the antibody is favorable to such manipulation; the novel proteins often retain their antibody-derived activity and acquire new properties as well. Chimeric and complementarity-determining region (CDR)-grafted antibodies have been effective in immunotherapy, but problems of immunogenicity remain. Combinatorial libraries produced in bacteriophage may present an alternative to animal immunization as a source of antigen-binding specificities. Structural and mutational analysis of variable regions is providing useful information about the requirements of the variable region for antigen binding. Careful analysis and comparison of effector functions among immunoglobulin isotypes may be applied to the design of effective therapeutic antibodies.

Animals

Structural and functional properties of mouse-human chimeric IgD.

A gene encoding mouse-human chimeric secreted IgD was constructed using the rearranged murine variable region specific for the hapten dansyl and the genomic gene sequences for the constant region of the heavy (H) chain of human IgD. When expressed with the dansyl-specific chimeric light (L) chain, chimeric IgD specific for the hapten dansyl was synthesized and secreted as an H2L2 molecule. The pathway of assembly was H + L----HL----H2L2. The chimeric IgD heavy chain contains three N-linked carbohydrate moieties; one of these appears to be added co-translationally, and the other two appear to be added post-translationally. In secreted chimeric IgD some of the N-linked carbohydrate remains in the high mannose form. The chimeric IgD heavy chain also contains O-linked carbohydrate, which is added at the time of secretion. Inhibition of N-linked glycosylation with tunicamycin halts assembly at the HL half-molecule stage and prevents secretion. Like natural human IgD, the chimeric IgD binds to and upregulates the IgD receptor (IgD-R) on human peripheral blood T cells, and it is equivalent to human myeloma IgD in the competitive inhibition of rosette formation between IgD-R-bearing cells and IgD-coated Ox-RBC, Cross-linking by dansyl-BSA is needed for the chimeric IgD in soluble form to cause IgD-R upregulation.

Animals

Spontaneous deletions in Ig heavy chain genes: flanking sequences influence splice site selection.

The cell line G403.4.7, isolated as a spontaneous variant of the MPC-11 derived myeloma G403.4, produces a truncated gamma 2b HC protein, but no light chain (LC), and a single gamma 2b specific transcript of 2.4kb. This gamma 2b transcript consists of the VDJ and CH1 exons, the CH1 to Hinge (Hi) intervening sequence (IVS) and HI exon, part of the IVS between the two membrane exons M1 and M2, and most of the membrane 3' untranslated (UT) region. Even though the mature mRNA contains intronic sequences, it is abundant in the cytoplasm. Analysis of the gamma 2b genomic organization reveals that this unusual transcript results in part from two genomic deletions of 2.5kb and 588bp and in part from an altered splicing pattern. This altered splicing pattern is probably a consequence of the sequence alterations resulting from the genomic deletions. Analysis of these events provides some interesting insights into the mechanism of splice site selection and the evolution of introns and exons.

Base Sequence

The binding affinity of human IgG for its high affinity Fc receptor is determined by multiple amino acids in the CH2 domain and is modulated by the hinge region.

A family of chimeric immunoglobulins (Igs) bearing the murine variable region directed against the hapten dansyl linked to human IgG1, -2, -3, and -4 has been characterized with respect to binding to the human high affinity Fc gamma receptor, Fc gamma RI. Chimeric IgG1 and -3 have the highest affinity association (Ka = 10(9) M-1), IgG4 is 10-fold reduced from this level, and IgG2 displays no detectable binding. A series of genetic manipulations was undertaken in which domains from the strongly binding subclass IgG3 were exchanged with domains from the nonbinding subclass IgG2. The subclass of the CH2 domain was found to be critical for determining IgG receptor affinity. In addition, the hinge region was found to modulate the affinity of the IgG for Fc gamma RI, possibly by determining accessibility of Fc gamma RI to the binding site on Fc. A series of amino acid substitutions were engineered into the CH2 domain of IgG3 and IgG4 at sites considered potentially important to Fc receptor binding based on homology comparisons of binding and nonbinding IgG subclasses. Characterization of these mutants has revealed the importance for Fc gamma RI association of two regions of the genetic CH2 domain separated in primary structure by nearly 100 residues. The first of these is the hinge-link or lower hinge regions, in which two residues, Leu (234) and Leu(235) in IgG1 and -3, are critical to high affinity binding. Substitution at either of these sites reduces the IgG association constant by 10-100-fold. The second region that appears to contribute to receptor binding is in a hinge-proximal bend between two beta strands within the CH2 domain, specifically, Pro(331) in IgG1 and -3. As a result of beta sheet formation within this domain, this residue lies within 11 A of the hinge-link region. Substitution at this site reduces the Fc receptor association constant by 10-fold.

Amino Acid Sequence

The differential ability of human IgG1 and IgG4 to activate complement is determined by the COOH-terminal sequence of the CH2 domain.

Using domain switch chimeric antibodies, we confirm the important role of CH2 in complement activation. In addition, we demonstrate that the structures responsible for the differential ability of human IgG1 and IgG4 to activate complement are located at the COOH-terminal part (from residue 292 to 340) of the CH2 domain. The amino acids in CH2 that might be involved in complement interaction are discussed. While CH3 contributes to efficient complement activation, CH3 from IgG2 and CH3 IgG3 are equally effective.

Complement Activation

Molecular analysis of IgM rheumatoid factor binding to chimeric IgG.

To localize regions on IgG bound by rheumatoid factors (RF), we studied IgM RF binding to chimeric IgG antibodies consisting of murine V regions fused to human constant regions. Using a modified RF ELISA, we showed that polyclonal RF from rheumatoid arthritis patients bound IgG1, 2, and 4 strongly; IgG3 was also bound, although less well. The majority of 18 monoclonal RF from patients with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia bound IgG1, 2, and 4 only. In contrast to RF from RA, 14 of 18 monoclonal RF did not react with IgG3. Only 3 of 18 monoclonal RF bound IgG3 well. By shuffling C region domains between IgG3 and IgG4, we showed that sequence variation in the CH3 domain is responsible for the differential binding of monoclonal RF to IgG3 and IgG4. Hybrid IgG3/IgG4 antibodies containing the CH3 domain of IgG4 were bound by monoclonal RF, whereas those containing the CH3 domain of IgG3 were not. To evaluate the contribution of the N-linked carbohydrate moiety at Asn-297 to RF binding sites on IgG, we measured RF binding to aglycosylated IgG antibodies produced by mutating Asn-297 to another amino acid. Glycosylated and aglycosylated IgG1, 2, and 4 were bound identically by monoclonal and polyclonal RF. Aglycosylated IgG3, however, was bound better than glycosylated IgG3 by polyclonal RF and by IgG3-reactive monoclonal RF.

Animals

Antibody variable region glycosylation: position effects on antigen binding and carbohydrate structure.

The presence of N-linked carbohydrate at Asn58 in the VH of the antigen binding site of an antibody specific for alpha(1----6)dextran (TKC3.2.2) increases its affinity for dextran 10- to 50-fold. Site-directed mutagenesis has now been used to create novel carbohydrate addition sequences in the CDR2 of a non-glycosylated anti-dextran at Asn54 (TST2) and Asn60 (TSU7). These antibodies are glycosylated and the carbohydrates are accessible for lectin binding. The amino acid change in TSU7 (Lys62----Thr62) decreases the affinity for antigen; however, glycosylation of TSU7 increased its affinity for antigen 3-fold, less than the greater than 10-fold increase in affinity seen for glycosylated TKC3.2.2. The difference in impact of glycosylation could result either from the position of the carbohydrate or from its structure; unlike the other antibodies, TSU7 attaches a high mannose, rather than complex, carbohydrate in CDR2. In contrast, glycosylation of TST2 at amino acid 54 inhibits dextran binding. Thus slight changes in the position of the N-linked carbohydrate in the CDR2 of this antibody result in substantially different effects on antigen binding. Unlike what was observed for the anti-dextrans, a carbohydrate addition site placed in a similar position in an anti-dansyl is not utilized.

Amino Acid Sequence

A comparison of apparent mRNA half-life using kinetic labeling techniques vs decay following administration of transcriptional inhibitors.

Several different techniques were used to determine the apparent half-lives of immunoglobulin gamma 2b heavy chain and kappa light chain mRNA's in mouse myeloma 4T001 and a mutant derived from 4T001, i.e., mutant I17. The mutant I17 Ig heavy chain mRNA lacks CH1 and has fused CH2 and CH3 domains resulting in a truncated protein. By all four techniques the Ig heavy chain mRNA from mutant I17 displays a half-life that is approximately 70% the half-life of Ig mRNA in 4T001 cells. However, the absolute values of apparent half-life varied by greater than twofold for both lines among several of the techniques employed. The half-life of Ig gamma 2b mRNA in 4T001 cells was found to be 6.4 h by measuring decay following administration of the adenosine analog DRB to block new mRNA synthesis and 5.7 hr by measuring accumulation in an approach to steady-state labeling protocol. In contrast, the observed Ig mRNA half-lives determined by measuring decay following administration of actinomycin D to block new mRNA synthesis, or in a pulse-chase analysis were 2.9 and 3.8 h, respectively. The apparent half-life for Ig kappa light chain mRNA was the same in the 4T001 and I17 lines using any one technique but the value varied depending on the technique from a high value of 5.9 h following DRB to a low value of 2.4 h with actinomycin decay. Approach to steady-state is theoretically the most accurate method to measure mRNA half-life when that value is less than the doubling time of the cells. Pulse-chase analyses are accurate for measuring mRNA half-life when that value is longer than the effective chase period. Measuring preformed message decay following administration of drugs to block new mRNA synthesis is adaptable over a range of half-lives, but the cells must be shown to retain correct RNA metabolism over the time frame of the experiment. Determining a correct half-life for a particular mRNA may not be feasible using only one method and may, in fact, require several different approaches until a consensus value emerges.

Animals