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G Winter

Publications and source records attributed to G Winter.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction study of the bacterially expressed Fv from the monoclonal anti-lysozyme antibody D1.3 and of its complex with the antigen, lysozyme.

The associated heavy (VH) and light (VL) chain variable domains (Fv) of the monoclonal anti-lysozyme antibody D1.3, secreted from Escherichia coli, have been crystallized in their antigen-bound and free forms. FvD1.3 gives tetragonal crystals, space group P4(1)2(1)2 (or P4(3)2(1)2), with a = 90.6 A, c = 56.4 A. The FvD1.3-lysozyme complex crystallizes in space group C2, with a = 129.2 A, b = 60.8 A, c = 56.9 A and beta = 119.3 degrees. The crystals contain one molecule of Fv or of the Fv-lysozyme complex in their asymmetric units and diffract X-rays to high resolution, making them suitable for X-ray crystallographic studies.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

'Sticky feet'-directed mutagenesis and its application to swapping antibody domains.

We describe a novel technique for precisely cutting and pasting two DNA sequences without using restriction sites. The method is based on site-directed mutagenesis and uses a long primer, generated by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to transfer large segments of DNA into a single-stranded template. The primer anneals to the template by virtue of 'sticky feet' sequences (complementary to the template) which are introduced at the ends of the primer by the PCR. Yields of desired recombinants were high (approximately 36%) and the transplanted sequences (approximately 400bp) free of errors. We have used this technique to swap CH2 domains between two mouse antibodies, and find that this domain can carry features critical for triggering complement lysis, in addition to the C1q binding motif.

Animals↗

The immunogenicity of chimeric antibodies.

Mice were immunized with model xenogeneic (both the VH frameworks and the CH domains of human origin), chimeric (just VH frameworks human), or self antibodies, and the antiantibody responses were dissected. Only the self antibody did not elicit a response. A strong response was elicited by the most xenogeneic antibody with approximately 90% against the C and approximately 10% against the V. The anti-V response was not attenuated in the chimeric antibody, demonstrating that foreign VH frameworks can be sufficient to lead to a strong antiantibody response. The magnitude of this xenogeneic anti-VH response was similar to that of the allotypic response elicited by immunizing mice of the Igha allotype with an Ighb antibody. Thus, although chimerization can diminish antiantibody responses, attention should be paid both to V region immunogenicity and to polymorphism.

Animals↗

Binding activities of a repertoire of single immunoglobulin variable domains secreted from Escherichia coli.

In antibodies, a heavy and a light chain variable domain, VH and VL, respectively, pack together and the hypervariable loops on each domain contribute to binding antigen. We find, however, that isolated VH domains with good antigen-binding affinities can also be prepared. Using the polymerase chain reaction, diverse libraries of VH genes were cloned from the spleen genomic DNA of mice immunized with either lysozyme or keyhole-limpet haemocyanin. From these libraries, VH domains were expressed and secreted from Escherichia coli. Binding activities were detected against both antigens, and two VH domains were characterized with affinities for lysozyme in the 20 nM range. Isolated variable domains may offer an alternative to monoclonal antibodies and serve as the key to building high-affinity human antibodies. We suggest the name 'single domain antibodies (dAbs)' for these antigen binding demands.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Secretion of a homodimeric V alpha C kappa T-cell receptor-immunoglobulin chimeric protein.

Transfection into lymphoid cells of a chimeric T-cell receptor-immunoglobulin gene has been used to generate a secreted water-soluble form of the variable (V) domain of a human T-cell receptor alpha chain for use in structural (i.e. x-ray crystallographic) studies. The chimeric protein consists of the V alpha region of the T-cell receptor of a diphtheria toxoid-specific human T-cell clone fused to a human immunoglobulin kappa light chain constant (C) region. It is efficiently secreted by myeloma cells as a noncovalent homodimer of 65-kDa molecular mass in the absence of either immunoglobulin heavy or light chain. The V alpha C kappa protein is extensively glycosylated, and its secretion is glycosylation-dependent. Chimeric genes containing the V beta region of this particular T-cell receptor linked to immunoglobulin C kappa or C gamma 2 regions are expressed intracellularly, but the products, although glycosylated, are not secreted, nor do they assemble with the V alpha C kappa protein. This suggests that the chimeric beta chain-immunoglobulin proteins are incorrectly folded and/or processed due either to the design of the gene fusions themselves or to the absence of vital T-cell-specific accessory molecules in the myeloma host.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cloning immunoglobulin variable domains for expression by the polymerase chain reaction.

We have designed a set of oligonucleotide primers to amplify the cDNA of mouse immunoglobulin heavy and light chain variable domains by the polymerase chain reaction. The primers incorporate restriction sites that allow the cDNA of the variable domains to be force-cloned for sequencing and expression. Here we have applied the technique to clone and sequence the variable domains of five hybridoma antibodies and to express a mouse-human chimeric antibody that binds to the human mammary carcinoma line MCF-7. The technique should also lead to the cloning of antigen-binding specificities directly from immunoglobulin genes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Remission induction in non-Hodgkin lymphoma with reshaped human monoclonal antibody CAMPATH-1H.

A genetically reshaped human IgG1 monoclonal antibody (CAMPATH-1H) was used to treat two patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Doses of 1-20 mg daily were given intravenously for up to 43 days. In both patients lymphoma cells were cleared from the blood and bone marrow and splenomegaly resolved. One patient had lymphadenopathy which also resolved. These effects were achieved without myelosuppression, and normal haemopoeisis was restored during the course of treatment, partially in one patient and completely in the other. No antiglobulin response was detected in either patient. CAMPATH-1H is a potent lympholytic antibody which might have an important use in the treatment of lymphoproliferative disorders and additionally as an immunosuppressive agent.

Aged↗

Expression of an antibody Fv fragment in myeloma cells.

The antigen binding site on antibodies is fashioned by loops at the tips of the beta-sheet framework of both heavy and light chain variable domains. A heterodimer of both variable domains (Fv fragment), incorporating loops from an anti-lysozyme antibody, was expressed and secreted from myeloma cells in good yield (8 mg/l in supernatant from roller bottles), and shown to bind lysozyme. The two subunits were found to be in dynamic equilibrium but are overwhelmingly associated at neutral pH. The small size of Fv fragments (25 x 10(3) Mr) make them attractive for structural studies, in vivo imaging, and therapy.

Animals↗

The binding site for C1q on IgG.

In humoral defence, pathogens are cleared by antibodies acting as adaptor molecules: they bind to antigen and trigger clearance mechanisms such as phagocytosis, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and complement lysis. The first step in the complement cascade is the binding of C1q to the antibody. There are six heads on C1q, connected by collagen-like stems to a central stalk, and the isolated heads bind to the Fc portion of antibody rather weakly, with an affinity of 100 microM (ref. 3). Binding of antibody to multiple epitopes on an antigenic surface, aggregates the antibody and this facilitates the binding of several C1q heads, leading to an enhanced affinity of about 10 nM (ref. 1). Within the Fc portion of the antibody, C1q binds to the CH2 domain. The interaction is sensitive to ionic strength, and appears to be highly conserved throughout evolution as C1q reacts with IgG from different species (for example see ref. 8). By systematically altering surface residues in the mouse IgG2b isotype, we have localized the binding site for C1q to three side chains, Glu 318, Lys 320 and Lys 322. These residues are relatively conserved in other antibody isotypes, and a peptide mimic of this sequence is able to inhibit complement lysis. We propose that this sequence motif forms a common core in the interactions of IgG and C1q.

Animals↗

Localization of the binding site for the human high-affinity Fc receptor on IgG.

A major pathway in the clearance of pathogens involves the coating of the pathogen with specific antibodies, and the binding of the antibody Fc region to cell receptors. This can trigger engulfment of the pathogen by phagocytes or lysis by killer cells. By oligonucleotide site-directed mutagenesis we have engineered a single amino acid change in a mouse IgG2b antibody (Glu 235----Leu) which now enables the antibody to bind to the FcRI (high affinity) receptor on human monocytes with a 100-fold improvement in affinity. This indicates that Leu 235 is a major determinant in the binding of antibody to FcRI and that the receptor may interact directly with the region linking the CH2 domain to the hinge. Tailoring the affinity of antibodies for cell receptors could help dissect their role in clearing pathogen.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Reshaping human antibodies: grafting an antilysozyme activity.

The production of therapeutic human monoclonal antibodies by hybridoma technology has proved difficult, and this has prompted the "humanizing" of mouse monoclonal antibodies by recombinant DNA techniques. It was shown previously that the binding site for a small hapten could be grafted from the heavy-chain variable domain of a mouse antibody to that of a human myeloma protein by transplanting the hypervariable loops. It is now shown that a large binding site for a protein antigen (lysozyme) can also be transplanted from mouse to human heavy chain. The success of such constructions may be facilitated by an induced-fit mechanism.

Animals↗

Reshaping human antibodies for therapy.

A human IgGI antibody has been reshaped for serotherapy in humans by introducing the six hypervariable regions from the heavy- and light-chain variable domains of a rat antibody directed against human lymphocytes. The reshaped human antibody is as effective as the rat antibody in complement and is more effective in cell-mediated lysis of human lymphocytes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Reconstruction by site-directed mutagenesis of the transition state for the activation of tyrosine by the tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase: a mobile loop envelopes the transition state in an induced-fit mechanism.

Site-directed mutagenesis of the tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase followed by kinetic studies has shown that residues which are distant from the active site of the free enzyme are brought into play as the structure of the enzyme changes during catalysis. Positively charged side chains which are in mobile loops of the enzyme envelope the negatively charged pyrophosphate moiety during the transition state for the formation of tyrosyl adenylate in an induced-fit mechanism. Residues Lys-82 and Arg-86, which are on one side of the rim of the binding site pocket, and Lys-230 and Lys-233, which are on the other side, have been mutated to alanine residues and also to asparagine or glutamine. The resultant mutants still form 1 mol of tyrosyl adenylate/mol of dimer but with rate constants up to 8000 times lower. Construction of difference energy diagrams reveals that all the residues specifically interact with the transition state for the reaction and with pyrophosphate in the E.Tyr-AMP.PPi complex. Yet, the epsilon-NH3+ groups of Lys-230 and Lys-233 in the crystalline enzyme are at least 8 A too far away to interact with the pyrophosphate moiety in the transition state at the same time as do Lys-82 and Arg-86. Binding of substrates must, therefore, induce a conformational change in the enzyme that brings these residues into range. Consistent with this proposal is the observation that all four residues are in flexible regions of the protein.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acyl-tRNA Synthetases↗

The Abbott IMx automated benchtop immunochemistry analyzer system.

We describe a new clinical laboratory instrument, the IMx, used to automate immunoassay testing in the clinical laboratory. The IMx incorporates a novel technology called Microparticle capture Enzyme ImmunoAssay (MEIA) for assays of high-molecular-mass analytes, and fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) for hapten assays. A front-surface fluorometer is used to quantify the enzymatic generation of fluorescent product at a rate proportional to the concentration of the analyte in an MEIA, and a fluorescence polarization optical system is used to quantify results in an FPIA. The microprocessor-based instrument uses a robotic arm with two degrees of freedom and a rotating carousel to process the samples for assay. One assay can be done on each of 24 patients' specimens in 30 to 40 min with "walk-away" automation. Calibration curves are stable for at least two weeks. Instrument control involves software-labeled "command keys," a numeric keypad, and an interactive display. Results are output to a thermal printer or computer interface.

Autoanalysis↗