Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J Wijdenes

Publications and source records attributed to J Wijdenes.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Monocyte cytokine secretion induced by chemically-defined derivatives of Klebsiella pneumoniae.

The capacity of a K. pneumoniae membrane proteoglycan (Kp-MPG) and four of its chemically defined derivatives to activate human monocytes was studied by measuring immunoreactive IL-1 beta, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in culture supernatants. Monocyte culture supernatants were also tested for their comitogenic activity on concanavalin A-stimulated thymocytes and for their cytotoxic activity on the mouse fibroblastic L929 cell line. The four Kp-MPG derivatives were: (i) an acylpoly(1-3)galactoside (APG); (ii) an APG preparation submitted to acid hydrolysis which removed all fatty acids but left intact the galactose chain of APG (GC-APG); (iii) a preparation obtained by mild alkaline hydrolysis, containing additional ester-linked C14 and C16 fatty acids bound to the APG molecule (EFA-APG); and (iv) a polymer of the latter compound (APG pol). Kp-MPG induced the synthesis of IL-1 beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha with dose-responses and kinetics similar to those of Salmonella minnesota lipopolysaccharide (Sm-Re-LPS). APG pol and EFA-APG induced the secretion of the three cytokines with lower potency than Kp-MPG or Sm-Re-LPS. APG did not trigger any detectable cytokine production and GC-APG induced only borderline and inconsistent responses. Our data demonstrate the critical role of ester-linked C14 and C16 fatty acids in the triggering of monocyte response to Kp-MPG derivatives.

Cells, Cultured↗

An effective immunomagnetic method for bone marrow purging in T cell malignancies.

An immunomagnetic method was developed to purge human bone marrow of malignant T cells, for use in conjunction with autologous bone marrow transplantation in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoma. Three monoclonal antibodies anti CD2 (BH1), CD5 (BB8) and CD7 (BF12) were used. In model experiments employing MOLT4 cells it was found that with 50-fold excess of immunobeads relative to antigen-positive cells, the use of each antibody alone resulted in a 3.3-3.6 log tumor cell depletion, as assessed in a sensitive and reproducible clonogenic soft agar assay. When all three antibodies were used in a mixture, a purging efficacy of 5 logs was achieved. Two treatment cycles improved these figures to about 4 logs and more than 5 logs. When MOLT4 cells were mixed 1:10 with fresh bone marrow cells the antibody mixture yielded 3.1 and more than 5 log tumor cell depletion with one and two treatment cycles, respectively. This procedure resulted in only an insignificant reduction of the number of CFU-GM and CFU-GEMM progenitor cells. In two patients autotransplanted with purged marrow, the loss of CFU-GM was 37% and 48%, and no tumor cells could be detected by immunocytochemistry after purging. Rapid and sustained engraftment was achieved and both patients remain in complete remission after more than 20 months.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

IL-6 and IL-6 receptor modulation by IFN-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in human monocytic cell line (THP-1). Priming effect of IFN-gamma.

The present work is a detailed study of the mechanism of IFN-gamma- and TNF-alpha-triggered IL-6 secretion and IL-6 gene expression in human monocytic THP-1 cells and of the effect of these cytokines on the expression of IL-6 surface receptor and IL-6R gene. Although TNF-alpha was shown to stimulate IL-6 expression in fibroblasts in monocytic THP-1 cells, IFN-gamma is required for TNF to induce IL-6 expression. The results reported here demonstrate that combined treatment of THP-1 cells with IFN-gamma + TNF-alpha induced IL-6 mRNA expression, whereas no significant induction was obtained by either cytokine alone. Nuclear run-on transcription assay showed that the increased level of IL-6 mRNA induced by IFN-gamma + TNF-alpha was associated with induction of gene transcription. Sequential stimulation of THP-1 cells by IFN-gamma and subsequently by TNF-alpha did not allow IL-6 gene induction, suggesting that IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha induced or activated different signaling factors which should act together to trigger IL-6 gene transcription. IFN-gamma pretreatment followed by IFN-gamma + TNF-alpha restimulation led to superinduction of the IL-6 gene expression with a concomitant increase in IL-6-secreted activity. This priming effect of IFN-gamma is dependent on active protein synthesis. Biochemical characterization of IL-6 proteins secreted by THP-1 cells by Western blotting and affinity chromatography allowed identification of a major IL-6 molecular species of 42 kDa and a minor one of 23 kDa. Furthermore, we showed here that IFN-gamma increased the IL-6R mRNA level with a concomitant increase in IL-6-specific binding to surface receptors. On the contrary, treatment with IFN-gamma + TNF-alpha reduced the level of IL-6R mRNA and IL-6 binding to THP-1 cells probably due to a ligand-mediated effect. Taken together, results reported here provide evidence that functional interaction between IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha is involved in the regulation of IL-6 and IL-6R expression in monocytic cells. Control of IL-6 production and IL-6R expression may be one of the important homeostatic properties of IFN-gamma.

Cell Line↗

Immunotoxins constructed with anti-CD25 monoclonal antibodies and deglycosylated ricin A-chain have potent anti-tumour effects against human Hodgkin cells in vitro and solid Hodgkin tumours in mice.

Twenty-three monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against the IL-2 receptor alpha-chain (CD25) were evaluated as ricin A-chain immunotoxins for the treatment of Hodgkin's disease. Primary screening used an indirect assay in which the cells were treated with the test antibody followed by a Fab' immunotoxin against mouse immunoglobulin. This screening identified 5 MAbs which inhibited protein synthesis in L540 Hodgkin cells by 50% at a concentration (IC50) of 6 x 10(-11) M or less: RFT5 gamma 1, RFT5 gamma 2a, B-B10, B-F2 and B-G3. These MAbs were then linked directly to deglycosylated ricin A-chain (dgA) and were confirmed to have potent and specific toxicity for L540 cells. The immunotoxins had the following potency order: RFT5 gamma 1 greater than RFT5 gamma 2a greater than B-B10 greater than B-F2 greater than B-G3. The most effective immunotoxin, RFT5 gamma 1.dgA, had an IC50 value of 7 x 10(-12) M, which is the same as that of whole ricin. In vivo, a single intravenous injection of 48 micrograms of RFT5 gamma 1.dgA, RFT5 gamma 2a.dgA, B-B10.dgA or B-F2 induced lasting complete remissions in 78, 66, 50 and 44%, respectively, of nude mice bearing subcutaneous solid L540 tumours of 0.7 cm diameter. Two tumours which regrew after B-B10.dgA treatment were re-established in tissue culture. Both had reduced sensitivity to B-B10.dgA in vitro but not to immunotoxins recognizing different antigens on Hodgkin cells. The MAbs that produced the most potent immunotoxins, RFT5 gamma 1, RFT5 gamma 2a and B-B10, had no significant cross-reactivity with normal human tissues outside the lymphoid system as judged from indirect immunoperoxidase staining of frozen sections. By contrast, B-F2 strongly stained normal human renal tubules.

Animals↗

Murine anti-interleukin-6 monoclonal antibody therapy for a patient with plasma cell leukemia.

A patient with primary plasma cell leukemia resistant to chemotherapy was treated for 2 months with daily intravenous injections of anti-interleukin-6 (IL-6) monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs). The patient's clinical status improved throughout the treatment and no major side effects were observed. Serial monitoring showed blockage of the myeloma cell proliferation in the bone marrow (from 4.5% to 0% myeloma cells in the S-phase in vivo) as well as reduction in the serum calcium, serum monoclonal IgG, and the serum C-reactive protein levels. The serum calcium and serum monoclonal IgG corrected by approximately 30%, whereas the C-reactive protein corrected to undetectable levels during treatment. No major side effects developed, although both platelet and circulating neutrophil counts decreased during anti-IL-6 therapy. A transient immunization was detected 15 days after the initiation of the treatment, which could explain the recovery of myeloma cell proliferation after 2 months of treatment (2% myeloma cells in the S phase). In conclusion, this first anti-IL-6 clinical trial demonstrated the feasibility of injecting anti-IL-6 MoAbs, and also a transient tumor cytostasis and a reduction in IL-6-related toxicities. It gave insight into the major biologic activities of IL-6 in vivo and may serve as a basis for further development of anti-IL-6 therapy in myeloma and other IL-6-related diseases.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗

In vivo interleukin 6 gene expression in the tumoral environment in multiple myeloma.

Whether interleukin 6 (IL 6) is an autocrine or paracrine myeloma cell growth factor in vivo remains unresolved. To identify which cells are producing IL 6 in vivo, we have studied the IL 6 gene expression in bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMC) of 19 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 9 patients with plasma cell leukemia (PCL). We found that the IL 6 gene was transcribed by BMMC of most patients with MM (79%). Further, IL 6 mRNA was not produced by purified myeloma cells from patients with either MM (5 patients) or PCL, but by the bone marrow environment, mainly by monocytes and myeloid cells (CD13+CD15+ cells). For 2 patients with PCL, for whom PBMC and BMMC samples were available, IL 6 mRNA could be detected in BMMC but not in PBMC. Finally, no IL 6 mRNA was detected in five freshly established IL 6-dependent myeloma cell lines. The present data give a clear-cut demonstration of the paracrine origin of IL 6 in vivo in human MM.

Bone Marrow↗

Human recombinant dimeric IL-6 binds to its receptor as detected by anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibodies.

Three different epitopes of the human IL-6 (IL-6) molecule were recognized by the mAb B-E4 (IgG2b), B-E8 (IgG1) and B-F6 (IgG1). The affinities of these three mAb for IL-6 differ little in several assays but if ranked by affinity they fall into the following order B-E8 greater than B-E4 greater than B-F6. B-E4 and B-E8 mAb, recognizing two different epitopes, are inhibiting mAb in the bioassay with the IL-6 depending cell line B9, however B-E8 has an inhibiting activity higher than B-E4. Both human natural IL-6 (HnIL-6) and human recombinant IL-6 (HrIL-6) were inhibited but not the murine natural IL-6 (MnIL-6). Surprisingly, not only the non-inhibiting mAb (B-F6) recognizes the HrIL-6 fixed to the receptor but also the inhibiting mAb B-E4 and B-E8. This together with the results obtained in a sandwich ELISA where the same mAb was used as both catcher and tracer to detect HrIL-6, it was concluded that dimeric HrIL-6 is able to fix the IL-6 receptor. Competition studies between monomeric HnIL-6 and dimeric HrIL-6 showed that the affinity of the dimeric HrIL-6 for the receptor was higher than that of HnIL-6.

Animals↗

Soluble CD8, IL-2 receptor, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in steroid-resistant acute graft-versus-host disease. Relation with subsequent response to anti-IL-2 receptor monoclonal antibody treatment.

Serial determination of soluble CD8 (sCD8), soluble IL-2 receptors (sIL-2R), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha serum levels were performed in bone marrow transplant patients upon initiation, day 0 (D0) and at D10 of an anti-IL-2 receptor (alpha chain) monoclonal antibody (B-B10) in vivo treatment for steroid-resistant grade greater than or equal to 2 acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD). D0 and D10 sCD8 serum levels correlated strongly with response to B-B10 treatment (p = .003 and .001, respectively); 76% of the patients with D0 sCD8 levels less than 500 U/ml responded favorably to B-B10 treatment, versus only a 30% response if the sCD8 levels were greater than 500 U/ml (p = .02). Likewise, D0 tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels significantly correlated with subsequent response to B-B10 treatment (p = .03). D0 sIL-2R levels were not significantly different in B-B10-responsive and nonresponsive aGVHD patients. These results suggest that the serial determination of sCD8 and TNF serum levels could provide valuable predictive information as to steroid-resistant aGVHD responsiveness to anti-IL-2R treatment.

Adolescent↗

Therapeutic use of monoclonal anti-CD4 antibody in rheumatoid arthritis.

Ten patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis were treated with a murine monoclonal anti-CD4 (B-F5) antibody in an open study (one with 10 mg/day, 2 with 15 mg/day, 7 with 20 mg/day) for 10 consecutive days. Tolerance was excellent. All patients improved during treatment clinically (Ritchie's index, morning stiffness, pain scale) (p = 0.005), as well as biologically C-reactive protein (p = 0.008) with an average 60% reduction of each of these variables at Day 15, and clinical benefit lasted over 6 months in some patients. No significative depletion was noted in total lymphocyte or CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, positive cells after treatment. Evidence of murine immunization was found in only 2 patients.

Aged↗

[Therapeutic use of a monoclonal, anti-CD4 antibody in refractory rheumatoid polyarthritis. Preliminary results].

Ten patients (6 women and 4 men), with a group mean age of 65 years, defined as severe and with a mean follow-up period of 9 years and refractory to conventional treatments, were treated with monoclonal anti-CD4 antibodies in an open study. The monoclonal antibodies, of murine origin, were administered by intravenous route for ten consecutive days at a dose of 10 mg (1 patient), 15 mg (2 patients) or 20 mg (7 patients). Local and systemic tolerability were excellent. Clinical improvement was rapid (pain, morning stiffness, Ritchie index, p = 0.005 between D0 and D15), as was the paraclinical improvement (C-reacting protein, p = 0.008), although without achieving complete remission. The outcome revealed that the effect was more prolonged in patients treated with 20 mg per day than in the others, suggesting a dose-effect relationship. The improvement obtained may persist for more than 9 months in some patients. No significant change in immunological parameters was found at the end of the treatment (lymphocyte populations, immunoglobulins, complement). Only 2 out of 10 patients developed anti-mouse antibodies. As a result of its excellent tolerability and rapid effectiveness, this antibody appears to offer fresh therapeutic prospects in rheumatoid arthritis.

Aged↗

Treatment of corticosteroid resistant acute graft-versus-host disease by in vivo administration of anti-interleukin-2 receptor monoclonal antibody (B-B10)

In a multicenter pilot study, 32 patients showing steroid-resistant acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were treated by in vivo administration of anti-interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor monoclonal antibody (MoAb B-B10). Twenty-three patients received marrow from HLA-matched related donors, four from matched unrelated donors and five from partially matched related donors. The overall grade of GVHD was II in 16 patients, III in two, and IV in five. Five milligrams of B-B10 MoAb was infused in bolus daily for 10 days and then every second day for a further 10 days in an attempt to reduce GVHD recurrence. No clinical side effects were noted during the B-B10 treatment period. A complete response (CR) acute GVHD was achieved in 21 patients (65.6%). Six patients (18.7%) showed partial improvement (PR) and 5 patients (15.6%) no response (NR). A significant factor associated with GVHD response was the delay between the onset of the GVHD and the first day of B-B10 infusion. The earlier B-B10 was introduced, the greater the probability of CR (P = .03). There was no correlation between the serum B-B10 level and GVHD response (P = .69). There was, however, a significant correlation between the clinical response and the B-B10 kinetics as a function of time: serum B-B10 levels attained a plateau level more rapidly in the CR group than in the PR/NR group. Among the 26 complete and partial evaluable responders, GVHD recurred in 10 cases (38.4%). Host anti-B-B10 MoAb immune response occurred in only one (7.1%) of the 14 patients analyzed. Fourteen of the 32 patients (43.7%) are currently alive between 2 and 14 months after GVHD treatment with B-B10 was completed.

Adolescent↗

A semi-pharmaceutical approach for the preparation of an anti-IL2 receptor monoclonal antibody in the treatment of acute GvHD in a multicentric study.

A monoclonal antibody against the IL2-Receptor (B-B10) has been developed which inhibits activated T cells. Large batches of B-B10 have been purified from ascites and were checked for the absence of endotoxins, murine DNA and virus before being released for clinical use. Thirty-two patients with corticosteroid-resistant acute Graft versus Host Disease have been treated with B-B10. No side effects were observed and 68% of the patients showed full response to treatment.

Animals↗

Epitope mapping of recombinant human gamma interferon using monoclonal antibodies.

Five monoclonal antibodies (MAbs B22, B27, 3-6, 32 and 35) specific for human recombinant IFN-gamma were characterized. These MAbs were used to set up quantitative sandwich ELISAs which allowed the detection of 1.25 ng/ml of IFN-gamma when diluted in normal human serum. Epitope mapping of the IFN-gamma molecule using these MAbs demonstrated that antibodies 3-6 and 32 which did not inhibit the biological activity of IFN-gamma recognized an epitope localized on the 15 C-terminal amino acids, suggesting that this portion of the molecule was not implicated in the biological activity of IFN-gamma. Sandwich ELISAs were performed using various pairs of MAbs. The level of reactivity obtained when antibodies B22 and B27 were used simultaneously as catcher and tracer was similar to the result obtained with two antibodies recognizing different epitopes. These results confirm that the IFN-gamma molecule is a dimer in solution and indicate that the two sites of the IFN-gamma dimeric molecule which are associated with the biological activity (epitope B22/B27) are fully exposed. In contrast, the C-terminus is only partially accessible to the antibodies 3-6/32, suggesting that the dimerization of IFN-gamma molecule results in the interaction of regions of the monomers that are homologous and adjacent to the C-terminus.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗