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Biomedical subjects

T W Chang

Publications and source records attributed to T W Chang.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Human mb-1 gene: complete cDNA sequence and its expression in B cells bearing membrane Ig of various isotypes.

The transmembrane protein, IgM-alpha, a product of mb-1 gene, has been shown to be specifically associated with membrane-bound IgM on the plasma membrane of B lymphocytes. Recent studies have suggested that IgM-alpha may play a role in transducing signals from the Ag receptors during the activation of B cells. A large amount of information has been obtained in the mouse system regarding IgM-alpha and other components of the newly conceived B cell Ag receptor complex. Here we report the cloning and the nucleotide sequencing of cDNA clones of human mb-1, covering the entire length of the mRNA. At the amino acid sequence level, human and murine mb-1 share a high homology in their transmembrane and intracytoplasmic segments, suggesting an important biologic function for these regions of mb-1. A major difference, mainly in the 3' untranslated part, exists between our cDNA sequence and the published partial human mb-1 cDNA sequence. It has also been observed that human mb-1 is expressed not only by B cell lines expressing membrane-bound Ig of mu and delta isotypes but also those expressing membrane-bound Ig of alpha and gamma isotypes.

Amino Acid Sequence

A new isoform of human membrane-bound IgE.

The epsilon-chain of membrane-bound IgE on the surface of B lymphocytes is known to contain a membrane-anchoring peptide segment that is encoded by two membrane exons, me.1 and me.2. In analyzing pertinent segments in mRNA from human IgE-expressing B cells by using PCR methods and Northern blotting analyses, we have identified three species of mRNA of epsilon-chain with variations in the splicing of the membrane exons. The conventional species (m/s) contains the predicted me.1 and me.2; species m/1 harbors 156 extra nucleotides 5' of me.1 with unaltered reading frame; species s/t lacks me.1 and hence the segment encoding the hydrophobic transmembrane stretch and contains a shifted me.2 reading frame. Rabbit antibodies, which were prepared by immunization using a peptide of 36 amino acid residues representing an encoded segment unique to mRNA species m/l, could specifically bind to human IgE-expressing B cell lines and react with an epsilon-chain on Western immunoblots. These results indicate that there exists a previously unidentified isoform of human membrane-bound IgE.

Amino Acid Sequence

Mouse/human chimeric anti-HIV-1 gp120 antibody to the principal neutralizing determinant: tolerability and pharmacokinetics in cynomolgus monkeys, Macaca fascicularis.

In preparing for testing a pharmaceutical grade preparation of chimeric (mouse/human) antibody CGP 47,439 in HIV-1 infected individuals, it was administered to Macaca fascicularis (cynomolgus) monkeys to study tolerability, immunogenicity and pharmacokinetics. Four groups of monkeys, three males and three females per group, received respectively four infusions of 0, 1.43, 4.3, and 14.3 mg of CGP 47,439/kg body weight at one-week intervals. The chimeric antibody induced no fever, was tolerated well throughout the 50-day observation period, elicited no tissue damage and no anti-antibody response. The pharmacokinetic profile was similar at all dose levels with a mean T1/2 alpha of 14.2 h (range 11.8-19.3 h) and a mean T1/2 beta of 172.6 h (range 137.2-220.5h). Following four successive antibody infusions serum concentrations of CGP 47,439 increased without reaching a steady state, and its measured concentrations were comparable to the simulated values. Collectively the study has provided safety and pharmacokinetic data that would allow human studies with this antibody in AIDS patients.

Animals

Potential use of immunoconjugates for AIDS therapy.

More than a dozen of hybrid proteins possessing reactivity with human immunodeficiency virus-type 1-(HIV-1) infected cells and cytotoxicity have been produced and studied by several groups. These proteins are prepared either by chemical cross-linking of a toxin and a carrier molecule or by expressing fused genes of the two moieties. These cytotoxic agents have been investigated to eliminate HIV-1-infected cells in vitro. The ID50 of these agents range from pM to nM. This article compares the results of the various approaches and discusses the limits and potential of immunoconjugates for AIDS therapy.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Identification and characterization of a neutralization site within the second variable region of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120.

Two monoclonal antibodies designated BAT085 and G3-136 were raised by immunizing BALB/c mice with gp120 purified from human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) IIIB-infected H9 cell extracts. Among three HIV-1 laboratory isolates (IIIB, MN, and RF), BAT085 neutralized only IIIB infection of CEM-SS cells, whereas G3-136 neutralized both IIIB and RF. These antibodies also neutralized a few primary HIV-1 isolates in the infection of activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In indirect immunofluorescence assays, BAT085 bound to H9 cells infected with IIIB or MN, while G3-136 bound to H9 cells infected with IIIB or RF, but not MN. Using sequence-overlapping synthetic peptides of HIV-1 IIIB gp120, the binding site of BAT085 and G3-136 was mapped to a peptidic segment in the V2 region (amino acid residues 169 to 183). The binding of these antibodies to immobilized gp120 was not inhibited by the antibodies directed to the principal neutralization determinant in the V3 region or to the CD4-binding domain of gp120. In a competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, soluble CD4 inhibited G3-136 but not BAT085 from binding to gp120. Deglycosylation of gp120 by endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H or reduction of gp120 by dithiothreitol diminished its reactivity with G3-136 but not with BAT085. These results indicate that the V2 region of gp120 contains multiple neutralization determinants recognized by antibodies in both a conformation-dependent and -independent manner.

Amino Acid Sequence

Blood levels of platelet-activating factor in endotoxin-sensitive and endotoxin-resistant mice during endotoxemia.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a phosphoglyceride secreted by a variety of cells and has been implicated in endotoxin toxicities. To further confirm its role in endotoxin-induced tissue injuries and death, we conducted an experiment on endotoxin-resistant (C3H/HeJ strain) and endotoxin-sensitive (C3H/HeN strain) mice. The experiment consisted of three parts: 1) the LD50 of endotoxin from E. coli 0127:B8 cells was quantitated in C3H/HeN mice; 2) the lethality of PAF in C3H/HeJ mice at a dose lethal to C3H/HeN mice was determined; and 3) the blood levels of PAF in C3H/HeJ and C3H/HeN mice were measured after a dose of endotoxin lethal to the C3H/HeN strain was injected. PAF contained in the blood samples was extracted by a solid phase procedure and assayed by a radioimmunoassay method. The results showed that endotoxin-resistant and endotoxin-sensitive mice were equally susceptible to death induced by the same lethal dose of PAF. After injection with endotoxin, the blood PAF levels in C3H/HeN mice increased significantly (p < 0.01) at 60 minutes and 90 minutes, with a peak level three times that of the control group. The blood PAF levels in C3H/HeJ mice, however, remained unelevated throughout the experiment. The timing of the occurrence of the peak blood PAF level in the C3H/HeN mice corresponded with the emergence of their illness from the endotoxin injection. These findings shed new light on our understanding of the resistant mechanisms of C3H/HeJ mice to bacterial endotoxin and affirm the possible role of PAF in mediating endotoxin toxicities.

Animals

Another discontinuous epitope on glycoprotein gp120 that is important in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 neutralization is identified by a monoclonal antibody.

To define the domains in the envelope glycoprotein important for antibody neutralization of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were generated by immunizing mice with purified glycoprotein gp120 of the IIIB isolate. One mAb, G3-4, reacted with the gp120 of homologous (IIIB) and heterologous (RF) isolates. In addition, mAb G3-4 efficiently neutralized both IIIB and RF viruses in vitro, as well as four of nine primary HIV-1 isolates. In competition immunoassays, mAb G3-4 and soluble CD4 were found to inhibit one another in binding to gp120. However, no competition was seen between mAb G3-4 and mAbs directed to the third variable region or the fourth conserved region of gp120. In particular, mAb G3-4 did not compete with our human mAb 15e, which identifies a discontinuous epitope on gp120 involved in group-specific neutralization of HIV-1 and in gp120-CD4 binding. Epitope-mapping studies on mAb G3-4 with synthetic or unglycosylated recombinant peptides were negative, suggesting that its epitope may be discontinuous. Indeed, this hypothesis was confirmed by showing the loss of mAb G3-4 serologic reactivity when gp120 was first denatured. We conclude that the site recognized by mAb G3-4 represents another discontinuous epitope on gp120 important for neutralization of HIV-1.

Animals

Transfectomas expressing both secreted and membrane-bound forms of chimeric IgE with anti-viral specificity.

Because of the lack of a cell line expressing on surface and secreting human IgE of known Ag specificity, the construction of a transfectoma line possessing such properties would be useful for studying the roles of surface IgE and the effects of anti-IgE antibodies on IgE-producing B cells. Toward this goal, the human genomic DNA segment encompassing the two exons encoding the membrane anchor peptide of epsilon-chain and their flanking regions was sequenced. Hybrid epsilon and kappa genomic DNA comprising the C regions of human epsilon- and kappa-chains and the H and L chain V regions of the murine mAb BAT123, which reacts with the gp120 envelope protein of HIV-1, were constructed. Mammalian expression vectors containing these fusion genes were used to transfect murine myeloma Sp2/0 cells, and transfectants stably expressing on surface and secreting into culture medium chimeric IgE were obtained. The chimeric IgE showed identical Ag-binding properties as the murine mAb BAT123. Acting in concert with the specific peptide Ag polyvalently coupled to a protein carrier, the chimeric antibody could induce histamine release from human blood basophils. These results demonstrate the potential utility of the transfectoma cells and the chimeric IgE in studying the roles of membrane-bound IgE and effects of anti-IgE antibodies on IgE-producing B cells.

Amino Acid Sequence

An epitope on membrane-bound but not secreted IgE: implications in isotype-specific regulation.

Immunoglobulins (Igs) on the surface of B lymphocytes are isotype-specific immunological markers of the B-cell subsets expressing them. Since these membrane-bound Igs (mIgs) are antigen receptors, their interaction with antibodies could be explored for modulating the activity of specific B-cell subsets. Targeting mIgs by antibodies in vivo, however, has not been feasible because of the presence of Igs in the circulation and the frequent association of Igs with various cell types via Fc receptors. To circumvent these problems, we proposed that the extracellular portions of the membrane-anchoring segments of the heavy chains of mIgs, referred to as "mIg isotype-specific" or "migis" peptides, may provide the antigenic sites for the isotype-specific targeting of B cells in vivo. Here we describe the exemplary development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) recognizing this unique epitope of mIgE.

Amino Acid Sequence

Identification and characterization of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gag-pol fusion protein in transfected mammalian cells.

Three human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) mutants were constructed with mutations in their protease genes: AH2-pSVL, with an in-phase deletion; BH27-pSVL, with an out-of-phase deletion creating a stop codon immediately after the deletion site; and CA-pSVL, with a point mutation creating an Asp-to-Ala substitution at the putative protease active site. The wild-type, HXB2-pSVL, and the mutated viral genomes were used to transfect COS-M6 cells and to produce virions. Immunoblotting assays with a monoclonal antibody (MAb) specific for p24 showed that all three mutant contained a gag precursor, Pr56gag, with AH2 and CA expressing an extra band of about 160 kDa. Similar assays with a MAb specific for HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) also revealed a 160-kDa protein from AH2 and CA virions and two mature p66 and p51 RT subunits from HXB2 virions. In addition, HXB2, AH2, and CA but not BH27 virions exhibited RT activity. The same protein in the 160-kDa band seemed to possess both p24 and RT components, since the MAb against p24 was able to immunoadsorb RT antigen and enzymatic activity. These results indicate that the HIV-1 gag-pol fusion protein produced in mammalian cells expressed significant RT activity.

Amino Acid Sequence

Two isoforms of human membrane-bound alpha Ig resulting from alternative mRNA splicing in the membrane segment.

Antibodies specific for membrane-bound Ig (mIg) but not for their secreted forms would be useful not only for studying the function of mIg but also for modulating B cell activities in vivo. We have proposed that the extracellular portions of the membrane anchor peptides of mIg can be used as antigenic sites for isotype-specific targeting of B cells. Clones containing the genes of human Ig alpha 1 or alpha 2 subclasses were isolated from a genomic DNA library. The gene segments encoding the membrane peptides and their flanking regions were amplified by polymerase chain reaction, subcloned into plasmid pUC19, and the DNA sequences were determined. Human alpha 1 and alpha 2 genes, like murine alpha gene, each has only one membrane exon. The sequences of the human alpha 1 and alpha 2 genes are almost identical in the membrane peptide-coding region. The mRNA from a human mIgA-expressing B cell line, DAKIKI, was isolated, its cDNA prepared, and the segments spanning the membrane peptide-coding region and a part of the constant domain 3 amplified by polymerase chain reaction. DNA sequences revealed that there are two isoforms of alpha 1-chain, resulting from the alternative splicing of the third constant domain of H chain to two acceptor sites in the membrane exon. One isoform has a segment of 32 and the other 26 amino acid residues in the extracellular portion of the membrane peptide. These segments may serve as isotype-specific antigenic epitopes for antibody targeting of mIgA-bearing B cells.

Base Sequence

Monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody mimicking the principal neutralization site in HIV-1 GP120 induces HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies in rabbits.

A murine mAb BAT123 (Ab1) directing to the principal neutralization site of human T cell leukemia virus (HTLV)-IIIB gp120 (amino acid residue 308-322) was used to generate syngeneic anti-Id mAb (Ab2). Among the Ab2, a mAb AB19-4 was characterized by both serologic and biologic methods to be paratope-specific (Ab2 beta), bearing the internal image of the neutralization site. AB19-4 was found to bind specifically to BAT123 and also to its mouse-human chimeric form in ELISA. The binding of AB19-4 to BAT123 was specifically inhibited by HTLV-IIIB gp120 and the synthetic epitope peptides of HTLV-IIIB and HTLV-IIIMN defined by BAT123. AB19-4 also inhibited the binding of BAT123 to HTLV-IIIB-infected H9 cells in flow cytometric studies. Polyclonal goat and sheep antisera against HTLV-IIIB gp120 reacted specifically with AB19-4, suggesting that AB19-4 may recognize cross-species idiotopes. Rabbits immunized with purified AB19-4 generated anti-anti-Id antibodies (Ab3) that reacted specifically with HTLV-IIIB gp120 and the BAT123-binding epitope peptides of HTLV-IIIB and HTLV-IIIMN. The Ab3 bound to H9 cells infected by HTLV-IIIB or HTLV-IIIMN and inhibited the infection of CEM cells by HTLV-IIIB or HTLV-IIIMN, whereas BAT123 also bound H9 cells infected by HTLV-IIIB or HTLV-IIIMN but neutralized only HTLV-IIIB. Our data suggest that AB19-4 mimics the neutralization site on HIV-1 gp120 defined by BAT123. The induction of immunity to HIV using internal-image Ab2 to HIV-neutralizing antibodies may provide a viable approach for developing effective vaccines for AIDS.

Animals

Preliminary crystallographic analysis of the Fab fragment of an antibody against HIV gp120.

Single crystals of the Fab fragment of a murine monoclonal antibody BAT123 (IgG1, kappa) raised against a dominant neutralizing determinant of gp120 of HIV that are suitable for X-ray structural analysis have been obtained. The thick prismatic plate crystals belong to space group P2(1)2(1)2 with unit cell dimensions of a = 177.42 A, b = 37.36 A and c = 73.30 A.

Animals

Immunoconjugates that neutralize HIV virions kill T cells infected with diverse strains of HIV-1.

Two murine monoclonal antibodies, G3.519, recognizing the CD4-binding region, and BAT123, a variable region of gp120 of human immunodeficiency virus, were chemically coupled to pokeweed antiviral protein isolated from seeds (PAP-S). The immunoconjugates were purified by Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration and Mono S ion exchange chromatography. Immunoconjugate G3.519-PAP-S specifically killed human T cells, H9, infected with three diverse HIV-1 strains, HTLV-IIIB, -IIIMN, and -IIIRF. Inhibition of thymidine incorporation by the immunoconjugate was concentration-dependent, with the ID50 ranging from 1.4 x 10(-10) M to 1.7 x 10(-9) M. Immunoconjugate BAT123-PAP-S was effective in killing H9 cells infected with HTLV-IIIB (ID50 = 4.3 x 10(-11) M) and -IIIMN (ID50 = 4.7 x 10(-10) M), but not -IIIRF. Both immunoconjugates did not inhibit thymidine incorporation in uninfected H9 cells up to a concentration of 5.3 x 10(-8) M, and their cytotoxic activities could be competitively blocked by the respective unconjugated antibodies. The immunoconjugates retained the ability to neutralize HIV virions to infect T cells and to prevent the syncytium formation. These in vitro studies suggest that the use of immunoconjugates capable of killing HIV-infected T cells and neutralizing virus may provide an alternative treatment for HIV-infected persons.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Monoclonal antibodies specific for human IgE-producing B cells: a potential therapeutic for IgE-mediated allergic diseases.

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for surface antigens of lymphocytes are being used to target and deplete tumorous or normal lymphocytes in vivo. Here, we report evidence for the existence of antigenic epitopes on IgE that are accessible on IgE-secreting B cells but not on other cells bearing IgE. Among 42 murine MAbs specific for human IgE, two were shown by fluorescence flow cytometric analyses to bind to IgE-secreting cell lines but not to IgE bound to high-affinity IgE.Fc receptors (Fc epsilon RI) on basophils or low-affinity IgE receptors (Fc epsilon RII) on other cell types. Neither could they induce histamine release from basophils of various donors even under very permissive conditions. These antibodies may be useful for targeting IgE-secreting B cells in patients suffering from IgE-mediated allergies.

Animals

A chimeric mouse-human antibody that retains specificity for HIV gp120 and mediates the lysis of HIV-infected cells.

Murine mAb BAT123, which was made against the envelope glycoprotein gp120 of HTLV-IIIB strain of HIV type 1 (HIV-1), is capable of neutralizing HTLV-IIIB in vitro. It also inhibits the fusion between uninfected CD4+ cells and HIV-1-infected cells to form syncytia. As a step to explore the potential utility of the anti-HIV antibody in vivo, we have constructed a mouse-human chimeric antibody by rDNA techniques. The chimeric antibody, which bears the variable domains of mouse antibody BAT123 and constant domains Cr1 and C kappa of human Ig retains the Ag specificity of BAT123 as determined by its reactivity with HIV-1-infected H9 cells, gp120 in Western blot analysis, and the oligopeptide recognized by BAT123. The antiviral activities of the chimeric antibody in neutralizing HIV-1 infection as well as inhibiting the syncytia formation are also found identical to those of the parent murine antibody. Moreover, in the presence of human blood mononuclear cells, the chimeric antibody but not BAT123 (mouse IgG1) induces antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The findings point to the potential usefulness of the chimeric antibody in treating patients infected with HIV-1.

Amino Acid Sequence

Role of human immunodeficiency virus type 1-specific protease in core protein maturation and viral infectivity.

It is generally believed that the gag gene product of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is processed into several core proteins by a virus-specific protease. We used deletion mutation analysis to study the role of HIV-specific protease in the processing of core proteins and its requirement for viral infectivity. Several mutant genomes with deletions in the protease gene were constructed. A mammalian cell line, COS-M6, transfected with the wild-type viral genome was shown to produce virions containing processed core proteins, while COS-M6 cells transfected with two mutated genomes could express only the core protein precursor, Pr56gag. The wild-type transfectant produced infectious virus; both transfectants expressing the mutated genomes also produced virions, and one of them still retained reverse transcriptase activity. However, the mutant viral particles were devoid of infectivity. Virions with a distinct central core and an electron-dense nucleoid budded out from the plasma membrane of COS-M6 cells transfected with the wild-type genome. In contrast, noninfectious virions that budded either into cytoplasmic vacuoles or out from the plasma membrane of COS-M6 cells transfected with mutant genomes contained ring-shaped nucleoids. These results indicate that the HIV-1 protease plays a role not only in the maturation of the core proteins but also in the assembly of the virus and thus is required for viral infectivity.

Amino Acid Sequence