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At least 1,207 records · Page 67Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Molecular abnormalities of a human glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase variant associated with undetectable enzyme activity and immunologically cross-reacting material.

Among a large number of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) variants associated with different severity of clinical manifestations, enzyme deficiency, and kinetic abnormalities found in humans, only one variant exhibits no measurable activity and lacks an immunologically cross-reacting material in blood cells and other tissues. The mRNA content of the patient's lymphoblastoid cells was found to be normal, and the size of mRNA was also normal (i.e., approximately 2.4 kb). Western blot hybridization indicated that the patient's cells did not produce cross-reacting material. The variant mRNA was reverse transcribed and amplified by PCR. Nucleotide sequencing of the variant cDNA showed the existence of three nucleotide base changes, i.e., a C----G at nucleotide 317 (counting from adenine of the initiation codon), which should cause Ser----Cys substitution at the 106th position (counting from the initiation Met); a C----T at nucleotide 544, which induces the Arg----Trp at the 182d position; and a C----T at nucleotide 592, which induces Arg----Cys at the 198th position of the protein. The existence of three mutation sites was confirmed by sequencing of selected regions of the variant gene. No base deletion or frameshift mutation was found in the variant cDNA. No nucleotide change was detected in the extended 5' region, which included the most distal cap site. When the variant cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli, the G6PD activity was approximately 2% of that expressed by the normal cDNA, and cross-reacting material was undetectable. However, when the variant mRNA was expressed in the in vitro translation system of rabbit reticulocytes, the variant protein was produced. These results suggest that extremely rapid in vivo degradation or precipitation of the variant enzyme induced by the three amino acid substitutions could be the major cause of the molecular deficiency.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1981

The effect of concentration on the binding of compound 48/80 to rat mast cells: a fluorescence microscopy study.

A fluorescent analog of the chemical histamine liberator, compound 48/80, has been synthesized by the covalent attachment of rhodamine to the 48/80 polymer (R-48/80). The histamine liberating characteristics of this analog were similar to those of the parent compound. The binding characteristics of R-48/80 to rat peritoneal mast cells were then studied using fluorescence microscopy. At concentrations that caused minimal secretory stimulation (less than 1.0 microgram/ml), R-48/80 bound to the mast cell surface in a diffuse manner, with no indication of patching or capping. When the cells were incubated at higher concentrations, where non-cytotoxic histamine secretion was stimulated, the drug bound heavily to the exposed granules, but not to unexposed granules or other cell organelles. At cytotoxic concentrations, R-48/80 caused extensive cell clumping, with the drug bound to masses of cell debris and released granules. Therefore, although R-48/80 binds initially to the cell membrane, its primary binding site at concentrations that induce secretion becomes the mast cell granule. The properties of these granules should thus be considered when studying the binding of compound 48/80 or other cationic drugs to rat peritoneal mast cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Functional effects of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against human polymorphonuclear (PMN) adherence antigens.

Two mouse monoclonal antibodies (mABs), 25.31 raised against an subunit epitope of LFA1 antigen and Mol against an epitope of the complement receptor type 3 (CR3) were used for investigating their effects on human polymorphonuclear (PMN) functions. The two mABs have an inhibitory effect on PMN adherence. Furthermore, the PMN adherence strength depends upon the support and the adherence induces the capping process of these antigens. Other PMN functions dependent upon adherence were also altered by these two mAbs: random locomotion and that directed by formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) or by activated serum, degranulation induced by opsonized or non opsonized zymosan but not by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), iodination, K562 cell cytotoxicity. Luminol enhanced chemiluminescence of PMN was diminished by both mAbs when PMN were stimulated either by opsonized zymosan or by PMA. Our results confirm other workers' findings, and they are consistent with PMN functional abnormalities observed in children with congenital LFA1, Mol antigens defect.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1975

Ultrastructural and serological studies on the resistance of activated B cells to the cytotoxic effects of anti-immunoglobulin serum. Patch and cap formation of surface immunoglobulin on mitotic B lymphocytes.

Previous studies have shown that rabbit anti-mouse immunoglobulin sera (anti-Ig) which kill non-activated B lymphocytes in the presence of complement, are incapable of doing so when the cells are activated by antigen or mitogen into mitosis. Results reported here indicate that the resistance is not dependent on either the source of antiserum or complement, or on the presence of a mitotic inhibitor, colcemid. Immunoperoxidase staining-electron microscopy techniques were applied to assess whether there was any conspicuous difference between unstimulated versus mitogen-stimulated, mitotic cells with respect to density or distribution of cell surface Ig. No such differences were found; furthermore, mitotic cells showed rapid classical 'patch and cap' formation of cell surface Ig when incubated with anti-Ig at room temperature, indicating the retention of fluid membrane dynamics by lymphocytes in this stage of the cell cycle. In contrast to this cytotoxic resistance, T or B lymphocytes in mitosis were found to be as sensitive, or more so, to lysis by various other antisera when compared to non-mitotic cells. Thus the resistance of mitotic B cells to the cytotoxic effects of anti-Ig serum seems unique and appears independent of any conspicuous quantitative or qualitative change in cell surface Ig.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

A parathyroid-hormone-related-protein (PTH-rP)-specific cytotoxic T cell response induced by in vitro stimulation of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes derived from prostate cancer metastases, with epitope peptide-loaded autologous dendritic cells and low-dose IL-2.

Bone metastases are one of the most common events in patients with prostate carcinoma. PTH-rP, a protein produced by prostate carcinoma and other epithelial cancers, is a key agent for the development of bone metastases. A PTH-rP-derived peptide, designated PTR-4 was identified, which is capable to bind HLA-A2.1 molecules and to generate PTH-rP-specific cytotoxic T cell (CTL) lines from healthy HLA-A2.1(+) individual peripheral-blood-mononuclear-cells (PBMC). In this model, we investigated the in vitro possibility of generating an efficient PTH-rP specific CTL response by cyclical stimulations with IL-2 and PTR-4 peptide-pulsed autologous dendritic cells (DC), of HLA-A2.1(+) tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) derived from a patient with metastatic prostate carcinoma. A T cell line generated in this way (called TM-PTR-4) had a CD3(+), CD5(+), CD4(-), CD8(+), CD45(Ro+), CD56(-) immunophenotype and a HLA-A2.1 restricted cytotoxic activity to PTR-4-peptide pulsed CIR-A2 (HLA-A2.1(+)) target cells, PTH-rP(+)/HLA-A2.1(+) CIR-A2 transfected with PTH-rP gene, prostate carcinoma LNCaP cells, and autologous metastatic prostate cancer cells (M-CaP). These lymphocytes were not cytotoxic to HLA-A2.1(+) targets not producing PTH-rP, such as peptide-unpulsed CIR-A2 and colon carcinoma SW-1463, cell lines. Our results provide evidence that PTR-4 peptide-pulsed autologous DC may break the tolerance of human TIL against the autologous tumour by inducing a PTH-rP-specific CTL immune reaction. In conclusion PTR-4 peptide-pulsed autologous DC may be a promising approach for vaccine-therapy and antigen-specific CTL adoptive immunotherapy of hormone-resistant prostrate cancer.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed1977

Mechanisms of the H-2 effect on viral leukemogenesis.

Evidence has been gathered which supports the notion that two distinct but interacting mechanisms, controlled by loci mapping within the H-2 complex, influence Friend murine leukemia virus (FV) disease. One mechanism, controlled by a gene mapping in or close to H-2D, influences the capacity of the H-2D gene product to form molecular complexes with FV molecules in the plasma membrane of infected cells. Formation of a complex appears to provide a target antigen for syngeneic cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, to cause co-capping of FV and H-2D antigens, to permit the selective inclusion of H-2Db molecules into progeny Friend virions, to influence the long-term maintenance of virus production in vitro and, in conjunction with the second mechanism, to stimulate the generation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. This second mechanism is controlled by a gene in the H-2K or H-2I region, and, in the presence of an H-2/FV molecular complex immunogen, influences the generation of H-2 restricted cytotxic T-lymphocytes and the rate of rejection of syngeneic FV-induced tumor cells.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Mannosylated lipoarabinomannans inhibit IL-12 production by human dendritic cells: evidence for a negative signal delivered through the mannose receptor.

IL-12 is a key cytokine in directing the development of type 1 Th cells, which are critical to eradicate intracellular pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Here, we report that mannose-capped lipoarabinomannans (ManLAMs) from Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin and Mycobacterium tuberculosis inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the LPS-induced IL-12 production by human dendritic cells. The inhibitory activity was abolished by the loss of the mannose caps or the GPI acyl residues. Mannan, which is a ligand for the mannose receptor (MR) as well as an mAb specific for the MR, also inhibited the LPS-induced IL-12 production by dendritic cells. Our results indicate that ManLAMs may act as virulence factors that contribute to the persistence of M. bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin and M. tuberculosis within phagocytic cells by suppressing IL-12 responses. Our data also suggest that engagement of the MR by ManLAMs delivers a negative signal that interferes with the LPS-induced positive signals delivered by the Toll-like receptors.

Carbohydrate Sequence↗
PubMed1977

Antigenic modulation of Friend virus erythroleukemic cells in vitro by serum from mice with dormant erythroleukemia.

Friend leukemia virus (FLV) erythroleukemic cells cultured in medium containing FLV-immune serum from dormant FLV-infected mice undergo modulation of FLV cell surface antigens. Modulation was determined by an increased resistance to FLV antibody-mediated complement-dependent lysis and was associated temporally with the capping of FLV-immune complexes at the cell surface. Modulated cells regained their susceptibility to FLV antibody-mediated complement-dependent lysis when transferred to medium containing normal mouse serum. After 48 h of culture in FLV-immune serum, 26% of the FLV erythroleukemic cells were devoid of FLV cell surface antigens as demonstrated by immunofluoresence. Antigenic modulation occurred to a greater extent in cells maintained in logarithmic growth than in cells in GO or resting phase. FLV-antigenic modulation is discussed as a possible mechanism by which antibody induces and maintains FLV-transformed cells in a dormant state.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Combination chemo-immunotherapy of murine solid tumor with OK-432, G-CSF, IL-2, and chemotherapeutics.

An experimental tumor model was previously established in which BALB/c mice could survive the otherwise fatal intraperitoneal (i.p.) inoculation of BAMC-1 fibrosarcoma cells if the mice were treated with five sequential i.p. injections of OK-432 (a potent BRM) starting 2 days after tumor inoculation. In the present study, although a single i.p. injection of OK-432 alone on day 2 was not enough to cure the tumor-bearing mice, a combination therapy, an injection of OK-432 (5 mg/kg) on day 2 followed by injection of G-CSF (50 micrograms/kg) on day 3, could eradicate the tumor cells in more than 80% of the mice. In contrast to this ascites tumor model, solid tumors induced by intradermal transplantation of BAMC-1 tumor cells were resistant to the combined treatments with OK-432 and G-CSF, dying within 60 days. However, when these mice received a combined chemoimmunotherapy with cisplatin, OK-432, G-CSF and IL-2, starting on day 4, the tumors had regressed, and were completely eradicated. When the same treatment was started as late as day 8, no significant therapeutic effect was observed. Even at this advanced stage, however, it was found that a similar chemo-immunotherapy protocol using CAP-D (cyclophosphamide, epirubicin and DWA2114R) in lieu of cisplatin was extremely effective, achieving the eradication of tumors in more than 70% of the mice. These results indicated that the combination therapy with OK-432, G-CSF, IL-2, and chemotherapeutics could achieve a potent anti-tumor effect against the solid tumor, even at the advanced stage. Subsequent experiments using athymic nude mice transplanted with the tumor cells revealed that the same combination therapy showed weak tumor-regressing effects without achieving a complete cure. These results suggest that T-cells are key effectors in this type of chemo-immunotherapy of malignant tumors.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Cloning of gp-340, a putative opsonin receptor for lung surfactant protein D.

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is an oligomeric C type lectin that promotes phagocytosis by binding to microbial surface carbohydrates. A 340-kDa glycoprotein (gp-340) has been shown to bind SP-D in the presence of calcium but does so independently of carbohydrate recognition. This protein exists both in a soluble form and in association with the membranes of alveolar macrophages. The primary structure of gp-340 has been established by molecular cloning, which yielded a 7,686-bp cDNA sequence encoding a polypeptide chain of 2, 413 amino acids. The domain organization features 13 scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) domains, each separated by an SRCR-interspersed domain, except for SRCRs 4 and 5, which are contiguous. The 13 SRCR domains are followed by two C1r/C1s Uegf Bmp1 domains separated by a 14th SRCR domain and a zona pellucida domain. gp-340 seems to be an alternative spliced form of DMBT1. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis showed that the main sites of synthesis of gp-340 are lung, trachea, salivary gland, small intestine, and stomach. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong staining for gp-340 in alveolar and other tissue macrophages. Immunostaining of the macrophage membrane was either uniform or focal in a way that suggested capping, whereas other macrophages showed strong intracellular staining within the phagosome/phagolysosome compartments. In some macrophages, SP-D and gp-340 were located in the same cellular compartment. Immunoreactive gp-340 was also found in epithelial cells of the small intestine and in the ducts of salivary glands. The distribution of gp-340 in macrophages is compatible with a role as an opsonin receptor for SP-D.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Characterization of a transposon Tn916-generated mutant of Haemophilus ducreyi 35000 defective in lipooligosaccharide biosynthesis.

To define the role of the surface lipooligosaccharide (LOS) of Haemophilus ducreyi in the pathogenesis of chancroid, Tn916 mutants of H. ducreyi 35000 defective in expression of the murine monoclonal antibody (MAb) 3F11 epitope on H. ducreyi LOS were identified by immunologic screening. One mutant, designated 1381, has an LOS which lacks the MAb 3F11 epitope and migrates with an increased mobility on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The gene disrupted by the Tn916 element in strain 1381 was identified by cloning the sequences flanking the Tn916 element. The sequences were then used to probe a lambda DASHII genomic library. In strain 1381, Tn916 interrupts a gene which encodes an open reading frame (ORF) with an Mr of 40,246. This ORF has homology to the product of the rfaK gene of Escherichia coli. The major LOS glycoform produced by strain 1381 was analyzed by using a combination of mass spectrometry, linkage and composition analysis, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The major LOS species was found to terminate in a single glucose attached to the heptose (L-glycero-D-manno-heptose, or Hep) trisaccharide core. In the wild-type strain 35000, glucose serves as the acceptor for the addition of the D-glycero-D-manno-heptose (or DDHep), which extends to form the mature branch of the H. ducreyi LOS. This mature oligosaccharide is in turn partially capped by the addition of sialic acid (NeuAc), i.e., NeuAc2 alpha-->3Gal beta1-->4GlcNAc beta1-->3Gal beta1-->4DDHep alpha1-->6Glc beta1 (W. Melaugh et al., Biochemistry 33:13070-13078, 1994). Since this LOS terminates prior to the addition of the branch DD-heptose, this gene is likely to encode the D-glycero-D-manno-heptosyltransferase. Strain 1381 exhibits a significant reduction in adherence to and invasion of primary human keratinocytes. This defect was complemented by the cloned heptosyltransferase gene, indicating that the terminal portion of the LOS oligosaccharide plays an important role in adherence to human keratinocytes.

Bacterial Adhesion↗
PubMed1988

Cell adhesion and phagocytosis promoted by monoclonal antibodies not directed against fibronectin receptors.

In this report we describe cell adhesion and phagocytosis promoted by two monoclonal antibodies that were selected for immunofluorescence staining of non-permeabilized baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells. Anti-BHK1 staining was heaviest along cell margins, whereas anti-BHK2 staining was continuous along cell margins. Neither antibody stained elongated plaque structures such as were observed when cells were reacted with antibodies to fibronectin (FN) receptors. The monoclonal antibodies functioned as adhesion ligands in four different assays: attachment to culture dishes, spreading, binding of latex beads and phagocytosis. Anti-BHK1 and anti-BHK2 promoted attachment to culture dishes similarly, but anti-BHK2 was more effective at promoting cell spreading. Antibody-promoted cell spreading was inhibited by the peptides Ser-Asp-Gly-Arg and Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro but not by other, related, peptides tested. The monoclonal antibodies also promoted binding of latex beads, and the bead binding sites were motile, on the basis of their 'capping' response. Nevertheless, anti-BHK2 beads were phagocytosed by cells 5- to 20-fold more efficiently than anti-BHK1 beads. The binding sites for anti-BHK1 and anti-BHK2 were characterized by immunoprecipitation experiments. Anti-BHK1 binding sites contained 50K (K = 10(3) Mr) and 88K components under non-reducing conditions that migrated as a 51/53K doublet and a 93K component under reducing conditions. On the other hand, anti-BHK2 binding sites contained 88K and 110K components under non-reducing conditions that shifted to apparent 107K and 128K values when measured under reducing conditions.

Animals↗
PubMed1974

Plasma membrane and internalized immunoglobulins of lymph node cells studied with conjugates of antibody or its Fab fragments with horseradish peroxidase.

Normal rat and mouse lymphoid cells were incubated at 0 degrees -4 degrees C for 1 h with purified rabbit or sheep antirat (mouse) immunoglobulin (Ig)-horseradish peroxidase (PO) conjugates or with Fab fragments of antibody coupled with peroxidase. Cells were subsequently washed and incubated in fresh medium, without labeled antibody or Fab fragments for 5-30 min at 20 degrees or 37 degrees C. With the use of the diaminobenzidine (DAB) method, distribution of peroxidase was studied in the light and electron microscopes. Fab fragments of antirat Ig antibody were iodinated with (125)I and subsequently coupled with horseradish PO. Plasma membrane and internalized immunoglobulins were detected by electron microscope autoradiography and peroxidase cytochemistry. Single- (Fab-PO), and double- ([(125)I]Fab-PO) labeled lymphoid cells showed identical patterns of surface or internal distribution of immunoglobulins. In the electron microscope, Fab-PO conjugates at 0 degrees -4 degrees C resulted in a diffuse specific staining of the plasmalemma of lymphocytes and plasma cells. Most of the small dark lymphocytes (T cells?) did not show plasma membrane Ig. Macrophages did not show plasmalemma staining, but displayed nonspecific cytoplasmic staining after incubation at 20 degrees or 37 degrees C with antibody or Fab-PO conjugates. Lymphocytes and plasma cells, after incubation with antibody-PO conjugates at 0 degrees -4 degrees C, had patchy deposits of oxidized DAB on their plasma membranes. Macrophages, similarly treated, had no plasmalemmal staining. Patch and cap formation on the plasma membrane of lymphocytes and plasma cells was seen regularly after antibody-PO incubation at 37 degrees C. Internalization patterns were different in lymphocytes and plasma cells. In lymphocytes, peroxidase staining was observed in small round or oval vesicles clustered at one pole of the cell (30 min at 37 degrees C). In plasma cells, peroxidase staining was seen in clusters of tubules resembling the Golgi apparatus. Internalization of plasma membrane IgG was less pronounced after antibody-PO labeling as compared to Fab-PO labeling.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Slit1 is specifically expressed in the primary and secondary enamel knots during molar tooth cusp formation.

The shape and diversity of the mammalian molar teeth is suggested to be regulated by the primary and secondary enamel knots, which are putative epithelial signaling centers of the tooth. In search of novel molecules involved in tooth morphogenesis, we analyzed mRNA expression of Slit1, -2 and -3, earlier characterized as secreted signals needed for axonal pathfinding and their two receptors Robo1 and -2 (Roundabout1 and -2) in the developing mouse first molar. In situ hybridization analysis showed that Slit1 mRNAs were expressed in the primary enamel knot of the bud and cap stage tooth germ and later the expression continued in the secondary enamel knots of the late cap and bell stage tooth. In contrast, expression of Slit2 and -3 as well Robo1, and -2 was largely restricted to mesenchymal tissue components of the tooth until the bell stage. At the late bud stage, however, Robo1 transcripts were evident in the primary enamel knot, and at the cap stage a pronounced expression was noted in the middle of the tooth germ covering the primary enamel knot and dental papilla mesenchyme. During the bell stage, Robo1 and Slit2 expression became restricted to the dental epithelia, while Slit3 continued in the dental mesenchyme. Prior to birth, Robo1 and -2 were co-localized in the predontoblasts. These results indicate that Slits and Robos display distinct, developmentally regulated expression patterns during tooth morphogenesis. In addition, our results show that Slit1 is the second known gene specifically located in the primary and secondary enamel knots.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Mycobacterium smegmatis phosphoinositols-glyceroarabinomannans. Structure and localization of alkali-labile and alkali-stable phosphoinositides.

Lipoarabinomannans from fast growing Mycobacterium sp., namely AraLAMs, stimulate the early events of macrophage activation. The immunological activities of all of these AraLAMs drastically decrease with the loss of the mild alkali groups, which were believed to be restricted to the fatty acid residues from the phosphatidyl-myo-inositol anchor. This report reveals the presence and the structure of mild alkali-labile phosphoinositide units linked via the phosphate to the C-5 of the beta-D-Araf in the AraLAMs of Mycobacterium smegmatis, a fast growing mycobacterial species. Their structure was unambiguously established with a strategy based on both one-dimensional 31P and two-dimensional 1H-31P heteronuclear multiple quantum correlation spectroscopy (HMQC) and HMQC-homonuclear Hartmann-Hahn spectroscopy NMR experiments applied to native AraLAMs and to AraLAMs treated in mild alkali conditions. Next to these alkali-labile phosphoinositides estimated at three per molecule, two other mild alkali-stable phosphoinositide units were identified: the expected (myo-inositol-1)-phosphate-(3-glycerol) unit typifying the well known glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor of the mannan core and, more surprisingly, one (myo-inositol-1)-phosphate-(5-beta-D-Araf) unit having the same structure as the alkali-labile ones. Moreover, these four phosphoinositide units were found capping the arabinan side chains. Thus, their different behavior toward mild alkaline hydrolysis was explained according to their accessibility to the alkali reagent. This novel class of LAMs, namely phosphoinositols-glyceroarabinomannans (PI-GAMs), are characterized by their phosphoinositide units but also by the absence of fatty acid residues. These PI-GAMs were found to elicit the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, suggesting that phosphoinositides are the major PI-GAM epitope involved in this process.

Antigens, Bacterial↗
PubMed2006

Recombinant therapeutics: from bench to bedside (if your health plan concurs).

A talented medical student at our institution was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). beta interferon was prescribed; however, her annual cap from student health insurance coverage for outpatient drug expenses is only Dollars 3000, a sum that would be exceeded within 3 months and leave her without coverage for symptomatic medications also required for her care. Unable to pay for the treatment from personal resources, she qualified to receive beta interferon without cost from a universal access program established by the manufacturer. Unfortunately, it was evident within a few months that she had a poor therapeutic response, so her physician prescribed natalizumab. Her health care plan requires that infusion therapy be given at the hospital's infusion center, yet for various reasons, the drug was not yet approved by the formulary. She remains unable to receive the drug.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed2006

Selection of a novel gp41-specific HIV-1 neutralizing human antibody by competitive antigen panning.

The HIV envelope glycoprotein (Env) is composed of two non-covalently associated subunits: gp120 and gp41. Panning of phage-displayed antibody libraries against Env-based antigens has resulted mostly in selection of anti-gp120 antibodies. Native gp41 in the absence of gp120 is unstable. The use of gp41 fragments as antigens has resulted in selection of antibodies with only relatively modest neutralizing activity. To enhance selection of antibodies specific for gp41 in the context of the whole Env we developed a methodology termed competitive antigen panning (CAP). Using CAP, we identified a novel gp41-specific human monoclonal antibody (hmAb), m48, from an immune library derived from long-term nonprogressors with high titers of broadly cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies (bcnAbs). Selection of m48 was only successful using CAP and not through the conventional pre-incubation methodology. In assays based on spreading infection in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) m48 neutralized a panel of HIV-1 primary isolates from different clades more potently than the well-characterized broadly cross-reactive HIV-1-neutralizing antibodies IgG1 4E10 and Fab Z13. These results may have implications for the selection of novel gp41-specific bcnAbs and other antibodies, and for the development of HIV-1 inhibitors and vaccine immunogens.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1978

Is the presence of serologically defined target cell antigens sufficient for binding of cytotoxic T lymphocytes?

Target cell parameters that coincide with specific binding (conjugation) of target cells to cytotoxic T lymphocytes were examined. It was demonstrated that concentrations of formaldehyde (0 to 1.2%) which do not affect the capacity of target cells to exclude dyes and incorporate sodium chromate, or their susceptibility to cellular and humoral immune lysis did not affect target cell conjugation. Treatments with higher formaldehyde concentrations (1.6 to 3.2%) caused similar decreases in all of the above-mentioned target cell parameters. Formaldehyde-treated (over 0.1%) targets that could not cap alloantigens or incorporate macromolecular precursors could still conjugate with cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Quantitative changes of serologically detected antigens alone cannot account for the decrease in binding of formaldehyde (greater than 1.2%)-treated target cells to cytotoxic T lymphocytes, since absorption of lytic alloantibodies by formaldehyde-fixed targets was not affected over the fixative range used (0 to 3.2%). From this study, it appears that certain target cell properties related to membrane structure and function and not the apparent expression of serologically defined antigens alone are essential for binding of targets by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Additionally, it was shown that target cell susceptibility to immune lysis is retained, as long as their ability to bind to cytotoxic T lymphocytes is not affected.

Animals↗