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Epitope mapping of human recombinant interferon alpha molecules by monoclonal antibodies.

The epitopes of six recombinant human interferon alpha (IFN alpha) subtypes have been analysed using 22 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) obtained from different sources. The IFN alpha subtype specificity of each MAb was determined by a combined immunoprecipitation-bioassay. Eight different epitopes were identified; the number of epitopes on a given IFN alpha subtype varied between four and eight. Each subtype possessed a unique combination of epitopes. Using the best pair of monoclonal antibodies, predicted from epitope mapping studies, subtype-specific two-site (tandem) assays were developed. It was observed that some non-cross-reactive MAbs influenced each other's binding, indicating the flexible nature of IFN molecules. Competitive radioimmunoassay and the combined immunoprecipitation-bioassay were used to identify a common epitope, present on IFN alpha-A, B, C, F and J but not on IFN alpha-D. In neutralization studies, all MAbs that identified this common epitope inhibited the antiviral activity of all IFN alpha molecules tested. It was concluded that the epitope is located within the receptor-binding region of IFN molecules and is important for biological activity. A tentative localization of the common epitope and the other identified epitopes is proposed.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

T-cell epitope mapping using the ELISPOT approach.

The ELISPOT assay is particularly well suited to measure both clonal size and effector function of low-frequency antigen-specific T-cell populations directly ex vivo. Typically, an ELISPOT assay is performed with a freshly obtained sample (or cryopreserved sample) using less than 24h of culture. Additionally, this assay allows for the simultaneous analysis of hundreds of variables in parallel from a single tissue specimen. Because of these capabilities, this assay has found widespread use in the context of direct ex vivo immune diagnostic monitoring in humans. Herein we describe the rationale, methodology, and useful hints for performing T-cell epitope mapping using ELISPOT analysis, and review typical results of such an analysis.

Epitope Mapping↗

Epitope mapping of T4 endonuclease VII with monoclonal antibodies reveals importance of both ends of the protein for target binding.

Endonuclease VII (endo VII) of bacteriophage T4 is a Holliday-structure resolving enzyme that can also recognize many other defects in DNA via an altered secondary structure. The protein has a molecular mass of 18 kDa and exists as a dimer in solution. Here we report the production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against the highly purified enzyme. From one fusion 15 hybrid cell lines producing mAbs with high affinity for endo VII could be established. The mAbs were used for epitope mapping of the protein by using N-terminal, C-terminal and internal peptides of endo VII as antigens in enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assays. Three classes of mAbs were distinguished as follows: (1) the predominant class with 13 mAbs recognized a C-terminal epitope located between amino acid residues 115 and 145; (2) a second class, represented by one mAb, recognized an epitope located at the N terminus between amino acid residues 16 and 65; (3) a third class, represented by one mAb, recognized an epitope built from nearly the entire native protein including amino acid residues from the C and N terminus of endo VII. The latter finding suggests close proximity of the two ends, which are provided apparently by the same monomer, since the mAb from class III does also react with a mutant protein deficient in dimerization. Internal sequences of endo VII between amino acid residues 78 and 145 did not react with any of the mAbs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Analysis of epitope structure of PSP94 (prostate secretory protein of 94 amino acids): (II). Epitope mapping by monoclonal antibodies.

PSP94 has shown potential to be a serum biomarker for evaluating prostate cancer. Studies of the epitope structure is crucial for this endeavour. In this article, we have used 15 different monoclonal antibodies (MAb) to analyse the epitope structure of PSP94 and to compare with the results obtained from our previous work using polyclonal antibody and recombinant PSP94. Firstly, we determined the relative activities of the 15 MAb population by direct and competitive ELISA. The two predominant MAbs (MAb PSP-6 and -19) in 15 MAbs were selected for further studies of the epitope structure. By comparing the binding activities of recombinant GST-PSP94 and natural PSP94 with MAbs, and by comparing their affinity with MAbs in an in vitro denaturing experiment, PSP94 was shown to have a similar, prevalently linear epitope structure as we demonstrated by polyclonal antibody. Using recombinant GST fusion protein with PSP94 and with each half of the N- and C-terminal 47 amino acids (GST-PSP-N47/C47) in E. coli cells, the different epitopes recognized by 15 monoclonal antibodies were delineated and the polar distribution of the epitope structure of PSP94 was characterized. Results of direct ELISA of recombinant N47 and C47 and their competitive binding against natural PSP94 (competitive ELISA) showed that the N- and C-termini represent the immuno-dominant and immuno-recessive area separately. A majority of the monoclonal antibodies (12/15) showed preferential binding of the N-terminal sequence of the PSP94 protein. Using GST-PSP-N47 as a standard protein, an epitope map of the 15 monoclonal antibodies was obtained. The results of this study will help to define the clinical utility of PSP94.

Animals↗

Epitope mapping of tsh receptor-blocking antibodies in Graves' disease that appear during pregnancy.

Spontaneous remission of Graves' disease during pregnancy is thought to be due to a reduction of thyroid-stimulating antibody activity. We suspected, however, that a broader change in TSH receptor antibody characteristics might play an important role in modulating disease activity during pregnancy. We measured TSH binding inhibitory Ig, thyroid-stimulating antibody, and thyroid stimulating-blocking antibody activities in 13 pregnant Graves' disease patients at first, second, and third trimesters and 4 months postpartum. To measure and epitope-map thyroid-stimulating antibody and thyroid stimulating-blocking antibody activities, we used CHO cells transfected with wild-type human TSH receptor or with several TSH receptor-LH/hCG receptor chimeras: Mc1+2, Mc2, and Mc4. These chimeric cells have their respective TSH receptor residues 9-165, 90-165, and 261-370 substituted with equivalent residues of the LH/hCG receptor. Overall thyroid-stimulating antibody decreased, whereas thyroid stimulating-blocking antibody increased progressively during pregnancy. TSH binding inhibitory Ig fluctuated in individual patients, but overall the activities remained statistically unchanged. Thyroid stimulating-blocking antibody appeared in subjects who were either negative for thyroid-stimulating antibody or whose thyroid-stimulating antibody activity increased or decreased during pregnancy. Epitope mapping showed that the thyroid-stimulating antibodies were mainly directed against residues 9-165 of the N-terminus of the TSH receptor extracellular domain. All thyroid stimulating-blocking antibodies had blocking activities against residues 261-370 of the C-terminus of the ectodomain. However, the majority of the thyroid stimulating-blocking antibodies had a hybrid conformational epitope directed against N-terminal residues 9-89 or 90-165 as well. Despite a change in the activity level, we did not observe any change in the epitope of either the stimulatory or blocking Abs as pregnancy advanced. In conclusion, a change in the specificity of TSH receptor antibody from stimulatory to blocking activity was observed during pregnancy, and the appearance of thyroid stimulating-blocking antibody may contribute to the remission of Graves' disease during pregnancy.

Adult↗

The use of light-directed combinatorial peptide synthesis in epitope mapping.

The application of light-directed combinatorial peptide synthesis to epitope mapping is described. Photolithography and solid phase peptide synthesis were combined in an automated fashion to assemble arrays containing 1024 peptide sequences on a glass support in ten steps with the precise location of each peptide known. The simultaneous synthesis of two slides containing three arrays of peptides each allowed for the independent screening of both a monoclonal antibody (mAb) and its Fab fragment at two different concentrations. A binary synthesis strategy was used to assemble the arrays, resulting in all deletions and truncations possible within the FLRRQFKVVT sequence being present and available for screening. The relative binding interactions of each peptide was determined by incubating the arrays with either mAb D32.39 and goat antimouse immunoglobulin G-FITC or mAb D32.39 Fab-FITC conjugate, followed by scanning the surface for fluorescence with an epifluorescence microscope. The fragment RQFKVVT was found to bind tightly to both the mAb and Fab fragment while tethered to the surface, and was measured to have 0.49 nM affinity in solution. The frame-shifted RRQFKVV sequence was found to have lower affinity both in solution (1.3 mM) and on the surface. The fragment RQFKVV was determined to be responsible for antibody recognition and was found to bind tightly when tethered to the surface, yet exhibited no binding in solution as the free acid, suggesting the requirement of an amidated C-terminus or an additional flanking residue. A deletion analysis revealed that the novel RQFKVT sequence exhibited higher affinity than the RQFKVV sequence while tethered to the surface.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Monoclonal antibody epitope mapping describes tailspike beta-helix folding and aggregation intermediates.

There is growing interest in understanding how the cellular environment affects protein folding mechanisms, but most spectroscopic methods for monitoring folding in vitro are unsuitable for experiments in vivo or in other complex mixtures. Monoclonal antibody binding represents a sensitive structural probe that can be detected against the background of other cellular components. A panel of antibodies has been raised against Salmonella typhimurium phage P22 tailspike. In this report, nine alpha-tailspike antibody binding epitopes were characterized by measuring the binding of these monoclonal antibodies to tailspike variants bearing surface point mutations. These results reveal that the antibody epitopes are distributed throughout the tailspike structure, with several clustered in the central parallel beta-helix domain. The ability of each antibody to distinguish between tailspike conformational states was assessed by measuring antibody binding to tailspike in vitro refolding intermediates. Interestingly, the binding of all but one of the nine antibodies is sensitive to the tailspike conformational state. Whereas several antibodies bind preferentially to the tailspike native structure, the structural features that comprise the binding epitopes form with different rates. In addition, two antibodies preferentially recognize early refolding intermediates. Combined with the epitope mapping, these results indicate portions of the beta-helix form early during refolding, perhaps serving as a scaffold for the formation of additional structure. Finally, three of the antibodies show enhanced binding to non-native, potentially aggregation-prone tailspike conformations. The refolding results indicate these non-native conformations form early during the refolding reaction, long before the appearance of native tailspike.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Epitope mapping employing antibodies raised against short synthetic peptides: a study of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

Antibodies were raised against eight synthetic peptides matching preselected portions of the amino acid sequence of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) from Torpedo marmorata. To increase the probability of obtaining antibodies specific for the exact sequence of the immunizing peptide, peptides of only five to seven amino acids in length were employed. Even under these limiting conditions some of the polyclonal rabbit immune sera showed cross-reactivity with other peptides and/or other sequence regions of the receptor. Further studies with polyclonal and monoclonal sera suggested that conformation and charge pattern rather than linear sequence are the essential determinants of antibody epitopes. Application of antibodies for topological studies therefore requires that the antibody specificity for a particular region of the antigen has been firmly established. Epitope mapping with the eight anti-peptide immune sera provides information on the accessibility to antibody of matching sequences within the receptor molecule. We find the sequence portions alpha 81-85, alpha 127-132, and alpha 190-195 to be freely accessible both at membrane-bound and at purified receptor. Binding of anti-alpha 387-392 serum does not prove accessibility of this region as the serum cross-reacts strongly with peptide fragments corresponding to the regions alpha 165-200 and beta 190-200 of nAChR from Torpedo californica. To permit binding of anti-alpha 137-142 immune serum, treatment of the receptor with endoglycosidase is required, showing that Asn-141 indeed is glycosylated in native nAChR. The homologous sequence of the other subunits differing only in one sequence position from alpha 137-142 is not accessible in native nAChR to antibody, indicating clear differences in folding of the receptor polypeptides. Sequence portions alpha 395-401 and alpha 161-166 must first be exposed by appropriate treatment to permit binding of respective serum. These results and previous epitope mapping studies by other laboratories are discussed with respect to the limited sequence specificity of antibodies.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Epitope mapping of the monoclonal antibody MM12.10 to external MDR1 P-glycoprotein domain by synthetic peptide scanning and phage display technologies.

Epitope mapping of MDR1-P-glycoprotein using specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) may help in delineating P-glycoprotein topology and hence in elucidating the relationship between its structural organization and drug-efflux pump function. In this work, by using synthetic peptide scanning and phage display technologies, the binding sites of the mAb MM12.10, a novel antibody to intact human multidrug resistant (MDR) cells, were studied. The results we obtained confirm that two regions localized on the predicted fourth and sixth loops are indeed external and that MDR1 peptides covering the inner domain of the current 12 transmembrane segment (TMs) model of P-glycoprotein could form part of the MM12.10 epitope.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Epitope mapping of monoclonal antibodies raised to recombinant Mengo 3D polymerase.

The cDNA coding sequence of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (3Dpol) of Mengovirus was cloned and expressed in a bacterial system. Eleven monoclonal antibodies were raised against the recombinant Mengo 3Dpol (rM3D). All of them recognized the recombinant and the viral-induced form of the protein. The panel of monoclonals belonged to the IgG1 and IgG2a isotypes and were mapped to four different epitopes in the 3D molecule by competition assays. All monoclonals recognized Mengo 3Dpol in western blots and cross-reacted with the homologous polymerases of seven other cardioviruses but failed to react with 3Dpol from poliovirus type 1 and 3 or rhinovirus type 14 and 16.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

[Epitope mapping of the recombinant movement protein of the tobacco mosaic virus using monoclonal antibodies].

The movement protein (MP) of the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) provides the intercellular transport of the viral RNA through plasmodesmata. The MP fulfills its function while interacting with host cell factors over the whole path of its intracellular movement from the subcellular site of its synthesis to the plasmodesmata of cellular walls. The MP conformation during its intracellular movement and fulfillment of the transport function still remains unknown. In this study, we describe the preparation of murine monoclonal antibodies (MAs) to TMV MP and mapping of the MP epitopes. Stable hybridoma lines that produce MAs to the partially denatured recombinant MP (MPr) were obtained. MAs were tested by immunoblotting and ELISA with the use of deletion variants of MPr. The epitopes of TMV MPr that recognize specific MAs were determined.

Animals↗

Epitope mapping of Burkholderia pseudomallei serine metalloprotease: identification of serine protease epitope mimics.

Filamentous phage random peptide libraries were used to identify the epitopes of Burkholderia pseudomallei protease by panning against IgG polyclonal sera that exhibited protease neutralizing properties. The isolated fusion peptides presented a consensus peptide sequence, TKSMALSG, which closely resembles part of the active site sequence, 435GTSMATPHVAG445, of B. pseudomallei serine metalloprotease. By comparing the consensus sequence, TKSMALSG, with the predicted three-dimensional molecular model of B. pseudomallei serine metalloprotease, it appears that the potential antibody binding epitope was buried within the molecule. This active site was conformational whereby one continuous sub-region (SMA) was located between two discontinuous sub-regions, supplied by the flanking residues in the same polypeptide. All phages selected from the biopanning with IgG polyclonal sera showed good binding towards the polyclonal antibodies when compared to the negative control. In addition, these peptide-bearing phages showed competitive inhibition of B. pseudomallei serine metalloprotease binding to the polyclonal IgG.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Epitope mapping of a monoclonal antibody specific to bovine dry milk: involvement of residues 66-76 of strand D in thermal denatured beta-lactoglobulin.

beta-Lactoglobulin (beta-LG) is a bovine milk protein sensitive to thermal denaturation. Previously, we demonstrated that such structural change can be detected by a monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific to denatured beta-LG. In the present study, we show a dramatic increase in beta-LG immunoreactivity when heating raw milk between 70 and 80 degrees C. To map out the specific epitope of beta-LG recognized by this mAb, we used a combined strategy including tryptic and CNBr fragments, chemical modifications (acetylation and carboxymethylation), peptide array containing in situ synthesized peptides, and a synthetic soluble peptide for immunoassays. The antigenic determinant we defined was exactly located within the D strand (residues 66-76) of beta-LG. Circular dichroic spectral analysis shows that carboxymethylation on beta-LG not only resulted in a substantial loss of beta-configuration but also exerted a 10 times increase in immunoreactivity as compared with heated beta-LG. The result suggests that a further disordered structure occurred in beta-LG and thus rendered the mAb recognition. Mutations on each charged residue (three Lys and one Glu) revealed that Lys-69 and Glu-74 were extremely essential in maintaining the antigenic structure. We also show an inverse relationship between the immunoreactivity in heated beta-LG and its binding to retinol or palmitic acid. Most interestingly, pH 9-10, which neutralizes the Lys groups of beta-LG, not only reduced its immunoreactivity but also its binding to palmitic acid implicating a role of Lys-69. Taken together, we concluded that strand D of beta-LG participated in the thermal denaturation between 70 and 80 degrees C and the binding to retinol and palmitic acid. The antigenic and biochemical roles of mAb specific to D strand are discussed in detail.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Epitope-Mapping of antigen-specific T lymphocyte in cattle immunized with recombinant major piroplasm surface protein of Theileria sergenti.

The cellular immune responses against major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) of Theileria sergenti were characterized. Three cattle were immunized with recombinant MPSP (C type) encapsulated by mannan-coated liposome. The proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) against MPSP were detected in all immunized animals. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis revealed that T cell lines derived from each animal expressed relatively high levels of interferon (IFN)-gamma mRNA, low levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha mRNAs, but no detectable level of IL-4 mRNA. From the results of T cell epitope-mapping, T-cell lines from two animals responded to DTSKFTPTVAHRLKHAEDLF (residues 61 to 80), while other animal responded to GTGKVYDFVGNFKVTKVKFE (residues 141 to 160). The MPSP-type specific response of a T-cell line was observed in the latter region of MPSP. These data suggest that immunization with cocktail vaccine consisting of different types of MPSP may be necessary in the field trial.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Epitope mapping factor VIII A2 domain by affinity-directed mass spectrometry: residues 497-510 and 584-593 comprise a discontinuous epitope for the monoclonal antibody R8B12.

The murine monoclonal antibody R8B12 recognizes the C-terminal region (residues 563-740) of the A2 subunit of factor VIIIa [J Biol Chem 266: 1991; p. 20139], as judged by Western blotting. However, the location of the epitope within this region is not known. In the present study, we used affinity-directed mass spectrometry to map the epitope. A2 subunit was digested with trypsin or chymotrypsin and then subjected to immunoprecipitation (IP) using R8B12 IgG. Masses of the affinity-selected peptides were determined directly from the immune complexes by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). Proteolysis of A2 with the two proteases generated a pre-IP peptide fingerprint that covered approximately 70% of the A2 domain sequence. Analysis of the post-IP tryptic peptide fingerprint showed two masses, 1309 and 1653 Da representing residues 584-593 and 497-510, respectively, determined from a theoretical database search and confirmed by direct sequencing. Results using a chymotryptic digest yielded a single, weakly reactive fragment consistent with residues 577-586, suggesting the importance of residues Ser584-Tyr586 in forming the epitope. A synthetic peptide to residues 584-593 was immunoprecipitated by the IgG and blocked R8B12-directed blotting to A2 subunit. The 497-510 and 584-593 segments were observed to be adjacent and surface exposed in the A2 domain model, and together with the above results suggest that A2 domain residues 497-510 and 584-593 represent a discontinuous epitope for R8B12. Furthermore, based upon blotting specificity, we speculate that residues 584-593 make a substantially greater contribution to the binding energy for this interaction.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Asparaginase display of polypeptides in the periplasm of Escherichia coli: potential rapid pepscan technique for antigen epitope mapping.

Asparaginase of Escherichia coli, a tetramer of identical subunits, was tested as a vector to display linear peptides on the surface of each enzyme subunit. A recombinant gene encoding a chimeric protein composed of asparaginase, a tetanus toxin peptide (TTP) spacer (831-854 fragment), and the foreign cholesteryl ester transfer protein C-terminal fragment (CETPC) was expressed and targeted to the periplasm of E. coli. The purified chimeric enzyme exhibited approximately 83% activity of the native enzyme, allowing the rapid screening of recombinant clones. In contrast, an asparaginase-CETPC fusion protein without the TTP spacer produced only about 23% activity of the native enzyme. Rats immunized with bacterial cells containing the chimeric enzymes induced CETP-specific immunoresponse. In contrast, rats inoculated with the cells expressing asparaginase only did not generate specific anti-CETP antibodies. Our study showed that asparaginase of E. coli was an effective carrier for displaying foreign peptides or epitopes. Moreover, the use of the TTP spacer appeared to play a critical role in maintaining the catalytic activity of the chimeric enzymes by redirecting the foreign CETPC peptide to the surface of the enzyme. The chimeric enzyme constructs fusing asparaginase with foreign peptides via a TTP spacer could be utilized as a rapid pepscan technique for antigen epitope mapping. The fusion protein of asparaginase-TTP-CETPC could also be useful for the development of a vaccine against atherosclerosis.

Animals↗

Strain analysis and epitope mapping of West Nile virus using monoclonal antibodies.

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against an Indian strain (804994) and an Egyptian strain (E 101) of West Nile virus (WNV) were prepared in mice. Nine MAbs against the 804994 strain and 5 MAbs against E 101 strain were obtained. All 14 MAbs reacted with the envelope (E) protein of WNV in an immunoblot assay. They were tested by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for their cross-reactivity with WNV, Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and Dengue-2 virus (DEN-2), and for their reactivity in haemagglutination-inhibition (HAI) test. Based on these results MAbs were broadly grouped into three groups, namely WNV-specific HAI-positive, WNV-JEV cross-reactive HAI-positive, and WNV-JEV cross-reactive HAI-negative MAbs. The antigenic cross-reactivity between twelve WNV strains isolated from different geographical regions and their respective hosts was assessed using these MAbs in HAI and complement fixation (CF) tests. The strain analysis by CF distinguished Indian from South African strains. However, a similarity between some Indian and South African strains in HAI was observed. E 101 strain appeared to have antigenic similarity with Indian as well as South African strains. Overall it appears that antigenically similar strains of WNV are prevalent in India. A single heterogenous domain was apparent on the epitope map of WNV deduced by ELISA additivity test.

Animals↗

Characterization of the anti-BP180 autoantibody reactivity profile and epitope mapping in bullous pemphigoid patients.

Bullous pemphigoid is a subepidermal bullous disease of skin and mucosae associated with autoantibodies to BP180. To characterize the humoral response to BP180, we generated a random BP180 epitope library displayed on lambda bacteriophage. After validation of the library by epitope mapping of three BP180-specific monoclonal antibodies, 15 novel or known BP180 epitopes were identified using 10 bullous pemphigoid serum samples. Fifty-seven bullous pemphigoid and 81 control sera were then assayed against the selected epitopes. Thirty-one out of 57 (54%) bullous pemphigoid sera reacted with at least an additional antigenic site other than the NC16A, within the extracellular (37%) and intracellular (28%) domains of BP180. In addition, the reactivity with extracellular epitopes of BP180 contained within the residue stretches 508-541 and 1331-1404 appeared to be related to the presence of both skin and mucosal involvement. Finally, a preliminary analysis of the epitope pattern in the disease course indicated that bullous pemphigoid patients exhibit a specific reactivity pattern, and that binding to intracellular epitopes of BP180, in addition to NC16A, may be detectable at an early clinical stage. Our findings provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of bullous pemphigoid and show the potential of the utilized approach as a tool for a rapid diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid patients and their management.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗