Binding Of Natural Antibodies Research Articles

Binding of Natural Antibodies Generated after COVID-19 and Vaccination with Individual Peptides Corresponding to the SARS-CoV-2 S-Protein.

The rapid development of vaccines is a crucial objective in modern biotechnology and molecular pharmacology. In this context, conducting research to expedite the selection of a potent immunogen is imperative. The candidate vaccine should induce the production of antibodies that can recognize the immunogenic epitopes of the target protein, resembling the ones found in recovered patients. One major challenge in vaccine development is the absence of straightforward and reliable techniques to determine the extent to which the spectrum of antibodies produced after vaccination corresponds to antibodies found after recovery. This paper describes a newly developed method to detect antibodies specific to immunogenic epitopes of the target protein in blood plasma and to compare them with antibody spectra generated post vaccination. Comparing the antibody pool generated in the human body after recovering from an infectious disease with the pool formed through vaccination can become a universal method for screening candidate vaccines. This method will enable the identification of candidate vaccines that can induce the production of antibodies similar to those generated in response to a natural infection. Implementing this approach will facilitate the rapid development of new vaccines, even when faced with a pandemic.

Molecular imprinted polymers: important advances in biochemistry, biomedical and biotechnology

AbstractMolecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are handmade receptors that mimic the binding of natural antibodies. In other words, MIPs can selectively bind to the target molecule and qualify as bio-inspired synthetic materials. Today, MIPs are used extensively and are being developed further for biological applications. High cost and time consuming techniques are compelling factors for the field of biochemistry, biomedicine and biotechnology (3B), and there is an urgent need for an alternative, cheap, easy to produce, fast and effective method in these fields. MIPs stand out as a promising way for this purpose. MIPs have superiorities such as specific recognition specificity, excellent sensitivity selectivity and reusability. From this point of view, we examined MIP-related drug delivery studies, cell recognition, enzyme applications, in vivo applications, and applications for some important biomolecules. The aim of this review is to compile the utilizations, advantages, important developments and future expectations of MIPs for the fields of 3B.

Kidney transplantation from triple-knockout pigs expressing multiple human proteins in cynomolgus macaques

Porcine cells devoid of three major carbohydrate xenoantigens, αGal, Neu5GC, and SDa (TKO) exhibit markedly reduced binding of human natural antibodies. Therefore, it is anticipated that TKO pigs will be better donors for human xenotransplantation. However, previous studies on TKO pigs using old world monkeys (OWMs) have been disappointing because of higher anti‐TKO pig antibodies in OWMs than humans. Here, we show that long‐term survival of renal xenografts from TKO pigs that express additional human transgenes (hTGs) can be achieved in cynomolgus monkeys. Kidney xenografts from TKO‐hTG pigs were transplanted into eight cynomolgus recipients without pre‐screening for low anti‐pig antibody titers. Two recipients of TKO‐hTG xenografts with low expression of human complement regulatory proteins (CRPs) (TKO‐A) survived for 2 and 61 days, whereas six recipients of TKO‐hTG xenografts with high CRP expression (TKO‐B) survived for 15, 20, 71, 135, 265, and 316 days. Prolonged CD4+T cell depletion and low anti‐pig antibody titers, which were previously reported important for long‐term survival of αGal knock‐out (GTKO) xenografts, were not always required for long‐term survival of TKO‐hTG renal xenografts. This study indicates that OWMs such as cynomolgus monkeys can be used as a relevant model for clinical application of xenotransplantation using TKO pigs.

Histopathology of pig kidney grafts with/without expression of the carbohydrate Neu5Gc in immunosuppressed baboons.

Pigs deficient in three glycosyltransferase enzymes (triple-knockout [TKO] pigs, that is, not expressing the three known carbohydrate xenoantigens) and expressing 'protective' human transgenes are considered a likely source of organs for transplantation into human recipients. Some human sera have no or minimal natural antibody binding to red blood cells (RBCs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from TKO pigs. However, all Old World monkeys exhibit natural antibody binding to TKO pig cells. The xenoantigen targets of Old World monkey natural antibodies are postulated to be carbohydrate moieties exposed when the expression of the carbohydrate N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) is deleted. The aim of this study was to compare the survival in baboons and histopathology of renal grafts from pigs that either (a) expressed Neu5Gc (GTKO pigs; Group 1) or (b) did not express Neu5Gc (GTKO/CMAHKO [DKO] or TKO pigs; Group 2). Life-supporting renal transplants were carried out using GTKO (n=5) or DKO/TKO (n=5) pig kidneys under an anti-CD40mAb-based immunosuppressive regimen. Group 1 baboons survived longer than Group 2 baboons (median 237vs. 35 days; mean 196vs. 57 days; p<0.07) and exhibited histopathological features of antibody-mediated rejection in only two kidneys. Group 2 exhibited histopathological features of antibody-mediated rejection in all five grafts, with IgM and IgG binding to renal interstitial arteries and peritubular capillaries. Rejection-free survival was significantly longer in Group 1 (p<0.05). The absence of expression of Neu5Gc on pig kidney grafts is associated with increased binding of baboon antibodies to pig endothelium and reduced graft survival.

Evidence suggesting that deletion of expression of N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) in the organ-source pig is associated with increased antibody-mediated rejection of kidney transplants in baboons.

Pigs deficient in three glycosyltransferase enzymes (triple-knockout [TKO] pigs) and expressing "protective" human transgenes are likely sources of organs for transplantation into human recipients. Testing of human sera against red blood cells (RBCs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from TKO pigs has revealed minimal evidence of natural antibody binding. However, unlike humans, baboons exhibit natural antibody binding to TKO pig cells. The xenoantigen specificities of these natural antibodies are postulated to be one or more carbohydrate moieties exposed when N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) is deleted. The aim of this study was to compare the survival of renal grafts in baboons from pigs that either expressed Neu5Gc (GTKO pigs; Group1, n=5) or did not express Neu5Gc (GTKO/CMAHKO [DKO] or TKO pigs; Group2, n=5). An anti-CD40mAb-based immunosuppressive regimen was administered in both groups. Group1 kidneys functioned for 90-260days (median 237, mean 196days), with histopathological features of antibody-mediated rejection in two kidneys. Group2 kidneys functioned for 0-183days (median 35, mean 57), with all of the grafts exhibiting histologic features of antibody-mediated rejection. These findings suggest that the absence of expression of Neu5Gc on pig kidneys impacts graft survival in baboon recipients.

Клітинні механізми еритродіерезу

Normally erythrodieresis is in a dynamic equilibrium with the process of erythropoiesis, and is therefore one of the factors to providing a relatively constant number of red blood cells in the bloodstream. The physiologically old, damaged and non-viable erythrocytes, as well as the erythrocytes which are produced during stress erythropoiesis, are destroyed. Erythrocyte clearance is a selective process. First of all, the cells that have lost their ability to deform are removed from the bloodstream. The deformability of red blood cells depends on the shape of the cells, the viscosity of the cytoplasm and the mechanical properties of the membrane. Old and altered erythrocytes are quite rigid, and are therefore delayed in the narrow capillaries and venous sinuses of the liver and spleen. In addition, macrophages of the liver and spleen phagocytize erythrocytes, which expose “eat me” signaling molecules on their surface. Exposure of phosphatidylserine on the outer cell surface of erythrocytes and vesicles results in their elimination from the bloodstream by Kupffer cells and other mononuclear phagocytes. During the initiation of erythrophagocytosis, the phosphatidylserine of the outer lipid layer of the erythrocyte plasma membrane directly interacts with the receptors Stabilin-2, TIM-1, TIM-4 or CD300 of macrophages. The macrophage’s integrins avb3 and avb5, as well as the Mer receptor tyrosine kinase indirectly interact with the cell surface-exposed phosphatidylserine through the soluble proteins MFG-E8, Gas 6 and protein S. Clustering of the erythrocyte membrane protein band 3 cau­ses the binding of natural antibodies, and opsonization of erythrocytes with C3b enhances this process and facilitates the recognition of such cells by red pulp macrophages in the spleen. In senescent erythrocytes, the formation of the CD47-SIRPα complex («do not eat me» signal), is suppressed, and this is an additional stimulus for erythrocytes removing by splenic and liver macrophages. The purpose of the review is to describe the mechanisms of erythrophagocytosis and the molecular determinants of erythrocyte senescence and death, including eryptosis and neocytolysis, and to illustrate the substantiated facts and contradictions that exist at the present time of the study of this scientific problem.

Negative Correlation between Natural Human Antibodies Directed to Glycotopes Galβ1-3GlcNAc and Galβ1-4GlcNAc

In a cohort of 106 donors, we analyzed correlations in the binding of natural antibodies to human glycans in a composition of the glycan array. Along with trivial relationships (between structurally similar glycans), we found a high positive correlation between completely unrelated glycans. The most intriguing among the negative is the correlation of average strength (close to –0.5) between antibodies to Galβ1-3GlcNAc and antibodies to lactosamines (Galβ1-4GlcNAc)n. The reason for the functional antagonism between these antibodies is not yet clear.

The effect of SLA expression on genetically-engineered pig renal cells on the human T cell xenoresponse

Abstract Background Xenotransplantation using genetically-engineered (GE) pig organs offers an unlimited supply of organs for patients with end-stage organ failure. Disrupting the porcine GGTA1/CMAH/β4GalNT2 genes (TKO) markedly reduces binding of human natural anti-pig antibodies in human to carbohydrate antigens expressed on the pig organ. However, more evident have demonstrated that T cell responses play a major role in xenogeneic rejection, and that immunosuppression alone is likely incapable of completely suppressing these responses. The object of this study is at an organ-specific level to evaluate human T cell-mediated response against GE pig renal microvascular endothelial cells (RMEC) with or without swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) class I or II. Methods Primary RMEC were isolated from the GGTA1/CMAH knockout (DKO) pigs, and immortalized using Lenti-SV40 T. The gene editing was performed to create specific TKO RMEC cell lines expressing SLA class II. Stimulation of human T cell activation or proliferation by RMEC was performed flow cytometry-based mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). Results The specific GE cells lacking carbohydrates or expressing SLA class I or II were confirmed. MLR data shows that human CD4+ T cell proliferation by CD31+ RMEC was higher than that by fibroblast-like renal cells (RC), and was significantly inhibited by immunosuppressive drugs. Furthermore, both of CD69+ and CD25+ T cells were significantly enhanced by RMEC with expression of SLA class I and II compared with SLA class I alone. Conclusion Porcine RMEC express SLA class I/II and known costimulatory molecules and have the ability to simulate human T cell proliferation. RMEC will be a useful reagent for the further study of xenotransplantation.

Specificity of human natural antibodies referred to as anti-Tn

To understand the role of human natural IgM known as antibodies against the carbohydrate epitope Tn, the antibodies were isolated using GalNAcα−Sepharose affinity chromatography, and their specificity was profiled using microarrays (a glycan array printed with oligosaccharides and bacterial polysaccharides, as well as a glycopeptide array), flow cytometry, and inhibition ELISA. The antibodies bound a restricted number of GalNAcα-terminated oligosaccharides better than the parent monosaccharide, e.g., 6-O-Su-GalNAcα and GalNAcα1−3Galβ1−3(4)GlcNAcβ. The binding with several bacterial polysaccharides that have no structural resemblance to the affinity ligand GalNAcα was quite unexpected. Given that GalNAcα is considered the key fragment of the Tn antigen, it is surprising that these antibodies bind weakly GalNAcα−OSer and do not bind a wide variety of GalNAcα−OSer/Thr-containing mucin glycopeptides. At the same time, we have observed specific binding to cells having Tn-positive glycoproteins containing similar glycopeptide motifs in a conformationally rigid macromolecule. Thus, specific recognition of the Tn antigen apparently requires that the naturally occurring “anti-Tn” IgM recognize a complex epitope comprising the GalNAcα as an essential component and a fairly long amino acid sequence where the amino acids adjacent to GalNAcα do not contact the antibody paratope; i.e., the antibodies recognize a spatial epitope or a molecular pattern rather than a classical continuous sequence. In addition, we have not found any increase in the binding of natural antibodies when GalNAcα residues were clustered. These results may help in further development of anticancer vaccines based on synthetic Tn constructs.

Survivability, immunity, growth and production traits in indigenous and White Leghorn breeds of chicken

ABSTRACT 1. The survivability, innate and adaptive immunity, growth and production traits up to 72 weeks of age were determined in Ghagus, Nicobari (unimproved indigenous) and White Leghorn (WLH) breeds and the study investigated links between innate and adaptive immunity and survivability and production traits. 2. At 20 and 40 weeks of age, there was a significant effect of breed on innate immunity assessed by measuring titres of natural antibody (NAb) binding to rabbit red blood cells (RRBC) and adaptive immunity assessed by measuring specific antibody titre (SpAb) to Newcastle disease virus. 3. Highest survivability was in WLH (91.6%) followed by Nicobari (87.1%) and Ghagus (82.9%) breeds. Growth traits at different ages were higher (P< 0.001) in Ghagus followed by WLH and Nicobari breeds. Egg production up to 72 weeks was higher (P < 0.001) in WLH followed by Nicobari and Ghagus breeds, whereas egg weight at different ages was higher (P < 0.001) in WLH than Ghagus and Nicobari breeds. 4. NAb titres measured at 20 weeks were significantly (P = 0.002) associated with the survivability of hens during 20 to 72 weeks of age. Breed-wise analysis showed a significant (P = 0.019) association between NAb titres at 20 weeks and survivability in the Ghagus breed. Furthermore, NAb titres at 20 weeks were higher in hens which survived to 72 weeks compared with those that died (P = 0.002). 5. Measuring NAb titres to RRBC is quick, economical and simple. This method has potential to be used in a breeding programme to increase survivability of laying hens.

Generation of CMAHKO/GTKO/shTNFRI-Fc/HO-1 quadruple gene modified pigs.

As an alternative source of organs for transplantation into humans, attention has been directed to pigs due to their similarities in biological features and organ size. However, severe immune rejection has prevented successful xenotransplantation using pig organs and tissues. To overcome immune rejection, recently developed genetic engineering systems such as TALEN coupled with somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) to make embryos could be used to produce pigs compatible with xenotransplantation. We used the TALEN system to target the non-Gal antigen cytidine monophosphate-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH) gene in pigs that is naturally deleted in humans. Gal-deleted cells expressing both soluble human tumor necrosis factor receptor I IgG1-Fc (shTNFRI-Fc) and human hemagglutinin -tagged-human heme oxygenase-1 (hHO-1) were transfected with a TALEN target for CMAH. Cells lacking CMAH were negatively selected using N-glyconeuraminic acid (Neu5Gc)/magnetic beads and the level of Neu5Gc expression of isolated cells were analyzed by FACS and DNA sequencing. Cloned embryos using 3 different genetically modified cell clones were respectively transferred into 3 recipients, with 55.6% (5/9) becoming pregnant and three cloned pigs were produced. Successful genetic disruption of the CMAH gene was confirmed by sequencing, showing lack of expression of CMAH in tail-derived fibroblasts of the cloned piglets. Besides decreased expression of Neu5Gc in piglets produced by SCNT, antibody-mediated complement-dependent cytotoxicity assays and natural antibody binding for examining immuno-reactivity of the quadruple gene modified pigs derived from endothelial cells and fibroblasts were reduced significantly compared to those of wild type animals. We conclude that by combining the TALEN system and transgenic cells, targeting of multiple genes could be useful for generating organs for xenotransplantation. We produced miniature pigs with quadruple modified genes CMAHKO/GTKO/shTNFRI-Fc/hHO-1 that will be suitable for xenotransplantation by overcoming hyperacute, acute and anti-inflammatory rejection.

Xenotransplanted Pig Sertoli Cells Inhibit Both the Alternative and Classical Pathways of Complement-Mediated Cell Lysis While Pig Islets Are Killed.

Xenotransplantation has vast clinical potential but is limited by the potent immune responses generated against xenogeneic tissue. Immune-privileged Sertoli cells (SCs) survive xenotransplantation long term (≥90 days) without immunosuppression, making SCs an ideal model to identify xenograft survival mechanisms. Xenograft rejection includes the binding of natural and induced antibodies and the activation of the complement cascade. Using an in vitro cytotoxicity assay, wherein cells were cultured with human serum and complement, we demonstrated that neonatal pig SCs (NPSCs) are resistant to complement-mediated cell lysis and express complement inhibitory factors, membrane cofactor protein (MCP; CD46), and decay- accelerating factor (DAF; CD55) at significantly higher levels than neonatal pig islets (NPIs), which served as non-immune-privileged controls. After xenotransplantation into naive Lewis rats, NPSCs survived throughout the study, while NPIs were rejected within 9 days. Serum antibodies, and antibody and complement deposition within the grafts were analyzed. Compared to preformed circulating anti-pig IgM antibodies, no significant increase in IgM production against NPSCs or NPIs was observed, while IgM deposition was detected from day 6 onward in both sets of grafts. A late serum IgG response was detected in NPSC (days 13 and 20) and NPI (day 20) recipients. Consistently, IgG deposition was first detected at days 9 and 13 in NPSC and NPI grafts, respectively. Interestingly, C3 was deposited at days 1 and 3 in NPI grafts and only at day 1 in NPSC grafts, while membrane attack complex (MAC) deposition was only detected in NPI grafts (at days 1-4). Collectively, these data suggest NPSCs actively inhibit both the alternative and classical pathways of complement-mediated cell lysis, while the alternative pathway plays a role in rejecting NPIs. Ultimately, inhibiting the alternative pathway along with transplanting xenogeneic tissue from transgenic pigs (expressing human complement inhibitory factors) could prolong the survival of xenogeneic cells without immunosuppression.

46. Shielding of Ad5 by Minimal Geneti-Chemical Modification: Preventing Clearance While Preserving Infectivity

The clinical efficacy of adenovirus serotype 5-based vectors is limited by complex interactions of the vector with host blood components. These interactions trigger sequestration of systemically administered vector particles mainly by the reticuloendothelial system. In order to generate retargeted Ad vectors suitable for i.v. delivery it is mandatory to understand and manipulate these non-target interactions.In mice, it was shown that blood coagulation factor X bound to hexon reduces sequestration by shielding the virus from natural antibodies and macrophage uptake, but also mediates hepatocyte transduction. To generate Ad vectors deficient for hepatocyte transduction but shielded from natural antibodies, we employed a combination of point mutations ablating (i) CAR binding (Ad-ΔCAR), (ii) integrin binding, (iii) FX binding (Ad-ΔFX), and rendered the vectors amenable for position-specific PEGylation at hexon HVR1 (Ad-HVR1) to compensate the lack of a FX-mediated shielding. Surface plasmon resonance analysis confirmed complete ablation of FX binding by ΔFX mutation in combination with PEGylation. Upon i.v. delivery, unPEGylated Ad-HVR1-ΔCAR-ΔFX did not transduce hepatocytes in BALB/c mice, whereas robust transduction levels were observed in antibody-deficient JHD mice. In agreement with the literature, this suggested that the ΔFX vector particles became susceptible to natural antibodies. However and surprisingly, PEGylated Ad-HVR1-ΔCAR-ΔFX showed a strong FX-independent hepatocyte transduction in both BALB/c and JHD mice compared to unPEGylated Ad-HVR1-ΔCAR-ΔFX and wildtype capsid vectors. Preliminary results suggested that integrins were involved in this FX-independent transduction. Further, PEGylated Ad-HVR1-ΔCAR-ΔFX vectors displayed 20-fold increased blood persistence without being associated to blood cells in BALB/c mice.To analyze vector sequestration by macrophages more closely we performed in vitro assays measuring the uptake of vector particles by Raw264.7 cells in the presence of murine plasma. We found enhanced uptake of unPEGylated Ad-HVR1-ΔFX vectors compared to wildtype capsid vectors. Using antibody-deficient and heated plasma of Ad naive mice confirmed a natural antibody- and complement-dependent uptake mechanism. This uptake was completely prevented by PEGylation of the vector particles, suggesting that position-specific PEGylation of hexon HVR1 interfered with natural antibody binding. Moreover, using hirudinized human whole blood we could show that a complement-dependent natural antibody-mediated binding of unPEGylated Ad-HVR1-ΔCAR-ΔFX vectors to erythrocytes could be prevented by PEGylation of hexon HVR1 with large PEG moieties.Thus, we conclude that a PEG-mediated evasion from sequestration by macrophages by shielding from natural antibodies or by a yet unknown mechanism maintained high vector concentrations in blood followed by enhanced hepatocyte transduction.

Limited evidence for trans-generational effects of maternal dietary supplementation with ω-3 fatty acids on immunity in broiler chickens

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the immune response of broiler chickens is modulated by including different omega-3 (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the maternal diet. Broiler breeder hens (n = 120 birds per group) were fed one of four diets, differing in the ratios of n-6:n-3 PUFAs and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA):docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). At 28 weeks of age, the eggs produced were incubated to obtain 720 chicks (n = 180 per group). All broiler chicks were fed a control diet and were vaccinated against Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Blood samples were taken at different time points after immunisation with human serum albumin (HuSA) in Freund's adjuvant to determine the acute phase response, antibody response and cytokine production. Addition of EPA to the maternal diet was associated with greater ovotransferrin concentrations post-immunisation, compared to other groups. Altering the ratios of n-6:n-3 PUFA or EPA:DHA in the maternal diet did not affect the offspring in terms of production of caeruloplasmin, α1-acid glycoprotein, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-12 or tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Dietary manipulation of the maternal diet did not influence the specific antibody response to HuSA or NDV, nor did it alter the levels of natural antibody binding to keyhole limpet haemocyanin in the offspring. Thus, maternal supplementation with n-3 PUFAs played a minor role in perinatal programming of the immune response of broiler chickens.

Erythrocytes from GGTA1/CMAH knockout pigs: implications for xenotransfusion and testing in non-human primates.

Pig erythrocytes are potentially useful to solve the worldwide shortage of human blood for transfusion. Domestic pig erythrocytes, however, express antigens that are bound by human preformed antibodies. Advances in genetic engineering have made it possible to rapidly knock out the genes of multiple xenoantigens, namely galactose α1,3 galactose (aGal) and N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc). We have recently targeted the GGTA1 and CMAH genes with zinc finger endonucleases resulting in double knockout pigs that no longer express aGal or Neu5Gc and attract significantly fewer human antibodies. In this study, we characterized erythrocytes from domestic and genetically modified pigs, baboons, chimpanzees, and humans for binding of human and baboon natural antibody, and complement-mediated lysis. Distribution of anti-Neu5Gc IgG and IgM in pooled human AB serum was analyzed by ELISA. Erythrocytes from domestic pigs (Dom), aGal knockout pigs (GGTA1 KO), aGal and Neu5Gc double knockout pigs (GGTA1/CMAH KO), baboons, chimpanzees, and humans were analyzed by flow cytometry for aGal and Neu5Gc expression. In vitro comparative analysis of erythrocytes was conducted with pooled human AB serum and baboon serum. Total antibody binding was accessed by hemagglutination; complement-dependent lysis was measured by hemolytic assay; IgG or IgM binding to erythrocytes was characterized by flow cytometry. The pooled human AB serum contained 0.38 μg/ml anti-Neu5Gc IgG and 0.085 μg/ml anti-Neu5Gc IgM. Both Gal and Neu5Gc were not detectable on GGTA1/CMAH KO erythrocytes. Hemagglutination of GGTA1/CMAH KO erythrocytes with human serum was 3.5-fold lower compared with GGTA1 KO erythrocytes, but 1.6-fold greater when agglutinated with baboon serum. Hemolysis of GGTA1/CMAH KO erythrocytes by human serum (25%) was reduced 9-fold compared with GGTA1 KO erythrocytes, but increased 1.64-fold by baboon serum. Human IgG binding was reduced 27-fold on GGTA1/CMAH KO erythrocytes compared with GGTA1 KO erythrocytes, but markedly increased 3-fold by baboon serum IgG. Human IgM binding was decreased 227-fold on GGTA1/CMAH KO erythrocytes compared with GGTA1 KO erythrocytes, but enhanced 5-fold by baboon serum IgM. Removal of aGal and Neu5Gc antigens from pig erythrocytes significantly reduced human preformed antibody-mediated cytotoxicity but may have complicated future in vivo analysis by enhancing reactivity from baboons. The creation of the GGTA1/CMAH KO pig has provided the xenotransplantation researcher with organs and cells that attract fewer human antibodies than baboon and our closest primate relative, chimpanzee. These finding suggest that while GGTA1/CMAH KO erythrocytes may be useful for human transfusions, in vivo testing in the baboon may not provide a direct transplantation to the clinic.

Exploring Binding and Effector Functions of Natural Human Antibodies Using Synthetic Immunomodulators

The ability to profile the prevalence and functional activity of endogenous antibodies is of vast clinical and diagnostic importance. Serum antibodies are an important class of biomarkers and are also crucial elements of immune responses elicited by natural disease-causing agents as well as vaccines. In particular, materials for manipulating and/or enhancing immune responses toward disease-causing cells or viruses have exhibited significant promise for therapeutic applications. Antibody-recruiting molecules (ARMs), bifunctional organic molecules that redirect endogenous antibodies to pathological targets, thereby increasing their recognition and clearance by the immune system, have proven particularly interesting. Notably, although ARMs capable of hijacking antibodies against oligosaccharides and electron-poor aromatics have proven efficacious, systematic comparisons of the prevalence and effectiveness of natural anti-hapten antibody populations have not appeared in the literature. Herein we report head-to-head comparisons of three chemically simple antigens, which are known ligands for endogenous antibodies. Thus, we have chemically synthesized bifunctional molecules containing 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP), phosphorylcholine (PC), and rhamnose. We have then used a combination of ELISA, flow cytometry, and cell-viability assays to compare these antigens in terms of their abilities both to recruit natural antibody from human serum and also to direct serum-dependent cytotoxicity against target cells. These studies have revealed rhamnose to be the most efficacious of the synthetic antigens examined. Furthermore, analysis of 122 individual serum samples has afforded comprehensive insights into population-wide prevalence and isotype distributions of distinct anti-hapten antibody populations. In addition to providing a general platform for comparing and studying anti-hapten antibodies, these studies serve as a useful starting point for the optimization of antibody-recruiting molecules and other synthetic strategies for modulating human immunity.

Breeding for high specific immune reactivity affects sensitivity to the environment

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are present in high levels in the air of chicken houses and likely have immune-modulating effects. In this study, layers from the 30th generation of a divergent selection experiment for humoral immune reactivity to subcutaneously administered sheep red blood cells were concurrently intratracheally challenged with human serum albumin (HuSA) and LPS at 7 and 12 wk of age following a crossing over design. Chickens selected for high humoral immune reactivity (H line) showed higher specific antibody responses to intratracheally administered HuSA and a higher level of natural antibody binding keyhole limpet hemocyanin compared with chickens genetically selected for low humoral immune reactivity (L line), and were also more sensitive to immune modulation by LPS at 7 wk of age. Body weight gain was negatively affected by LPS at 7 wk of age in the L line, but after 12 wk of age in the H line. Egg production was lower and delayed in the H line. We conclude that these chicken selection lines differ in sensitivity to the environment (LPS), and consequently may therefore also react differently to infection, vaccinations, and other immune responses. In addition, selection for immune responsiveness affected growth and egg lay.

Immunopathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion-associated tissue damage

Ischemia/reperfusion (IR) instigates a complex array of inflammatory events which result in damage to the local tissue. IR-related organ damage occurs invariably in several clinical conditions including trauma, organ transplantation, autoimmune diseases and revascularization procedures. We critically review available pre-clinical experimental information on the role of immune response in the expression of tissue damage following IR. Distinct elements of the innate and adaptive immune response are involved in the expression of tissue injury. Interventions such as prevention of binding of natural antibody to antigen expressed on the surface of ischemia-conditioned cells, inhibition of the ensuing complement activation, modulation of Toll-like receptors, B or T cell depletion and blockade of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines limit IR injury in preclinical studies. Clinical trials that will determine the therapeutic value of each approach is needed.

ChemInform Abstract: Enhanced Inhibition of Human Anti-Gal Antibody Binding to Mammalian Cells by Synthetic α-Gal Epitope Polymers.

Neoglycopolymers of polyacrylamide backbone conjugated with varying densities of Galα1−3Galβ1−4Glcβ trisaccharide epitopes (α-Gal epitopes) were designed and synthesized to study the inhibition of the binding of human natural anti-Gal antibodies to either α-Gal-containing glycoproteins or α-Gal antigens on the surface of mammalian cells. An inhibition ELISA using mouse laminin and a flow cytometry assay using pig kidney cells (PK15) were established to determine the binding affinity of the synthesized polymers. In comparison to the α-Gal monomer (Galα1−3Galβ1−4GlcNHAcβ), the α-Gal polymers dramatically enhanced the inhibition of human anti-Gal antibodies (IgG, IgM, and IgA) binding to mouse laminin or mammalian cells. Increases of 7.8 × 103- and 5.0 × 104 -fold in inhibitory potential of polymer 7C to IgA and IgM (with IC50s of 7.0 and 5.6 nM respectively) were observed over the monomer in inhibition ELISA. The results also indicated that binding enhancement of α-Gal polymers is greater for anti-Gal IgA a...

Spleen tyrosine kinase inhibition prevents tissue damage after ischemia-reperfusion

Reperfusion injury to tissue following an ischemic event occurs as a consequence of an acute inflammatory response that can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Components of both the innate (complement, immunoglobulin, monocytes, and neutrophils) and adaptive (B and T lymphocytes) immune systems have been demonstrated to mediate tissue injury. Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) is responsible for membrane-mediated signaling in various cell types including B lymphocytes, macrophages, and T cells. We investigated the ability of a small drug Syk inhibitor, R788, to protect mice against mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced local (intestine) and remote lung injury. Mice were fed with chow containing a Syk inhibitor for 6 days before the performance of intestinal I/R, which resulted in silencing of the expression of the active phosphorylated Syk. Syk inhibition significantly suppressed both local and remote lung injury. The beneficial effect was associated with reduced IgM and complement 3 deposition in the tissues and significant reduction of polymorphonuclear cell infiltration. Our data place Syk upstream of events leading to the binding of natural antibodies to the ischemia-conditioned tissues and urge the consideration of the use of Syk inhibitors in the prevention or improvement of tissue injury of organs exposed to ischemia or hypoperfusion.