Human Single-chain Antibody Fragment Research Articles

Binding specificity of HuScFv to cholangiocarcinoma cells; New avenues for diagnosis and treatment.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a very aggressive cancer of the bile ducts. Recent advances in immunotherapy, particularly with human single-chain variable fragments (HuScFv), have shown promise in the treatment of solid tumors by targeting cancer cells or improving the immune response. This study aimed to select and produce human single-chain antibody fragments (HuScFv) specific to CCA cells (HubCCA1, RMCCA) from phage display HuScFv libraries with minimum or no binding to cholangiocytes (MMNK1). Phages that displayed HuScFv to CCA cells were selected by bio-panning and each phagemid was transduced to HB2151 E. coli. The presence of huscfv was determined by direct colony PCR. HuScFv was produced in the E. coli and detected by Western blot analysis and confirmed their specificity and binding capacity to CCA by flow cytometry. From biopanning, 196 of 350 colonies (56%) of HB2151 E. coli harboring the huscfv gene, and 106 of these (30%) produced the protein. Flow cytometry testing with 14 clones confirmed the presence of the HuScFv protein. The result showed that five HuScFv clones (25, 33, 61, 68, and 80) exhibited stronger binding to CCA cell lines (HubCCA1, RMCCA) compared to cholangiocytes. Furthermore, each clone possessed a distinct amino acid sequence, suggesting unique binding specificities. HuScFv specific to CCA cells were successfully selected from phage display HuScFv libraries which offer new revenues to develop a pan-CCA immunotherapy and diagnosis of CCA.

Anti-CAMP1 IgG promotes macrophage phagocytosis of Cutibacterium acnes type II

Among 5 types of the Christie-Atkins-Munch-Petersen factor (CAMP) of Cutibacterium acnes, CAMP1 is highly expressed in phylotype II as well as IB, and thought to be a virulence factor of opportunistic but fatal blood, soft tissue, and implant-related infections. The target of a human single-chain variable antibody fragment (scFv), recently isolated from a phage display library, has been identified as CAMP1 of phylotype II, using immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry, phage display peptide biopanning, 3D-modelling, and ELISA. The IgG1 format of the antibody could enhance phagocytosis of C. acnes DMST 14916 by THP-1 human monocytes. Our results suggest that the antibody-dependent phagocytosis process is mediated by the caveolae membrane system and involves the induction of IL-1β. This is the first report on the study of a human antibody against CAMP1 of C. acnes phylotype II, of which a potential use as therapeutic antibody against virulence C. acnes infection is postulated.

Standardizing In Vitro β-Lactam Antibiotic Allergy Testing with Synthetic IgE.

The global prevalence of β-lactam allergy poses a major challenge in administering first-line antibiotics, such as penicillins, to a significant portion of the population. The lack of β-lactam IgE antibody pools with defined selectivity hampers the standardization and validation of in vitro assays for β-lactam allergy testing. To address this limitation, this study introduces a synthetic IgE specific to β-lactam antibiotics as a valuable tool for drug allergy research and diagnostic tests. Using phage display technology, we constructed a library of human single-chain antibody fragments (scFv) to target the primary determinant of amoxicillin, a widely used β-lactam antibiotic. Subsequently, we produced a complete human synthetic IgE molecule using the highly efficient baculovirus expression vector system. This synthetic IgE molecule served as a standard in an in vitro chemiluminescence immunoassay for β-lactam antibiotic allergy testing. Our results demonstrated a detection limit of 0.05 IU/mL (0.63 pM), excellent specificity (100%), and a four-fold higher clinical sensitivity (73%) compared to the in vitro reference assay when testing a cohort of 150 serum samples. These findings have significant implications for reliable interlaboratory comparison studies, accurate labeling of allergic patients, and combating the global public health threat of antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, by serving as a valuable trueness control material, the synthetic IgE facilitates the standardization of diagnostic tests for β-lactam allergy and demonstrates the potential of utilizing this synthetic strategy as a promising approach for generating reference materials in drug allergy research and diagnostics.

Engineered Fully Human Single-Chain Monoclonal Antibodies to PIM2 Kinase.

Proviral integration site of Moloney virus-2 (PIM2) is overexpressed in multiple human cancer cells and high level is related to poor prognosis; thus, PIM2 kinase is a rational target of anti-cancer therapeutics. Several chemical inhibitors targeting PIMs/PIM2 or their downstream signaling molecules have been developed for treatment of different cancers. However, their off-target toxicity is common in clinical trials, so they could not be advanced to official approval for clinical application. Here, we produced human single-chain antibody fragments (HuscFvs) to PIM2 by using phage display library, which was constructed in a way that a portion of phages in the library carried HuscFvs against human own proteins on their surface with the respective antibody genes in the phage genome. Bacterial derived-recombinant PIM2 (rPIM2) was used as an antigenic bait to fish out the rPIM2-bound phages from the library. Three E. coli clones transfected with the HuscFv genes derived from the rPIM2-bound phages expressed HuscFvs that bound also to native PIM2 from cancer cells. The HuscFvs presumptively interact with the PIM2 at the ATP binding pocket and kinase active loop. They were as effective as small chemical drug inhibitor (AZD1208, which is an ATP competitive inhibitor of all PIM isoforms for ex vivo use) in inhibiting PIM kinase activity. The HuscFvs should be engineered into a cell-penetrating format and tested further towards clinical application as a novel and safe pan-anti-cancer therapeutics.

Generation of a Broadly Cross-Neutralizing Antibody Fragment against Several Mexican Scorpion Venoms

The recombinant antibody fragments generated against the toxic components of scorpion venoms are considered a promising alternative for obtaining new antivenoms for therapy. Using directed evolution and site-directed mutagenesis, it was possible to generate a human single-chain antibody fragment with a broad cross-reactivity that retained recognition for its original antigen. This variant is the first antibody fragment that neutralizes the effect of an estimated 13 neurotoxins present in the venom of nine species of Mexican scorpions. This single antibody fragment showed the properties of a polyvalent antivenom. These results represent a significant advance in the development of new antivenoms against scorpion stings, since the number of components would be minimized due to their broad cross-neutralization capacity, while at the same time bypassing animal immunization.

A human scFv antibody that targets and neutralizes high molecular weight pathogenic amyloid-β oligomers.

Brain accumulation of soluble oligomers of the amyloid-β peptide (AβOs) is increasingly considered a key early event in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A variety of AβO species have been identified, both invitro and invivo, ranging from dimers to 24mers and higher order oligomers. However, there is no consensus in the literature regarding which AβO species are most germane to AD pathogenesis. Antibodies capable of specifically recognizing defined subpopulations of AβOs would be a valuable asset in the identification, isolation, and characterization of AD-relevant AβO species. Here, we report the characterization of a human single chain antibody fragment (scFv) denoted NUsc1, one of a number of scFvs we have identified that stringently distinguish AβOs from both monomeric and fibrillar Aβ. NUsc1 readily detected AβOs previously bound to dendrites in cultured hippocampal neurons. In addition, NUsc1 blocked AβO binding and reduced AβO-induced neuronal oxidative stress and tau hyperphosphorylation in cultured neurons. NUsc1 further distinguished brain extracts from AD-transgenic mice from wild type (WT) mice, and detected endogenous AβOs in fixed AD brain tissue and AD brain extracts. Biochemical analyses indicated that NUsc1 targets a subpopulation of AβOs with apparent molecular mass greater than 50kDa. Results indicate that NUsc1 targets a particular AβO species relevant to AD pathogenesis, and suggest that NUsc1 may constitute an effective tool for AD diagnostics and therapeutics.

A novel anti-PSMA human scFv has the potential to be used as a diagnostic tool in prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer related death in men. The early diagnosis and treatment of PCa are still challenging due to the lack of efficient tumor targeting agents in traditional managements. Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is highly expressed in PCa, while only has limited expression in other organs, providing an ideal target for the diagnosis and therapy of PCa. The antibody library technique has opened the avenue for the discovery of novel antibodies to be used in the diagnosis and therapy of cancer. In this paper, by screening a large yeast display naive human single chain antibody fragment (scFv) library, we obtained a high affinity scFv targeting PSMA, called gy1. The gy1 scFv was expressed in E.coli and purified via a C terminal 6His tag. The binding affinity of gy1 was shown to be at the nanomolar level and gy1 can specifically bind with PSMA positive cancer cells, and binding triggers its rapid internalization through the endosome-lysosome pathway. The specific targeting of gy1 to PSMA positive tumor tissues was also evaluated in vivo. We showed that the IRDye800CW labeled gy1 can efficiently target and specifically distribute in PSMA positive tumor tissues after being injected into xenograft nude mice. This study indicated that the novel antibody gy1 could be used as a great tool for the development of PSMA targeted imaging and therapy agents for PCa.

Design and construction of immune phage antibody library against Tetanus neurotoxin: Production of single chain antibody fragments.

Tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) is composed of a light (LC) and heavy chain (HC) polypeptides, released by anaerobic bacterium Clostridium tetani and can cause fatal life-threatening infectious disease. Toxin HC and LC modules represents receptor binding and zinc metalloprotease activity, respectively. The passive administration of animal-derived antibodies against tetanus toxin has been considered as the mainstay therapy for years. However, this treatment is associated with several adverse effects due to the presence of anti-isotype antibodies. In the present study, we have produced the fully human single chain antibody fragments (HuScFv) from two human antibody phage display libraries. Twenty-four different HuscFvs were isolated from two anti TeNT immune libraries. Our produced human ScFv (HuScFv) were converted to IgG platform and analyzed regarding their specific reactivity to TeNT. All of the selected scFvs have the same VL but different VH. Three HuscFvs from the first library (TTX15, 51, 75) and two HuscFvs from the second library (TTX16, 20) were chosen to convert to IgG1 using pOptiVEC and pcDNA3.3 systems. Production of IgG1 from transfected DG44 and binding capacity of them to tetanus toxin and toxoid were measured by ELISA. ELISA results showed no detectable production of TTX16 and TTX20 IgG1. Although, TTX51 and TTX75 were converted and produced as IgG1, no reactivity to tetanus toxin and toxoid was observed. However, TTX15 was successfully produced as whole IgG1 platform with reactivity to both tetanus toxin and toxoid. The latter would be an appropriate replacement for conventional polyclonal antibodies if would meet the further characterization including specificity determination, affinity measurement and toxin neutralizing assays. Our results demonstrated production of functional IgG1 derived from TTX15 scFv and might be an appropriate replacement for polyclonal Tetabulin but it needs further characterization.

Abstract C171: Human anti-Nucleolin recombinant immunoagents as new potential tools for melanoma treatment

Abstract Immunotherapy and immune-based anti-cancer molecules represent a valid strategy to fight cancer. However, the choice of tumor-specific surface molecules for the selective targeting of cancer cells still represents a critical step in the study design for the development of new therapeutic approaches. Notably, the development of phage-display technology for the selection of fully human single chain antibody fragments (scFvs) and complete antibodies directed toward tumor-associated antigens has represented a significant advancement for immunotherapy. Nucleolin (NCL) is one of the most abundant non-ribosomal proteins in the nucleolus. NCL is frequently up-regulated in cancer and in cancer-associated endothelial cells compared to normal tissues, where it is also present on the cell surface. Altered NCL expression and localization results in oncogenic effects such as stabilization of oncogenic mRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs). Particularly, we demonstrated that NCL enhances the maturation of specific miRNAs (including miR-21, miR-221 and miR-222) causally involved in cancer pathogenesis, aggressiveness, metastatic potential and resistance to several anti-neoplastic treatments. Because of its oncogenic role and specific expression on cancer cell surface, NCL represents an attractive target for anti-neoplastic therapies. To produce a new anti-NCL molecule with significant potential for clinical applications, we took advantage of phage-display technology to isolate a fully human single chain Fragment variable (scFv), named 4LB5, which binds with high affinity to the RNA binding domain (RBD) of NCL. In our previous study we demonstrated that 4LB5 binds NCL on the surface of aggressive breast cancer cells and inhibits their proliferation both in vitro and in vivo, representing the prototype of a new class of immune-based anti-NCL compounds. Since NCL expression has been previously reported on the cell surface of skin cancer cell lines and up-regulation of NCL-dependent microRNAs was described in human melanomas, the objective of this project was the assessment of 4LB5 as a potential tool for melanoma therapy. To this aim, the recombinant scFv was expressed as His6-fusion protein in E.Coli and purified by affinity chromatography, as previously described. By using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA), we demonstrated a significant binding of 4LB5 to the cell surface of different melanoma cell lines of both human and mouse origins. Notably, inhibition of NCL expression by siRNA transfection reduced the binding of 4LB5 to the cell surface of these cell lines, further supporting its specificity against NCL. Then, we assessed the potential effects of 4LB5 treatment on cell proliferation. Colony formation assays demonstrated that 4LB5 significantly affected cell proliferation of both human and mouse melanoma cell lines. Our results, in agreement with previously reported data, further support the potential activity of 4LB5 as a tool for cancer therapy, paving the way for additional investigations aimed to fully elucidate the molecular mechanisms affected by this scFv and resulting in its anti-neoplastic therapy in human melanomas. Furthermore, this study supports the idea that anti-NCL immunoagents might represent a class of new anti-cancer compounds with a strong clinical relevance for a wide range of human tumors. Citation Format: Ashley Braddom, Timothy Richmond, Tyler Sheetz, Erika Reese, Anna Tessari, Kathleen Tober, Christin E. Burd, Claudia De Lorenzo, Edward W. Martin, Jr., Vincenzo Coppola, Michael F. Tweedle, Tatiana Oberyszyn, Carlo M. Croce, Dario Palmieri. Human anti-Nucleolin recombinant immunoagents as new potential tools for melanoma treatment. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2015 Nov 5-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl 2):Abstract nr C171.

Novel human anti-claudin 1 mAbs inhibit hepatitis C virus infection and may synergize with anti-SRB1 mAb.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic hepatitis and liver carcinoma and new therapies based on novel targets are needed. The tight junction protein claudin 1 (CLDN-1) is essential for HCV cell entry and spread, and anti-CLDN-1 rat and mouse mAbs are safe and effective in preventing and treating HCV infection in a human liver chimeric mouse model. To accelerate translation of these observations into a novel approach to treat HCV infection and disease in humans, we screened a phage display library of human single-chain antibody fragments by using a panel of CLDN-1-positive and -negative cell lines and identified phage specifically binding to CLDN-1. The 12 clones showing the highest levels of binding were converted into human IgG4. Some of these mAbs displayed low-nanomolar affinity, and inhibited infection of human hepatoma Huh7.5 cells by different HCV isolates in a dose-dependent manner. Cross-competition experiments identified six inhibitory mAbs that recognized distinct epitopes. Combination of the human anti-SRB1 mAb C-1671 with these anti-CLDN-1 mAbs could either increase or reduce inhibition of cell culture-derived HCV infection in vitro. These novel human anti-CLDN-1 mAbs are potentially useful to develop a new strategy for anti-HCV therapy and lend support to the combined use of antibodies targeting the HCV receptors CLDN-1 and SRB1, but indicate that care must be taken in selecting the proper combination.

Identifying blood-brain-barrier selective single-chain antibody fragments.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) represents an obstacle in targeting and delivering therapeutics to the central nervous system. In order to discover new BBB-targeting molecules, we panned a phage-displayed nonimmune human single-chain antibody fragment (scFv) library against a representative BBB model comprised of hydrocortisone-treated primary rat brain endothelial cells. Parallel screens were performed with or without pre-subtraction against primary rat heart and lung endothelial cells in an effort to identify antibodies that may have binding selectivity toward brain endothelial cells. After three rounds of screening, three unique scFvs, scFv15, scFv38, and scFv29, were identified that maintained binding to primary rat brain endothelial cells, both in phage and soluble scFv format. While scFv29 and to a lesser extent, scFv15, exhibited some brain endothelial cell specificity in tissue culture, scFv29 did not appear to bind a BBB antigen in vivo. In contrast, both scFv15 and scFv38 were capable of immunolabeling rat brain vessels in vivo and displayed brain vascular selectivity with respect to all peripheral organs tested other than heart. Taken together, scFv15 and scFv38 represent two new antibodies that are capable of binding antigens that are expressed at the BBB in vivo.

Human monoclonal single-chain antibodies specific to dengue virus envelope protein

Dengue virus (DENV) infection is an arthropod-borne disease with increasing prevalence worldwide. Attempts have been made to develop therapeutic molecules for treatment for DENV infection. However, most of potentially therapeutic DENV monoclonal antibody was originated from mouse, which could cause undesirable effects in human recipients. Thus, fully human antibody is preferable for therapeutic development. Human single-chain variable fragments (HuScFv) with inhibitory effect to DENV infection were generated in this study. HuScFv molecules were screened and selected from the human antibody phage display library by using purified recombinant DENV full-length envelope (FL-E) and its domain III (EDIII) proteins as target antigens for biopanning. HuScFv molecules were then tested for their bindings to DENV particles by indirect ELISA and immunofluorescent microscopy. EDIII-specific HuScFv exhibited neutralizing effect to DENV infection in Vero cells in a dose-dependent manner as determined by plaque formation and cell ELISA. Epitope mapping and molecular docking results concordantly revealed interaction of HuScFv to functional loop structure in EDIII of the DENV E protein. The neutralizing HuScFv molecule warrants further development as a therapeutic biomolecule for DENV infection. No approved vaccine and specific drug for dengue virus (DENV) infection are available; thus, their developments are urgently required. The human single-chain variable antibody fragments (HuScFv) specific to DENV envelope (E) protein are potential to be developed as therapeutic biomolecules. HuScFv that bound specifically to recombinant full-length DENV E (FL-E) and its domain III (EDIII) were generated and testified for its inhibitory effect in DENV infection. EDIII-specific HuScFv inhibited DENV infection in a dose-dependent manner and has potential to be further developed as a therapeutic biomolecule for DENV infection.

Human monoclonal ScFv specific to NS1 protein inhibits replication of influenza viruses across types and subtypes

Currently, there is a need of new anti-influenza agents that target influenza virus proteins other than ion channel M2 and neuraminidase. Non-structural protein-1 (NS1) is a highly conserved multifunctional protein which is indispensable for the virus replication cycle. In this study, fully human single chain antibody fragments (HuScFv) that bound specifically to recombinant and native NS1 were produced from three huscfv-phagemid transformed Escherichia coli clones (nos. 3, 10 and 11) selected from a human ScFv phage display library. Western blot analysis, mimotope searching/epitope identification, homology modeling/molecular docking and phage mimotope ELISA inhibition indicated that HuScFv of clone no. 3 reacted with NS1 R domain important for host innate immunity suppression; HuScFv of clone nos. 10 and 11 bound to E domain sites necessary for NS1 binding to the host eIF4GI and CPSF30, respectively. The HuScFv of all clones could enter the influenza virus infected cells and interfered with the NS1 activities leading to replication inhibition of viruses belonging to various heterologous A subtypes and type B by 2–64-fold as semi-quantified by hemagglutination assay. Influenza virus infected cells treated with representative HuScFv (clone 10) had up-expression of IRF3 and IFN-β genes by 14.75 and 4.95-fold, respectively, in comparison with the controls, indicating that the antibodies could restore the host innate immune response. The fully human single chain antibodies have high potential for developing further as a safe (adjunctive) therapeutic agent for mitigating, if not abrogating, severe symptoms of influenza.

Expression, purification and characterization of a human single-chain Fv antibody fragment fused with the Fc of an IgG1 targeting a rabies antigen in Pichia pastoris

Because the demand for rabies post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment has increased exponentially in recent years, the limited supply of human and equine rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG and ERIG) has failed to provide an adequate amount of the required passive immune component in PEP in countries where canine rabies is endemic. The replacement of HRIG and ERIG with a potentially cheaper and efficacious alternative biological for the treatment of rabies in humans, therefore, remains a high priority. In this study, we set out to assess a human single-chain Fv antibody fragment fused with the Fc of an IgG1 targeting a rabies antigen to develop a product that can be used as a component of the PEP cocktail. We cloned the ScFv fragment from a human ScFv library that was established previously and inserted this fragment into the expression vector pPICZαC/Fc. An active recombinant ScFv–Fc fusion protein was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris. The production of ScFv–Fc was optimized and scaled up in an 80L fermentor with yields exceeding 60mg/L. The ScFv–Fc protein was purified to more than 95% purity using a two-step scheme: ammonium sulfate fractionation and Protein A Sepharose CL-4B. The ScFv–Fc fusion protein neutralized rabies virus in a standard in vivo neutralization assay in which the virus was incubated with the ScFv–Fc molecules before intracranial inoculation in mice. Our results suggest that functional antibodies can be produced in P. pastoris and that ScFv–Fc fusion proteins have the potential to serve as therapeutic candidates.

In Vivo Detection of Oxidation-Specific Epitopes in Atherosclerotic Lesions Using Biocompatible Manganese Molecular Magnetic Imaging Probes

This study sought to evaluate the in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) efficacy of manganese [Mn(II)] molecular imaging probes targeted to oxidation-specific epitopes (OSE). OSE are critical in the initiation, progression, and destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques. Gadolinium [Gd(III)]-based MRI agents can be associated with systemic toxicity. Mn is an endogenous, biocompatible, paramagnetic metal ion that has poor MR efficacy when chelated, but strong efficacy when released within cells. Multimodal Mn micelles were generated to contain rhodamine for confocal microscopy and conjugated with either the murine monoclonal IgG antibody MDA2 targeted to malondialdehyde (MDA)-lysine epitopes or the human single-chain Fv antibody fragment IK17 targeted to MDA-like epitopes ("targeted micelles"). Micelle formulations were characterized in vitro and in vivo, and their MR efficacy (9.4-T) evaluated in apolipoprotein-deficient (apoE(-/-)) and low-density lipoprotein receptor negative (LDLR(-/-)) mice (0.05 mmol Mn/kg dose) (total of 120 mice for all experiments). In vivo competitive inhibition studies were performed to evaluate target specificity. Untargeted, MDA2-Gd, and IK17-Gd micelles (0.075 mmol Gd/kg) were included as controls. In vitro studies demonstrated that targeted Mn micelles accumulate in macrophages when pre-exposed to MDA-LDL with ∼10× increase in longitudinal relativity. Following intravenous injection, strong MR signal enhancement was observed 48 to 72 h after administration of targeted Mn micelles, with colocalization within intraplaque macrophages. Co-injection of free MDA2 with the MDA2-Mn micelles resulted in full suppression of MR signal in the arterial wall, confirming target specificity. Similar MR efficacy was noted in apoE(-/-) and LDLR(-/-) mice with aortic atherosclerosis. No significant differences in MR efficacy were noted between targeted Mn and Gd micelles. This study demonstrates that biocompatible multimodal Mn-based molecular imaging probes detect OSE within atherosclerotic plaques and may facilitate clinical translation of noninvasive imaging of human atherosclerosis.

Engineering Antibody Fitness and Function Using Membrane-Anchored Display of Correctly Folded Proteins

A hallmark of the bacterial twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway is its ability to export folded proteins. Here, we discovered that overexpressed Tat substrate proteins form two distinct, long-lived translocation intermediates that are readily detected by immunolabeling methods. Formation of the early translocation intermediate Ti-1, which exposes the N- and C-termini to the cytoplasm, did not require an intact Tat translocase, a functional Tat signal peptide, or a correctly folded substrate. In contrast, formation of the later translocation intermediate, Ti-2, which exhibits a bitopic topology with the N-terminus in the cytoplasm and C-terminus in the periplasm, was much more particular, requiring an intact translocase, a functional signal peptide, and a correctly folded substrate protein. The ability to directly detect Ti-2 intermediates was subsequently exploited for a new protein engineering technology called MAD-TRAP (membrane-anchored display for Tat-based recognition of associating proteins). Through the use of just two rounds of mutagenesis and screening with MAD-TRAP, the intracellular folding and antigen-binding activity of a human single-chain antibody fragment were simultaneously improved. This approach has several advantages for library screening, including the unique involvement of the Tat folding quality control mechanism that ensures only native-like proteins are displayed, thus eliminating poorly folded sequences from the screening process.

Human ScFv that block sodium ion channel activity of tetrodotoxin

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a heterocyclic guanidinium alkaloid (C11H17N3O8) with molecular mass of ∼320 Da. The TTX and toxic analogs block sodium ion activity of mammalian nerve cells resulting in failure to conduct nerve impulse which manifested clinically in host as variable degrees of organ paralysis. Human intoxication occurs after consuming food containing the toxins. Current treatment of the poisoning is supportive and symptomatic. There has been no specific drug or antidote for the TTX mediated malady. In this study, phage clones displaying human single chain antibody fragments (HuScFv) were selected from a human ScFv phage display library. HuScFv derived from phagemid transformed Escherichia coli clones (clones s16 and s35) bound to the TTX as tested by indirect ELISA and band shift assay. Homology modeling and molecular docking revealed that VL domain of the s16-HuScFv interacted with the hydroxyl groups of C6, C9, C10 and C11 of the TTX by means of Tyr 223, Ser226 and Tyr228, while the Asp53 and Asp55 of the VH domain of s35-HuScFv interacted with the positions 1 and 2 of the guanidinium group and the hydroxyl groups at C9 and C10 of the TTX. The s16- and s35-HuScFv neutralized the TTX bioactivity in nerve cell based- and mouse bio-assays. Moreover, the HuScFv could rescue the intoxicated mice from the TTX mediated lethality. Thus, the HuScFv derived from the transformed E. coli clones have high potential as a safe, effective and specific therapeutic remedy for TTX intoxication in humans and warrant further trials.

Novel Human Single Chain Antibody Fragments That Are Rapidly Internalizing Effectively Target Epithelioid and Sarcomatoid Mesotheliomas

Human antibodies targeting all subtypes of mesothelioma could be useful to image and treat this deadly disease. Here we report tumor targeting of a novel internalizing human single chain antibody fragment (scFv) labeled with (⁹⁹m)Tc ((⁹⁹m)Tc-M40) in murine models of mesothelioma of both epithelioid (M28) and sarcomatoid (VAMT-1) origins. (⁹⁹m)Tc-M40 was taken up rapidly and specifically by both subtype tumor cells in vitro, with 68% to 92% internalized within 1 hour. The specificity of binding was evidenced by blocking (up to 95%) with 10-fold excess of unlabeled M40. In animal studies, tumors of both subtypes were clearly visualized by SPECT/CT as early as 1 hour postinjection of (⁹⁹m)Tc-M40. Tumor uptake measured as percent of injected dose per gram tissue (%ID/g) at 3 hours was 4.38 and 5.84 for M28 and VAMT-1 tumors, respectively, significantly greater than all organs or tissues studied (liver, 2.62%ID/g; other organs or tissues <1.7%ID/g), except the kidneys (130.7%ID/g), giving tumor-to-blood ratios of 5:1 and 7:1 and tumor-to-muscle ratios of 45:1 and 60:1, for M28 and VAMT-1, respectively. The target-mediated uptake was confirmed by a nearly 70% reduction in tumor activity following administration of 10-fold excess of unlabeled scFv. Taken together, these results indicate that M40 can rapidly and specifically target epithelioid and sarcomatoid tumor cells, demonstrating the potential of this agent as a versatile targeting ligand for imaging and therapy of all subtypes of mesothelioma.

Exploiting Cross-reactivity to Neutralize Two Different Scorpion Venoms with One Single Chain Antibody Fragment

We report the optimization of a family of human single chain antibody fragments (scFv) for neutralizing two scorpion venoms. The parental scFv 3F recognizes the main toxins of Centruroides noxius Hoffmann (Cn2) and Centruroides suffusus suffusus (Css2), albeit with low affinity. This scFv was subjected to independent processes of directed evolution to improve its recognition toward Cn2 (Riaño-Umbarila, L., Juárez-González, V. R., Olamendi-Portugal, T., Ortíz-León, M., Possani, L. D., and Becerril, B. (2005) FEBS J. 272, 2591-2601) and Css2 (this work). Each evolved variant showed strong cross-reactivity against several toxins, and was capable of neutralizing Cn2 and Css2. Furthermore, each variant neutralized the whole venoms of the above species. As far as we know, this is the first report of antibodies with such characteristics. Maturation processes revealed key residue changes to attain expression, stability, and affinity improvements as compared with the parental scFv. Combination of these changes resulted in the scFv LR, which is capable of rescuing mice from severe envenomation by 3 LD(50) of freshly prepared whole venom of C. noxius (7.5 μg/20 g of mouse) and C. suffusus (26.25 μg/20 g of mouse), with surviving rates between 90 and 100%. Our research is leading to the formulation of an antivenom consisting of a discrete number of human scFvs endowed with strong cross-reactivity and low immunogenicity.

The effect of internalizing human single chain antibody fragment on liposome targeting to epithelioid and sarcomatoid mesothelioma

Immunoliposomes (ILs) anchored with internalizing human antibodies capable of targeting all subtypes of mesothelioma can be useful for targeted imaging and therapy of this malignant disease. The objectives of this study were to evaluate both the in vitro and in vivo tumor targeted internalization of novel internalizing human single chain antibody (scFv) anchored ILs on both epithelioid (M28) and sarcomatoid (VAMT-1) subtypes of human mesothelioma. ILs were prepared by post-insertion of mesothelioma-targeting human scFv (M1) onto preformed liposomes and radiolabeled with 111In ( 111In-IL-M1), along with control non-targeted liposomes ( 111In-CL). Incubation of 111In-IL-M1 with M28, VAMT-1, and a control non-tumorigenic cell line (BPH-1) at 37 °C for 24 h revealed efficient binding and rapid internalization of ILs into both subtypes of tumor cells but not into the BPH-1 cells; internalization accounted for approximately 81–94% of total cell accumulation in mesothelioma cells compared to 37–55% in control cells. In tumor-bearing mice intravenous (i.v.) injection of 111In-IL-M1 led to remarkable tumor accumulation: 4% and 4.7% injected dose per gram (% ID/g) for M28 and VAMT-1 tumors, respectively, 48 h after injection. Furthermore, tumor uptake of 111In-IL-M1 in live xenograft animal models was verified by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT). In contrast, i.v. injection of 111In-CL in tumor-bearing mice revealed very low uptake in both subtypes of mesothelioma, 48 h after injection. In conclusion, M1 scFv-anchored ILs showed selective tumor targeting and rapid internalization into both epithelioid and sarcomatoid subtypes of human mesothelioma, demonstrating its potential as a promising vector for enhanced tumor drug targeting.