Ig Molecules Research Articles

7thInternational Immunoglobulin Conference: Mechanisms of Action

Although intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is widely used for replacement therapy in immunodeficiencies and to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, its mechanisms of action are not fully understood. Examination of immunoglobulin (Ig) receptors, including the Fc-gamma receptors (FCγRs) and the neonatal Fc receptor, have revealed genetic variations that are linked to autoimmune diseases and to the efficacy of IVIg treatment. However, the beneficial effect of IVIg encompasses multiple mechanisms of action. One of these is scavenging of activated complement fragments, such as C3a, C5a, C3b and C4b, by infused Ig molecules. This interaction prevents binding of complement fragments to their receptors on target cells, thus attenuating the immune damage. Additionally, anti-inflammatory effects may be facilitated by IgA via specific receptors and/or complement scavenging. Glycosylation of both the Fc- and Fab-fragments has also been implicated in the anti-inflammatory action of IVIg. Although there is evidence to support a role for sialylated IgG glycovariants in mediating the effect of IVIg, evidence from animal models of inflammatory disease suggest that sialylation may not be a critical factor. However, an increase in IgG glycosylation has been observed following IVIg treatment in Guillain-Barré syndrome patients, and this has been associated with improved clinical outcomes.

Defining cell-surface antigenic markers for mouse T and B cells.

Defining cell-surface antigenic markers for mouse T and B cells.

Stage-specific binding profiles of cohesin in resting and activated B lymphocytes suggest a role for cohesin in immunoglobulin class switching and maturation.

The immunoglobulin heavy chain locus (Igh) features higher-order chromosomal interactions to facilitate stage-specific assembly of the Ig molecule. Cohesin, a ring-like protein complex required for sister chromatid cohesion, shapes chromosome architecture and chromatin interactions important for transcriptional regulation and often acts together with CTCF. Cohesin is likely involved in B cell activation and Ig class switch recombination. Hence, binding profiles of cohesin in resting mature murine splenic B lymphocytes and at two stages after cell activation were elucidated by chromatin immunoprecipitation and deep sequencing. Comparative genomic analysis revealed cohesin extensively changes its binding to transcriptional control elements after 48 h of stimulation with LPS/IL-4. Cohesin was clearly underrepresented at switch regions regardless of their activation status, suggesting that switch regions need to be cohesin-poor. Specific binding changes of cohesin at B-cell specific gene loci Pax5 and Blimp-1 indicate new cohesin-dependent regulatory pathways. Together with conserved cohesin/CTCF sites at the Igh 3′RR, a prominent cohesin/CTCF binding site was revealed near the 3′ end of Cα where PolII localizes to 3′ enhancers. Our study shows that cohesin likely regulates B cell activation and maturation, including Ig class switching.

GW25-e3342 Immunoglobulin expressed in mice myocardial tissue and localization in myocardial fibrosis tissue

This study is to demonstrate that Ig molecules can be expressed in myocardial tissue and their classes and localization. Meanwhile, observe the expression and localization of Ig in mice fibrotic myocardial tissue. Wild type mice and B cell deficient mice were used as objects. First, extracorporeal

A protein L-based immunodiagnostic approach utilizing time-resolved Förster resonance energy transfer.

Chelated lanthanides such as europium (Eu) have uniquely long fluorescence emission half-lives permitting their use in time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) assays. In Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) a donor fluorophore transfers its emission energy to an acceptor fluorophore if in sufficiently close proximity. The use of time-resolved (TR) FRET minimizes the autofluorescence of molecules present in biological samples. In this report, we describe a homogenous immunoassay prototype utilizing TR-FRET for detection of antibodies in solution. The assay is based on labeled protein L, a bacterial protein that binds to immunoglobulin (Ig) light chain, and labeled antigen, which upon association with the same Ig molecule produce a TR-FRET active complex. We show that the approach is functional and can be utilized for both mono- and polyvalent antigens. We also compare the assay performance to that of another homogenous TR-FRET immunoassay reported earlier. This novel assay may have wide utility in infectious disease point-of-care diagnostics.

Comparison of the free and total light chain assays in serum and urine samples with immunofixation electrophoresis for detecting monoclonal proteins in patients with monoclonal gammopathy

ABSTRACT Monoclonal protein (M-protein) is produced by a malignant clone of plasma cells. Detected in serum and/or urine, this typically indicates multiple myeloma (MM) or other monoclonal gammopathy (MG). In a majority of MM cases, with the production of intact monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig), malignant plasmocytes and/or B lymphocytes often produce excessive amounts of free light chains (FLCs). Excessive synthesis of FLCs lowers the ability of renal proximal tubules to re-absorb FLCs, which results in abnormally high levels of FLCs in the urine (Bence Jones protein, BJP). In laboratory practice, there are tests available for the quantitative measurement of only FLCs κ and λ or for total light chains (TLCs). These tests measure both free forms and bound in the (Ig) molecules forms as light chains that are evident in the serum and in urine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the FLCs and TLCs approaches in screening serum and urine samples of patients with MM, doing so in comparison to the results of immunofixation (IFE) assessment. A second purpose was to assess the suitability of the collected material for obtaining the most reliable results. The results of serum FLCs (sFLCs) assays suggest that this approach is of the highest reliability and diagnostic usefulness in the detection of MG with excess production of FLCs, in comparison to other available tests. In our work, when κ band light chains were detected in serum IFE (sIFE), 91% patients had their FLCs concentrations beyond the reference range, whereas 89% patients had increased λ FLCs when λ band light chains were detected in sIFE. We also found abnormal sFLC κ/λ ratios in 86.4% and 88.9% of all subject patients who had κ or λ band light chains detected in their sIFE, respectively.

Longitudinal effects of intravenous immunoglobulin on Alzheimer's cerebrospinal fluid proteome.

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy has shown promise in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, serial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from a group of subjects with AD undergoing IVIg immunotherapy are analyzed to identify IVIg-related changes. CSF samples from eight subjects were collected before therapy, after 6 months of therapy, and after a 3-month drug washout period. Samples were analyzed using a gel-based proteomics strategy and IVIg-related changes were determined by gel spot percent volumes. An initial assessment of the data revealed consistent and considerable change in 69 spots. A statistical analysis revealed 79 protein spots with a significant change after 6 months; furthermore, in a subset of these (25), the percent volume change was either maintained or reversed in the washout samples. The proteins that showed a significant change during IVIg therapy, including Ig molecules, gelsolin, transferrin, and transthyretin, have been previously implicated in AD. This study provides preliminary findings regarding a group of CSF proteins that may be associated with the treatment of AD, as well as the potential use of IVIg as an AD immunotherapy.

Intraclass diversification of immunoglobulin heavy chain genes in the African lungfish

Lungfish (Dipnoi) are the closest living relatives to tetrapods, and they represent the transition from water to land during vertebrate evolution. Lungfish are armed with immunoglobulins (Igs), one of the hallmarks of the adaptive immune system of jawed vertebrates, but only three Ig forms have been characterized in Dipnoi to date. We report here a new diversity of Ig molecules in two African lungfish species (Protopterus dolloi and Protopterus annectens). The African lungfish Igs consist of three IgMs, two IgWs, three IgNs, and an IgQ, where both IgN and IgQ originated evidently from the IgW lineage. Our data also suggest that the IgH genes in the lungfish are organized in a transiting form from clusters (IgH loci in cartilaginous fish) to a translocon configuration (IgH locus in tetrapods). We propose that the intraclass diversification of the two primordial gnathostome Ig classes (IgM and IgW) as well as acquisition of new isotypes (IgN and IgQ) has allowed lungfish to acquire a complex and functionally diverse Ig repertoire to fight a variety of microorganisms. Furthermore, our results support the idea that "tetrapod-specific" Ig classes did not evolve until the vertebrate adaptation to land was completed ~360 million years ago.

Teaching the structure of immunoglobulins by molecular visualization and SDS‐PAGE analysis

This laboratory class combines molecular visualization and laboratory experimentation to teach the structure of the immunoglobulins (Ig). In the first part of the class, the three-dimensional structures of the human IgG and IgM molecules available through the RCSB PDB database are visualized using freely available software. In the second part, IgG and IgM are studied using electrophoretic methods. Through SDS-PAGE analysis under reducing conditions, the students determine the number and molecular masses of the polypeptide chains, while through SDS-PAGE under nonreducing conditions, the students assess the oligomerization of these Ig molecules. The aims of this class are to expand upon the knowledge and understanding of the Ig structure that the students have gained from classroom lectures. The combination of this molecular visualization of the Ig molecules and the SDS-PAGE experimentation ensures variety in the teaching techniques, while the implication of the Ig molecules in human disease promotes interest for biomedical students.

FRI0014 Generation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies from single RA synovial B cells

BackgroundAnti-citrulline protein antibodies (ACPA) are a hallmark of HLA-associated RA, but it is still not established whether these antibodies represent a cause or a consequence of arthritis. It is however...

Stage-specific binding profiles of cohesin in resting and switch-activated B cells at transcriptional control elements (P4396)

Abstract The immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain locus comprises several higher order chromosomal interactions to facilitate stage-specific assembly of the Ig molecule. The cohesin complex acts together with CTCF to regulate long-range chromatin interactions important for transcriptional regulation during cell differentiation. We elucidated the binding profile of the cohesin complex in mature resting and switch-activated B lymphocytes by chromatin immuno-precipitation coupled with deep sequencing. Comparative genomic analysis revealed specific changes in patterns of cohesin binding to transcriptional control elements during Ig class switching. Specific binding changes of cohesin at B-cell specific gene loci suggest new cohesin-dependent regulatory pathways important for B cell maturation. Together with conserved cohesin/CTCF sites at the Igh locus, a prominent intronic cohesin/CTCF binding site at the Igh locus has been revealed. The functional mechanism of this mature B-cell specific regulatory site is yet to be elucidated by using chromosomal conformation capture assay. Our study shows that cohesin is involved in regulation of Ig class switching and will give rise to new insights of possible cohesin-dependent regulatory pathways of mature B cell development and class switching.

The immune-modulating role of Potassium iodide on an ANAEase ELISA mode taking a positive sera for ANA (Anti-nuclear Abs) of the IgG isotype

Background : Selective in-vivo anti-fungal action of Potassium iodide (KI) is an enigma, but circumstantial evidences strongly indicate some immune mechanism. Aim : To demonstrate in-vitro immune-modulating role of KI. Materials & methods : 31 sample ( patient sera) collected for the detection of ANA (Anti-nuclear Abs) of the IgG serotype. Taking the positive sample, for each time ,KI solution (0.4%) was given at a different step ( before the addition of conjugate, substrate , before & after the addition of doubly diluted patient sera ) of the assay procedure, to note any significant change in the final O.D. reading, which is directly proportional to the antibody activity in the sample. Procedure repeated for five times & the average result was considered. Procedure repeated with inert carbon particles showed no visible change in O.D. value. Results : KI when introduced after addition of the doubly diluted patient sera ,the graphical interpretation showed that with increasing 2-fold serial dilution of patient sera, the corresponding O.D. read at 450 nm, almost showed a steady fall. Conclusion: KI probably imparts it’s immune-modulating action by structural reformation of Ig molecule, explained in terms of affinity, that decreases proportionately with increasing 2-fold serial dilution of patient sera, with steady fall in the O.D. reading. Such immune-modulation may be related with therapeutic efficacy of this drug when used for clinical conditions, particularly, when no direct anti-microbial role of iodide is established.

Immunoglobulin isotype influences affinity and specificity

For almost half a century the Ig molecule has been considered a bifunctional molecule consisting of two independent regions, a variable (V) region responsible for specificity and affinity, and a constant (C) region responsible for such effector functions as complement activation and interaction with Fc receptors. The origin of this view dates back to the Nobel Prize-winning work of Rodney R. Porter, who used proteolytic digestion in the late 1950s to cleave the Ab molecule into fragments that eventually were known as the antigen (Ag) binding fragment, or Fab, and the Fc domain, so named because it could be easily crystallized (1). Two decades later, the elucidation of the mechanism for the generation of Ab diversity supported this concept by showing that distinct genes encoding V and C regions were rearranged to express the Ig molecule (2). Additional evidence for the independence between V and C region roles came from the demonstration that isotype switching produced new effector functions, while preserving antibody specificity. Furthermore, studies done by Oi et al. (3), using fluorescent labels, failed to provide any evidence of interaction between the two regions. Consistent with this view, X-ray crystallographic studies of Fab fragments showed that V region sequences were separated from the first domain of the C region (CH1) by long polypeptide chains that lacked ordered structure and seemed to insulate the V regions from the C regions, while tethering the two regions into one molecule (4). However, this neat view of one molecule with two independent functional regions is at odds with several observations in the literature, and recent studies, including the study by Tudor et al. in PNAS (5), suggest that the basic model of Ig structure-function needs to be reconsidered and revised.

Mechanisms Underlying Antigen-Specific Tolerance of Stable and Convertible Th17 Cells During Suppression of Autoimmune Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes involves both T helper (Th)1 and Th17 cells. While the mechanisms underlying the control of Th1 cells are relatively well defined, those operating modulation of Th17 cells remain unknown. Moreover, given that Th17 cells are plastic and can drive disease as stable or convertible T cells, effective approaches to counter type 1 diabetes would have to alter Th17 function under both circumstances. Herein, we genetically incorporated the BDC2.5-reactive p79 mimotope into an Ig molecule, and the resulting Ig-p79 was used to investigate Th17 tolerance. Accordingly, diabetogenic BDC2.5 Th17 cells were transferred into NOD mice under convertible or stable conditions and their fate was evaluated upon induction of tolerance and disease suppression by Ig-p79. The findings show that convertible (Th17 to Th1) cells display downregulation of the chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 3 that was associated with diminished T-box transcription factor T-bet expression, retention in the spleen, and inhibition of trafficking to the pancreas. In contrast, stable Th17 cells downregulated orphan nuclear receptor ROR-γt but increased Fas ligand expression and died by apoptosis. Thus, the final signature transcription factor shapes the mechanism of tolerance in plastic Th17 cells. These findings suggest that effective strategies against type 1 diabetes will require regimens that could drive both mechanisms of tolerance to overcome the disease.

Generation and characterisation of monoclonal antibodies from single RA synovial B cells

Backgroundand objectivesAnticitrulline protein antibodies (ACPA) are a hallmark of HLA-associated rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but it is still not established whether these antibodies represent a cause or a consequence of arthritis....

Influence of Galectin-9/Tim-3 Interaction on Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Latency

After HSV-1 infection, CD8(+) T cells accumulate in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) and participate in the maintenance of latency. However, the mechanisms underlying intermittent virus reactivation are poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate the role of an inhibitory interaction between T cell Ig and mucin domain-containing molecule 3 (Tim-3)-expressing CD8(+) T cells and galectin 9 (Gal-9) that could influence HSV-1 latency and reactivation. Accordingly, we show that most K(b)-gB tetramer-specific CD8(+) T cells in the TG of HSV-1-infected mice express Tim-3, a molecule that delivers negative signals to CD8(+) T cells upon engagement of its ligand Gal-9. Gal-9 was also upregulated in the TG when replicating virus was present as well during latency. This could set the stage for Gal-9/Tim-3 interaction, and this inhibitory interaction was responsible for reduced CD8(+) T cell effector function in wild-type mice. Additionally, TG cell cultures exposed to recombinant Gal-9 in the latent phase caused apoptosis of most CD8(+) T cells. Furthermore, Gal-9 knockout TG cultures showed delayed and reduced viral reactivation as compared with wild-type cultures, demonstrating the greater efficiency of CD8(+) T cells to inhibit virus reactivation in the absence of Gal-9. Moreover, the addition of recombinant Gal-9 to ex vivo TG cultures induced enhanced viral reactivation compared with untreated controls. Our results demonstrate that the host homeostatic mechanism mediated by Gal-9/Tim-3 interaction on CD8(+) T cells can influence the outcome of HSV-1 latent infection, and manipulating Gal-9 signals might represent therapeutic means to inhibit HSV-1 reactivation from latency.

Superior Immunogenicity of Idiotype Fab Fragments As Compared to Entire Immunoglobulin for Active Lymphoma Immunotherapy

Abstract 1633 Introduction:The individual collection of epitopes within the variable regions of the unique immunoglobulin expressed by every mature B-cell lymphoma (idiotype, or Id) represents a tumor-specific antigen and lends itself as a target for therapeutic vaccination strategies. Immunization with tumor Id has the capacity to elicit polyclonal antibody responses as well as CD8+ and CD4+ T cells recognizing Id-derived peptides presented on class I and class II HLA molecules, respectively. Due to a perceived low immunogenicity of lymphoma-derived Id, most Id vaccines tested in clinical trials so far have been formulated as conjugates with the strongly immunogenic carrier keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). In contrast, we have consistently observed high rates of humoral and cellular anti-Id immune responses in consecutive trials of active immunization with unconjugated recombinant Fab fragments of Id in indolent B-cell lymphomas (Bertinetti et al., Cancer Res. 2006; Navarrete et al., BLOOD 2011). We therefore hypothesized that Id Fab fragment might be intrinsically more immunogenic than entire Id Ig and tested this hypothesis by comparative in vitro experiments. Methods:Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC) where loaded with human monoclonal IgG, papain-digested Fab fragments, Fc fragments, or recombinant lymphoma-derived Fab fragments. Functional DC phenotypes were assessed by flow cytometry of crucial maturation and activation markers. IL-10 and IL-12 was measured in DC culture supernatants by ELISA. Antigen-loaded DC where subsequently used for priming of CFSE-labeled autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Stimulated T cell populations were analyzed by multicolor flow cytometry. Results:Loading of DC with Fab, Fc, IgG, or mixtures of Fab and Fc fragments did not alter surface expression of CD11c, CD80, CD83, CD86, HLA-DR, PDL-1 and PDL-2 on DC. Likewise, the various antigens did not influence the cytokine release by DC during the loading or maturation process. DC loaded with isolated Fab fragments induced significantly higher proliferation of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells than undigested IgG. The mean proliferation rate of CD4+ cells stimulated with Fab fragments was 18.5% versus 5.6% for undigested IgG stimulation (p=0.021); proliferation rates of CD8+ cells were 14.2% versus 6.2% (p=0.034). These results were reproduced for 4 different monoclonal IgGs tested on 4 different donors. The addition of Fc fragments to Fab reduced the proliferation rates of CD4+ and CD8+ cells to 10.2% and 8.6% respectively. In addition, DC loaded with undigested IgG induced a relative increase in the number of CD25high/FoxP3+ regulatory T cells compared with Fab stimulation (8.2% versus 1.4%; p<0.01). Conclusions:Isolated Fab fragments, i.e. the Id portions that contain the individual candidate antigenic epitopes of B-cell lymphomas, prime autologous T cells in vitro more efficiently than entire IgG. This finding is consistent with the high immune response rate against recombinant unconjugated Fab fragments observed in vivo in our clinical vaccination trials. Peptide sequences shared between Ig molecules that are predominantly located in the IgG Fc fragment appear to exert an inhibitory effect on T-cell priming. In accordance with our recent in vivo data in a syngeneic mouse model of Id vaccination (Warncke et al., Cancer Immunol. Immunother. 2011), this effect may be mediated by effective activation of Treg. Fab fragments therefore appear to be the more immunogenic and therefore preferable Ig antigenic format for active anti-Id immunotherapy. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of IgG Fc offers a potential explanation for the recently reported lack of efficacy of Id vaccination in IgG-expressing follicular lymphomas in a randomized phase III trial, in which patients with IgM-expressing lymphomas, in contrast, had a significant benefit from Id vaccination in intention-to-treat analyses (Schuster et al., JCO 2011). Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Immunoglobulin Free Light Chain (FLC) and Heavy Chain/Light Chain (HLC) Assays – Comparison with Electrophoretic Responses in Multiple Myeloma (MM)

Abstract 2877FLC assay measures circulating unbound k and l light chains and is of diagnostic and prognostic value in plasma cell disorders. Normalization of FLC ratio is considered a higher level of complete response (CR) in MM but this has not been well validated prospectively. HLC is a novel antibody based assay that targets the unique junctional epitopes between the heavy chain and light chain constant regions of intact immunoglobulin (Ig) molecules. It separately measures in pairs the light chain types of each immunoglobulin class generating ratios of monoclonal Ig/background polyclonal Ig concentrations (i.e IgGκ/IgGλ, IgAκ/IgAλ and IgMκ/IgMλ); potentially simplifying assessment of monoclonal protein response. To assess the prognostic impact of these assays and to correlate them with electrophoretic/immunofixation (SPE/IFE) assessment, we analyzed 497 stored serum samples from patients enrolled in the Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network (BMT CTN) 0102 clinical trial, sponsored by the NHLBI and NCI, of tandem autologous (autoHCT) vs. tandem autoHCT- allogeneic (alloHCT).Samples were collected prior to the first autoHCT and analyzed for FLC (Freelite™) and HLC (Hevylite™) at The Binding Site, UK. Corresponding disease status determination was centrally performed by an expert data review committee using uniform response criteria and correlated with FLC and HLC results. HLC remission was defined as normalization of composite heavy and light chain ratios across all 3 measured heavy/light chain pairs or the normalization of clonal isotype with normal ratios of uninvolved pairs.The demographics of 497 patients with HLC/FLC samples at baseline were concordant with the main study and showed similar patient proportions from the 2 study arms.Of the 211 pts with baseline SPE response better than or equal to a very good partial response (>VGPR), 188 also had an HLC remission (Sensitivity=89%). Comparison of the HLC remission with the >VGPR disease state also identified a specificity of 52%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 58% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 87%. Similarly, all 56 patients in complete remission (CR) by SPE/IFE were in HLC remission. Compared with conventional CR assessment, sensitivity of HLC remission was 100%, specificity 39%, PPV and NPV values of 17% and 100% respectively. FLC remission correlated with >VGPR disease state had a sensitivity of 47%, specificity of 81% and a PPV and NPV of 64% and 67% respectively.Multivariate models for post transplant progression free survival (PFS) indicated that baseline disease response (>VGPR vs. partial remission (PR) or<PR) was associated with longer PFS. Adjusted models including baseline response, myeloma stage and study arm were used to compare the predictive utility of HLC and FLC assays. There was a lower risk of treatment failure (HR 0.74, p=0.02) and superior PFS for patients who achieved an HLC remission. When stratified by baseline disease response states, there was no additional prognostic impact for HLC remissions on PFS. Normalization of FLC ratio among patients with >VGPR disease state did not impact PFS (HR 0.96, p=0.83).Abnormal HLC after induction therapy has a high negative predictive value (100%) for identifying patients not achieving CR by uniform response criteria and is also associated with shorter PFS after transplant. FLC ratio normalization had no impact suggesting that stringent CR criteria may need further validation. Disclosures:Krishnan:Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Millenium: Speakers Bureau. Alvi:the binding site: Employment. Harding:The Binding Site Group Ltd: Employment. Maloney:Cellgene: Consultancy.

Assessment of Multiple Myeloma IGHV Intraclonal Variation by Massively Parallel Pyrosequencing

Abstract 1814Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematologic disorder characterized by the accumulation of plasma cells (PCs) in the bone marrow (BM). Like normal B cells and PCs, MM cells express a distinctive immunoglobulin (Ig) molecular fingerprint resulting from heavy and light chain gene rearrangements and unique mutations introduced by the somatic hypermutation (SHM) process. Detailed examination of the Ig molecule may offer insight into the etiology of B cell malignancies as well as the ontogeny of malignant transformation and ongoing genetic evolution. Because prior studies of the Ig fingerprint of MM cells have been limited in size and scope, our current understanding of MM Ig repertoire is minimal. We used massively parallel sequencing of normal and malignant PCs to interrogate: 1) DNA versus RNA (cDNA) as starting material for studies of Ig repertoire; 2) the Ig repertoire of normal and malignant PCs; and 3) intraclonal heterogeneity in MM. Bone marrow PCs (BMPCs) from an untreated MM patient and from a normal control subject were isolated by magnetic bead separation. DNA and RNA were isolated from purified cells and amplified in a multiplex PCR reaction with primers designed to capture the entire IGHV region including the heavy chain complementarity determining region 3 (HCDR3) necessary for defining clonal cells. Using Roche 454 GS-FLX Titanium chemistry and a GS FLX Titanium Genome Sequencer, over 30,000 sequence reads were obtained from each sample. Following a detailed algorithm to minimize Taq and sequencing related errors and removal of non-Ig or non-productive Ig sequences, the resulting sequences were grouped based on HCDR3 amino acid identity. Each unique HCDR3 represented one member of the repertoire and all the sequences with the same HCDR3 defined the clone size. This measurement showed that there was nearly a five-fold higher level of unique HCDR3s in normal BMPCs when the starting PCR template was DNA vs. cDNA. Thus, DNA is clearly a better starting template for repertoire analysis using deep sequencing methods. Thorough analysis of the MM DNA sample identified PCs expressing 37 different IGHV genes, and predictably, the vast majority of sequence reads (83%) had exact nucleotide identity in the IGHV and HCDR3 region (IGHV3-74 with 18 mutations in the IGHV region) thereby defining the dominant MM clone. There were also ∼5000 additional sequences that either shared an identical HCDR3 region but varied within the IGHV3-74 gene sequence (n=3975) or were identical within the IGHV3-74 sequence yet varied within the HCDR3 (n=862). These sequences were further analyzed, with sequences not present 10 or more times or not found in both the 5’ and 3’ directions eliminated from further scrutiny. This process revealed a total of 64 putative subclones with single point mutations in the IGHV or HCDR3 region (10–56 copies of each unique sequence representing a total of 1583 clonally related sequences). When we used a more stringent subclone frequency of ≥0.1%, 22 subclones remained. Of note, conventional Ig repertoire analysis would require sequencing ≥1000 colonies to detect MM subclones present at this frequency. Finally, 11 subclones displayed a significant number of IGHV gene nucleotide differences from the dominant MM clone despite exhibiting an identical HCDR3 region. Notably, a number of these distinguishing IGHV gene mutations are silent and thus may preserve the antigenic specificity of these clonally related cells. These subclones failed our frequency criteria but the type and quality of deviations from the clonal sequence suggest that they are not artifact and warrant further investigation. Notably, all of the putative subclones were also found in the MM cDNA cohort providing further evidence as genuine subclones. The very large number of identical MM clonal sequences is consistent with the idea that MM is a post germinal center malignancy that can no longer undergo SHM. However, we present clear evidence of MM-related subclones albeit relatively small in number. The subclone sequence deviations discovered may reflect on-going genetic evolution independent of the formal SHM mechanism. Alternatively, these subclones may indeed reflect “sister” cells generated during the original germinal center reaction that resulted in the malignant clone. In summary, our studies demonstrate the extraordinary potential of this methodology to track clonal evolution in MM and its precursor conditions over time. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The in vitro resistance of IgG2 to proteolytic attack concurs with a comparative paucity of autoantibodies against peptide analogs of the IgG2 hinge

The mammalian antibody repertoire comprises immunoglobulin (Ig) molecules of multiple isotypes and subclasses with varying functional properties. Among the four subclasses of the human IgG isotype, we found that IgG2 exhibits a particular resistance to human and bacterial proteases that readily cleave the IgG1 hinge region in vitro. Autoantibodies (IgGs) that recognize points of proteolytic cleavage in the IgG1 hinge are widespread in the healthy human population, suggesting that IgG1 fragmentation and the generation of cryptic antigens for host immune surveillance commonly occur in vivo. We previously reported that autoantibodies to cleaved IgG1s can restore Fc-mediated effector functions that are lost following proteolytic cleavage of the hinge. In contrast, it was not possible to demonstrate an analogous cohort of autoantibodies to IgG2 hinge epitope analogs, and there appeared to be no functional component in human serum with the ability to reconstitute Fc effector functions to a cell-bound IgG2 fragment. Thus, the results indicate that among the IgG subclasses, human IgG2 is uniquely resistant to a number of known pathological proteases and that autoimmune recognition to potential cleavage points in the IgG2 hinge appears to be absent in human circulation.