Xenogeneic Antibodies Research Articles

High neutralizing potency of swine glyco-humanized polyclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.

Heterologous polyclonal antibodies might represent an alternative to the use of convalescent plasma or monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) by targeting multiple antigen epitopes. However, heterologous antibodies trigger human natural xenogeneic antibody responses particularly directed against animal‐type carbohydrates, mainly the N‐glycolyl form of the neuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) and the α1,3‐galactose, potentially leading to serum sickness or allergy. Here, we immunized cytidine monophosphate‐N‐acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase and α1,3‐galactosyl‐transferase (GGTA1) double KO pigs with the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) spike receptor binding domain to produce glyco‐humanized polyclonal neutralizing antibodies lacking Neu5Gc and α1,3‐galactose epitopes. Animals rapidly developed a hyperimmune response with anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 end‐titers binding dilutions over one to a million and end‐titers neutralizing dilutions of 1:10 000. The IgG fraction purified and formulated following clinical Good Manufacturing Practices, named XAV‐19, neutralized spike/angiotensin converting enzyme‐2 interaction at a concentration <1 μg/mL, and inhibited infection of human cells by SARS‐CoV‐2 in cytopathic assays. We also found that pig GH‐pAb Fc domains fail to interact with human Fc receptors, thereby avoiding macrophage‐dependent exacerbated inflammatory responses and a possible antibody‐dependent enhancement. These data and the accumulating safety advantages of using GH‐pAbs in humans warrant clinical assessment of XAV‐19 against COVID‐19.

Administration of Cells Engineered to Secrete Fviii-mcoET3 in Prenatal Sheep Recipients Results in Sustained Curative Fviii Plasma Levels for 3 Years after Birth, without Immune or Toxicity-Related Adverse Events

The treatment of hemophilia A (HA) patients by prenatal transplantation (PNT) is a feasible, yet underestimated and unexplored clinical approach. The procedure, similar to that of an amniocentesis, poses minimal risk to both the fetus and the mother. Herein, we report on the PNT of sheep fetuses (n=23) with human placental cells (PLC) transduced with a lentiviral vector encoding a bioengineered high-expression fVIII transgene (mcoET3), at a dose of 107-108/kg at 60-64 gestational days, which corresponds to 16-18 gestational weeks in humans. The cells secreted 5.1-9.7IU-fVIII/106 cells/24h, with a vector copy number of 0.35-0.99 per diploid genome equivalent. 9 animals were lost to natural causes unrelated to the treatment or the procedure, or were euthanized for tissue histopathology. Fourteen animals were available for long-term evaluation. Animals followed up over a 1-year (n=14), 2-year (n=9), and 3-year (n=6) period had increased mean plasma fVIII activity levels of 62.1%, 45.6%, and 50.98% respectively, demonstrating that despite the rapid growth of the animals from approximately 0.1kg at the time of PNT to an average of 80kg by year 3, the fVIII produced by the transplanted cells was sufficient to maintain steady levels throughout the duration of the study. We also examined whether PNT-treated animals developed liver inflammation and/or mounted an immune response to the transplanted cells or the fVIII produced by the mcoET3 transgene. At all-time points post-PNT, hematological parameters and liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and alkaline phosphatase) were normal, demonstrating the absence of any liver toxicity. To determine if PNT-treated animals developed a humoral response to mcoET3, an ELISA was performed at 3-6 and 10-16 months postnatally and demonstrated that PNT-treated animals were devoid of anti-mcoET3 IgG. To establish whether these animals had developed memory T cell responses to mcoET3, ELISpot assays for IFN-g (Th1) and IL-4 (Th2) were performed at 3 different time points. No mcoET3-specific Th1 or Th2 cells were ever detected in any of the PNT recipients. To determine if the PNT recipients developed an immune response to the transplanted PLC, we performed one-way mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR) against the transplanted PLC, and used a screening panel-reactive antibody test (PRA) to identify the development of anti-HLA antibodies specific for the HLA phenotype of the transplanted PLC. MLR demonstrated robust reactivity towards third-party human lymphocytes but not to the transplanted PLC. In addition, no PLC specific anti-HLA antibodies were found, however 2 of the treated animals had detectable levels of xenogeneic antibodies, towards other HLA phenotypes. RTqPCR analysis demonstrated engraftment of transplanted PLC in all major organs and histopathologic examination showed no evidence of any lentiviral-related or procedural toxicity in any tissue examined. In conclusion, PNT of fetal sheep recipients resulted in sustained high fVIII plasma levels for more than 3 years after birth, with no evidence of therapy-related toxicity, nor the development of fVIII inhibitors. Thus, these studies attest to the feasibility, immunologic advantage, and safety of treating HA prior to birth. Disclosures Doering: Kilpatrick, Townsend &amp; Stockton: Consultancy; Expression Therapeutics, LLC: Current equity holder in private company, Patents &amp; Royalties, Research Funding.

Investigation of the influence of xenoreactive antibodies on activation of complement and coagulation in an ex vivo perfusion animal study using porcine kidneys.

During pig-to-primate xenotransplantation or perfusion of porcine organs with human blood, a xenogeneic coagulopathy with consecutive development of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) can be observed. The aim of this study was to elucidate the influence of the reduction of xenoreactive natural antibodies on the coagulopathy using an exvivo perfusion system. Thirteen perfusion experiments using landrace wild-type porcine kidneys were performed in three different experimental groups: autologous, xenogeneic, and immunoadsorption. During and after perfusion, blood and tissue samples were collected to assess markers of coagulation, complement, inflammation, and endothelial activation. Immunoadsorption prior to perfusion did not prolong perfusion time (174min ±28) compared to xenogeneic (182min ±22) experiments, whereas autologous perfusion was possible for maximum of 240min in all experiments. Activation of coagulation was similar comparing perfusions after immunoadsorption (D-Dimer 24186μg/l ±5813; TAT 566μg/l ±34) to xenogeneic (D-Dimer 22175μg/l ±7826, TAT 600μg/l ±0) experiments. But antibody-mediated complement activation was reduced in the immunoadsorption group. TNF-alpha and markers of endothelial cell activation were lower in the immunoadsorption group compared to the xenogeneic experiments. In this exvivo perfusion model, we observed that marked removal of xenogeneic antibodies can reduce complement activation via the classical pathway as well as endothelial cell activation and inflammation. Immunoadsorption cannot prevent the activation of the terminal complement cascade and coagulation.

Systemic immune-checkpoint blockade with anti-PD1 antibodies does not alter cerebral amyloid-β burden in several amyloid transgenic mouse models.

Chronic inflammation represents a central component in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent work suggests that breaking immune tolerance by Programmed cell Death-1 (PD1) checkpoint inhibition produces an IFN-γ-dependent systemic immune response, with infiltration of the brain by peripheral myeloid cells and neuropathological as well as functional improvements even in mice with advanced amyloid pathology (Baruch et al., (): Nature Medicine, 22:135-137). Immune checkpoint inhibition was therefore suggested as potential treatment for neurodegenerative disorders when activation of the immune system is appropriate. Because a xenogeneic rat antibody (mAb) was used in the study, whether the effect was specific to PD1 target engagement was uncertain. In the present study we examined whether PD1 immunotherapy can lower amyloid-β pathology in a range of different amyloid transgenic models performed at three pharmaceutical companies with the exact same anti-PD1 isotype and two mouse chimeric variants. Although PD1 immunotherapy stimulated systemic activation of the peripheral immune system, monocyte-derived macrophage infiltration into the brain was not detected, and progression of brain amyloid pathology was not altered. Similar negative results of the effect of PD1 immunotherapy on amyloid brain pathology were obtained in two additional models in two separate institutions. These results show that inhibition of PD1 checkpoint signaling by itself is not sufficient to reduce amyloid pathology and that additional factors might have contributed to previously published results (Baruch et al., (): Nature Medicine, 22:135-137). Until such factors are elucidated, animal model data do not support further evaluation of PD1 checkpoint inhibition as a therapeutic modality for Alzheimer's disease.

Tabhu: tools for antibody humanization.

Summary: Antibodies are rapidly becoming essential tools in the clinical practice, given their ability to recognize their cognate antigens with high specificity and affinity, and a high yield at reasonable costs in model animals. Unfortunately, when administered to human patients, xenogeneic antibodies can elicit unwanted and dangerous immunogenic responses. Antibody humanization methods are designed to produce molecules with a better safety profile still maintaining their ability to bind the antigen. This can be accomplished by grafting the non-human regions determining the antigen specificity into a suitable human template. Unfortunately, this procedure may results in a partial or complete loss of affinity of the grafted molecule that can be restored by back-mutating some of the residues of human origin to the corresponding murine ones. This trial-and-error procedure is hard and involves expensive and time-consuming experiments. Here we present tools for antibody humanization (Tabhu) a web server for antibody humanization. Tabhu includes tools for human template selection, grafting, back-mutation evaluation, antibody modelling and structural analysis, helping the user in all the critical steps of the humanization experiment protocol.Availability: http://www.biocomputing.it/tabhuContact: anna.tramontano@uniroma1.it, pierpaolo.olimpieri@uniroma1.itSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Role of Fc in antibody-mediated protection from ricin toxin.

We have studied the role of the antibody (Ab) Fc region in mediating protection from ricin toxicity. We compared the in vitro and in vivo effects of intact Ig and of Fab fragments derived from two different neutralizing Ab preparations, one monoclonal, the other polyclonal. Consistent results were obtained from each, showing little difference between Ig and Fab in terms of antigen binding and in vitro neutralization, but with relatively large differences in protection of animals. We also studied whether importing Ab into the cell by Fc receptors enhanced the intracellular neutralization of ricin toxin. We found that the imported Ab was found in the ER and Golgi, a compartment traversed by ricin, as it traffics through the cell, but intracellular Ab did not contribute to the neutralization of ricin. These results indicate that the Fc region of antibody is important for in vivo protection, although the mechanism of enhanced protection by intact Ig does not appear to operate at the single cell level. When using xenogeneic antibodies, the diminished immunogenicity of Fab/F(ab’)2 preparations should be balanced against possible loss of protective efficacy.

HLA Antibodies in ATGs

To the Editor: For a long time anti-thymocyte globulins (ATGs) have been known to contain HLA-specific antibodies. We have measured high amounts of HLA Class I antibodies in both ATG preparations, whereas significant HLA Class II antibodies were only found in thymoglobulin (1Popow I Leitner J Grabmeier-Pfistershammer K et al.A comprehensive and quantitative analysis of the major specificities in rabbit antithymocyte globulin preparations.Am J Transplant. 2013; 13: 3103-3113Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (70) Google Scholar). Focosi and Boggi (2Focosi D Boggi U ATG brands and DSA.Am J Transplant. 2014; 14: 737Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1) Google Scholar) speculated that antibodies in ATGs specific for HLA Class I and II antigens might include donor-specific antibodies (DSA) that could be involved in the development of antibody-mediated allograft rejection. However, we presume that most HLA-reactive antibodies contained in ATGs will bind to epitopes shared between different HLA molecules. In our recent study, we have used cells expressing antigens known to be bound by ATGs to deplete both ATG preparations from all identified human-specific antibodies to prevent the isolation of already known antigens during our screening for new ATG antigens. To deplete ATGs of HLA antibodies, we have used cells expressing only one subtype of HLA-A, -B and -C antigen. This treatment effectively prevented the isolation of cells expressing HLA molecules, which might indicate that most HLA antibodies in ATGs are broadly cross-reactive. Such ATG antibodies are more likely to bind to host cells and tissues and therefore should not act like DSA. However, evidence for ATG antibodies that specifically react with a certain HLA type has been reported, and this phenomenon certainly merits further investigation (3Masson E Devillard N Chabod J et al.Misleading de novo detection of serum anti-HLA-A3 antibodies in kidney recipients having received ATG before transplantation.Hum Immunol. 2010; 71: 170-175Crossref PubMed Scopus (11) Google Scholar). In a previous study, we have found a high homogeneity between different batches of thymoglobulin (4Popow I Leitner J Majdic O et al.Assessment of batch to batch variation in polyclonal antithymocyte globulin preparations.Transplantation. 2012; 93: 32-40Crossref PubMed Scopus (21) Google Scholar). However, we have not specifically addressed whether different lots differ in their HLA-antibody profile as suggested by Focosi and Boggi (2Focosi D Boggi U ATG brands and DSA.Am J Transplant. 2014; 14: 737Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1) Google Scholar). This could be effectively investigated by modifying bead-based HLA-antibody assays for the detection of rabbit antibodies. In addition, the use of anti-human immunoglobulin reagents that do not cross-react with antibodies from rabbits or other animals would prevent false positive results in human panel reactive antibody testing without the need for removal of xenogenic antibodies. Recently, it has been shown that CD107a not only is a marker for cytotoxic activity but also prevents cytotoxic cells from self-destruction (5Cohnen A Chiang SC Stojanovic A et al.Surface CD107a/LAMP-1 protects natural killer cells from degranulation-associated damage.Blood. 2013; 122: 1411-1418Crossref PubMed Scopus (87) Google Scholar). We agree that it would be interesting to investigate whether ATG interferes with such a protective role of CD107a, thereby suppressing graft-specific lymphocytes. The authors of this manuscript have no conflicts of interest to disclose as described by the American Journal of Transplantation.

Diversity Oriented Fluorescence Library Approach (DOFLA) for Live Cell Imaging Probe Development

A cell is the smallest functional unit of life. All forms of life rely on cellular processes to maintain normal functions, and changes in cell function induced by metabolic disturbances, physicochemical damage, infection, or abnormal gene expression may cause disease. To understand basic biology and to develop therapeutics for diseases, researchers need to study live cells. Along with advances in fluorescence microscopy and in vitro cell culture, live-cell imaging has become an essential tool in modern biology for the study of molecular and cellular events. Although researchers have often used fluorescent proteins to visualize cell-type-specific markers, this method requires genetic manipulations, which may not be appropriate in nontransgenic cells. Immunodetection of cellular markers requires the use of xenogenic antibodies, which may not detect intracellular markers in live cells. One option for overcoming these problems is the use of fluorescent small molecules targeted to specific cell types, which can enter live cells and interact with molecules of interest. We have used combinatorial chemistry to develop a large number of fluorescent small molecules as new imaging probes even without prior information about the probes' binding targets and mechanism, a strategy that we call the diversity oriented fluorescence library approach (DOFLA). We have used DOFLA to produce novel sensors and probes that detect a variety of biological and chemical molecules in vivo as well as in vitro. In this Account, we describe a series of fluorescent small molecules developed using DOFLA that bind specifically to particular cell types. These molecules provide new ways to detect and isolate these cells. The fluorescent probes CDy1, CDg4, and CDb8 tag embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells but not fibroblasts or germ-line cells. CDr3 binds to an intracellular neural stem cell marker, fatty acid binding protein 7, which allows researchers to separate neural stem cells from embryonic stems cells and more differentiated cells such as neurons and glia. In addition, we have developed CDr10, which distinguishes microglia from neurons and glia. CDy2 stains myocytes much more brightly than myoblasts because of the increase in mitochondrial membrane potential during myogenesis. GY and PiY selectively stain α and β cells of pancreatic islets, respectively. Histamine Blue binds directly to histamine and stains basophils and macrophages containing high quantities of histamine. Glutathione Green allows researchers to measure the level of glutathione in cells and tissues by binding to glutathione and then triggering a hypsochromic shift. We have also developed a set of compounds that bind to cancer cells based on the cell type of origin and biocompatible surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) nanotags for cancer detection. In addition to discussing these new probes and their cell-type specificity, we also describe their applications in new assays, cell characterization, and pathology studies.

The contrasting properties of 2 xenogenic erythrocyte-reactive natural antibodies in commercial ducks

Sera obtained from commercial drakes on days 14 and 38 of age were tested by microtiter for the capacity to agglutinate and lyse rabbit (Rb) and human (HuO) erythrocytes. Three agglutination types, differing by strength, were recognized: HA1 (strong), HA2 (weak), and HA45 (very weak).Two degrees of lysis: L100 (complete) and L50 (partial), measured complement activity. Day 14 sera agglutinated Rb (average log2 titers: HA1 = 1.5, HA2 = 4.1) and lysed Rb (average log2 titers: L100 = 2, L50 = 2.5) but only 8/115 (˜9%) agglutinated HuO (HA45 = 0.4) while most (>80%) lysed HuO (average log2 titers: L100 = 1.3, L50 = 1.8). Both Rb and HuO agglutination and lysis titers were higher by d 38. At that age, all ducks lysed HuO and 50% of ducks acquired a capacity to agglutinate these cells with more strength. However, the quality of HuO agglutination could not be differentiated into HA1 or HA2 types. Average d 38 log2 titers of all measures were Rb: HA1 = 4, HA2 = 8.4, L100 = 3, and L50 = 4; and HuO: HA = 2.8, L100 = 3.9, and L50 = 1.2. The quality of the Rb agglutination suggested the participation of both IgM and standard-sized IgY antibodies. Lysis of Rb may occur by both classic and alternate complement pathways. The HuO lysis appears to depend primarily on the alternate complement pathway. It is suggested that multiple measurement systems such as these offer a practical way of obtaining information on immunity in experiments where the chief interest lies elsewhere.

Anti-idiotype and immunosuppressant treatment of murine lupus

The effect of the administration of a xenogeneic anti-idiotype antibody (anti-Id33) to a cross-reactive idiotype (Id33) present on anti-dsDNA antibody was examined in 6-week-old (NZB/NZW) F1 (BWF1) female mice. The administration of anti-Id33 led to a transient reduction in immunoglobulins expressing Id33, followed by a rise at 30 and 34 weeks that was significantly higher than in untreated mice (P less than 0.05). Likewise, anti-dsDNA antibody levels were significantly higher at 10 and 18 weeks than in untreated mice (P less than 0.01). No differences were seen in survival to 40 weeks, proteinuria or the severity of glomerulonephritis. Concurrent administration of cyclosporin A (CyA) with anti-Id33 markedly ameliorated glomerular injury and proteinuria and improved survival. By contrast, glomerular injury, proteinuria and survival were worse in mice treated with cyclophosphamide plus anti-Id33, compared with untreated mice. Neither CyA nor cyclophosphamide treatment, when given with anti-Id33 altered serum levels of anti-dsDNA, anti-ssDNA or Id33+ immunoglobin, compared with untreated mice. The different effects of CyA and cyclophosphamide on T lymphocytes and their discrepant effects on glomerular injury when given with anti-Id33 in this model lead us to postulate a role for T lymphocytes in the glomerular injury of BWF1 lupus.

Novel Mouse Anti-Mouse β3 Integrin Monoclonal Antibodies: Development and Characterization of New Reagents for Research in Thrombosis and Thrombocytopenia.

Background: Platelets are critical for maintaining hemostasis, but inappropriate platelet activation can lead to pathogenic thrombosis. It has been demonstrated that the platelet integrin αIIbβ3 is essential for platelet aggregation and is also a major target antigen in immune thrombocytopenias (e.g. ITP). Current monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against this protein complex have been generated using traditional methods involving cross-species immunization (e.g. mouse proteins into rat hosts). These approaches may generate a limited repertoire of anti-β3 mAbs since the antigenicity of the protein and the variety of epitopes targeted are based on amino acid sequence differences between the two species and integrin family members are highly conserved. Additionally, studies in murine models of ITP are hampered by the use of xenogeneic antibodies rather than syngeneic antibodies.Methods: We developed a method to generate mouse anti-mouse β3 integrin mAbs utilising β3 gene deficient mice (β3−/−) immunized with wild-type platelets. To generate antibodies specific to the PSI domain (HPA-1 region) of β3 integrin, β3−/− mice were immunized with the recombinant murine PSI domain of β3 integrin. Platelet binding and specificity were determined by flow cytometry and western blot. In vitro effects on platelet function were measured using aggregometry. Different doses of mAbs (5, 10, and 15 μg/mouse) were injected intravenously to induce thrombocytopenia in vivo.Results: A total of twelve mAbs were generated against native β3 integrin (JAN A1, B1, C1, D1 and DEC A1 and B1, 9D2, M1) or recombinant PSI domain (PSI A1, B1, C1, E1). The mAbs were specific for β3 integrin; no binding was observed using β3−/− platelets. Isotyping showed that DEC A1 and DEC B1 are IgG3, PSI E1 is IgG2b, and all other mAbs are IgG1. The anti-PSI domain mAbs recognized linear epitopes and the anti-native β3 mAbs recognized conformational epitopes. All mAbs, with the exception of JAN A1 and B1, cross-reacted with human platelets. JAN C1, JAN D1, DEC A1, 9D2, M1, and all anti-PSI antibodies inhibited mouse platelet aggregation. These antibodies, except DEC A1, 9D2 and M1, also inhibited human platelet aggregation. One anti-PSI domain antibody (PSI B1), however, directly induced human platelet aggregation in the absence of agonist in platelet rich plasma but not in PIPES buffer. This suggests that PSI B1 may initiate conformational changes in β3 integrin and promote fibrinogen binding. Six anti-β3 mAbs (JAN A1, B1, C1 and D1, 9D2 and M1) induced severe dose-dependent thrombocytopenia in mice, while the anti-PSI domain mAbs induced only a mild decrease in platelet count. Interestingly, the two IgG3 mAbs (DEC A1 and B1) did not induce thrombocytopenia.Conclusion: This approach to generating mouse anti-mouse β3 integrin mAbs using β3−/− mice was successful. Different anti-β3 mAbs had different effects on platelet aggregation, and on the induction of thrombocytopenia. These mAbs may be useful reagents for research in thrombosis and immune thrombocytopenia and as novel anti-thrombotic therapeutics.

Anti-amyloid beta protein antibody passage across the blood–brain barrier in the SAMP8 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease: An age-related selective uptake with reversal of learning impairment

Amyloid beta protein (Aβ) levels are elevated in the brain of Alzheimer's disease patients. Anti-Aβ antibodies can reverse the histologic and cognitive impairments in mice which overexpress Aβ. Passive immunization appears safer than vaccination and treatment of patients will likely require human rather than xenogenic antibodies. Effective treatment will likely require antibody to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Unfortunately, antibodies typically cross the BBB very poorly and accumulate less well in brain than even albumin, a substance nearly totally excluded from the brain. We compared the ability of two anti-Aβ human monoclonal IgM antibodies, L11.3 and HyL5, to cross the BBB of young CD-1 mice to that of young and aged SAMP8 mice. The SAMP8 mouse has a spontaneous mutation that induces an age-related, Aβ-dependent cognitive deficit. There was preferential uptake of intravenously administered L11.3 in comparison to HyL5, albumin, and a control human monoclonal IgM (RF), especially by hippocampus and olfactory bulb in aged SAMP8 mice. Injection of L11.3 into the brains of aged SAMP8 mice reversed both learning and memory impairments in aged SAMP8 mice, whereas IgG and IgM controls were ineffective. Pharmacokinetic analysis predicted that an intravenous dose 1000 times higher than the brain injection dose would reverse cognitive impairments. This predicted intravenous dose reversed the impairment in learning, but not memory, in aged SAMP8 mice. In conclusion, an IgM antibody was produced that crosses the BBB to reverse cognitive impairment in a murine model of Alzheimer's disease.

Are xenogeneic anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies the holy grail for celiac patients?

Celiac disease is an immune mediated disorder, the only one with a well-established origin, resulting from a permanent gluten intolerance. Although a gluten-free diet is currently the "safe" and appropriate therapy for celiac disease, this is not always an easy and simple option as "harmful" gluten may contaminate food during the processing and preparation phases. There are also further social pressures, which might be more pressing for young celiac patients, in following a strict gluten-free diet. Therefore, a new therapeutic approaches are sought which would permit celiacs to "peacefully" coexist with gluten. Presently, the most promising looks search for genetically modified wheat lacking toxic gluten peptides and the use of oral endopeptidases in attempt to curb gluten toxicity. Recently discovered role of anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies in celiac pathogenesis has brought a prospect for a new hypothetical therapeutic approach, an oral immunization of celiacs with xenogeneic anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies.

In Vitro Monitoring of in Vivo Development of Human Anti-Thymoglobulin Antibodies by ELISA

Thymoglobulin (rATG), polyclonal immunoglobulin, is prepared from rabbits immunized with human thymocytes. It is effective in prevention and treatment of renal allograft rejection. Human antibodies against antilymphocyte preparations can reduce efficacy by accelerating drug clearance or by inducing serum sickness. We developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to study posttreatment development of anti-rATG. In an Institutional Review Board–approved trial, we tested 101 allograft recipients for anti-rATG antibodies. Patients received rATG intravenously at 1.25 to 2.0 mg/kg/d for 2 to 14 days. Serum samples were obtained pretreatment and at weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, and months 3 and 6 post-rATG. ELISA plates were coated with rATG (10 μg/mL). Samples were diluted 1:100 and tested in quadruplicate. Positive samples were titrated. Horseradish peroxidase-conjugated (HRPO) affinity-purified goat anti-human immunoglobulin G (H&L) antibody reacted with bound human antibody. A chromagenic substrate for HRPO was added and optical density (OD, 490 nm) was read. An OD of twice the negative control was considered positive. Mean ODs of negative and positive controls were 0.113 ± 0.030 and 1.042 ± 0.196, respectively. Ten patients had detectable anti-rATG before rATG administration (1:100). Thirty-five of 101 patients (35%) developed anti-rATG antibody. Patients showed an initial positive anti-rATG antibody from days 8 to 59 after infusion and titers from 1:100 to 1:4000. In spite of rATG’s postulated anti-B-cell activity, this study confirms that rATG induces sensitization at a frequency and titer seen with other xenogeneic antilymphocyte antibodies. Formation of such antixenoantibodies can have a negative impact on treatment response and hence warrant monitoring.

Immune Complex‐based Vaccine for Pig Protection against Parvovirus

The insoluble immune complexes (ICs) were prepared under the conditions of double immunodiffusion in gel, using the suspension of the ultrasound treated PK-15 cell-line infected with porcine parvovirus (PPV) containing both viral particles and viral proteins, as well as pig or rabbit anti-PPV polyclonal immune sera. The immunodiffusion performed in an agarose gel allows only viral subunits with a molecular mass equal to or less than 1000 kDa, rather than the viral particles, to diffuse through the gel and reach the point where the immunoprecipitate is to be formed. The immunoprecipitation under the conditions of the diffusion ensures the optimal, i.e. equimolar ratio of both immunoprecipitating components, antibody/antigen in the IC. The sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the Western blot analyses showed the ICs were composed of two proteins, a protein in which molecular mass corresponded to the VP2 of the PPV and a protein with a molecular mass of the IgG. This suggests that the ICs are mainly composed of the VP2 antigen and IgG class antibodies. The potency of the IC-vaccines prepared in the form of a water-in-oil-in-water emulsion was compared with that of a commercially available, inactivated oil vaccine. The vaccination of gilts, 6 weeks before mating, with the IC containing allogeneic pig antibodies, resulted in the development of high and long-lasting anti-PPV antibody titres, similar to those generated by the licenced vaccine (P > 0.01). The content of the virus material administered by the IC was twice lower than that in the licenced vaccine. Neither systemic nor local reactions were observed in the gilts during the period of the trial with the IC vaccine. The number of viable piglets per litter varied between 9 and 12 and no signs of the PPV infection were detected. Rabbits were used as one of the alternative laboratory animal models accepted for the testing of the vaccine against the PPV. The rabbit humoral immune response generated by the IC containing the allogeneic antibodies were higher than that generated by the ICs containing the xenogeneic pig antibodies. It was similar to that generated by two-times higher content of the virus material administered by a commercially available vaccine. The IC-based vaccines belong to non-replicating, subunit vaccines, which are both ecologically convenient and the safest vaccines of all.

SDR grafting—a new approach to antibody humanization

A major impediment to the clinical utility of the murine monoclonal antibodies is their potential to elicit human anti-murine antibody (HAMA) response in patients. To circumvent this problem, murine antibodies have been genetically manipulated to progressively replace their murine content with the amino acid residues present in their human counterparts. To that end, murine antibodies have been humanized by grafting their complementarity determining regions (CDRs) onto the variable light (V L) and variable heavy (V H) frameworks of human immunoglobulin molecules, while retaining those murine framework residues deemed essential for the integrity of the antigen-combining site. However, the xenogeneic CDRs of the humanized antibodies may evoke anti-idiotypic (anti-Id) response in patients. To minimize the anti-Id response, a procedure to humanize xenogeneic antibodies has been described that is based on grafting, onto the human frameworks, only the specificity determining residues (SDRs), the CDR residues that are most crucial in the antibody–ligand interaction. The SDRs are identified through the help of the database of the three-dimensional structures of the antigen–antibody complexes of known structures or by mutational analysis of the antibody-combining site. An alternative approach to humanization, which involves retention of more CDR residues, is based on grafting of the ‘abbreviated’ CDRs, the stretches of CDR residues that include all the SDRs. A procedure to assess the reactivity of the humanized antibody to sera from patients who had been administered the murine antibody has also been described.

Efficient elutriation of monocytes within a closed system (Elutra™) for clinical-scale generation of dendritic cells

Dendritic cells (DC) are promising tools for the immunotherapy of cancer. The induction of tumor-specific T cells and clinical regressions have already been observed in early phase I/II vaccination trials. As DC vaccination is now facing trials with larger patient collectives it becomes increasingly important to obtain large numbers of cells suitable for therapeutic applications under labor- and cost-effective conditions. We describe here a procedure that uses a novel cell separator (Elutra™, Gambro BCT) to enrich monocytes from an entire apheresis product within one hour. Cells are separated on the basis of size and to a lesser extent density, by elutriation in a 40-ml conical chamber. The total monocyte recovery following elutriation ( n=6) was 98.53% (±8.07%), the recovery in the monocyte-rich fraction 75.45% (±11.31%), and the mean purity 82.95% (±6.01%). These monocytes can be cultured either in conventional culture dishes or in closed cell culture bags and differentiated, by using GM-CSF+IL-4 followed by a maturation cocktail composed of IL-1β+IL-6+TNF-α+PGE 2, into fully mature DC. The Elutra™ separator allows for fast and easy enrichment of monocytes within a closed system. Subsequently, elutriated monocytes can be successfully cultured into phenotypically and functionally mature DC for immunotherapeutic approaches. The method neither requires a density gradient step to enrich PBMC from leucapheresis products nor does it apply (xenogeneic) antibodies to target monocytes. Isolation of monocytes with Elutra™ may greatly facilitate future DC-based vaccination approaches.

Acute and hyperacute vascular rejection induced by xenogeneic anti-human thymocyte antibodies

Acute and hyperacute vascular rejection induced by xenogeneic anti-human thymocyte antibodies

The effect of immunoglobulin immunadsorptions on delayed xenograft rejection of human CD55 transgenic pig kidneys in baboons.

Delayed xenograft rejection (DXR) remains a major obstacle in discordant xenotransplantation. As strategies of complement inhibition and xenogeneic natural antibody (Ab) removal have been shown to give prolonged xenograft survival, we endeavored to determine whether combining these two strategies would lead to an additive effect in terms of graft survival. The study was initiated with two groups, A and B, where group A received normal kidneys and group B received hCD55 transgenic kidneys. Both groups underwent pre-transplant (day-1) total immunoglobulin (Ig) immunoadsorption (IA) and received an immunosuppression of cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine A, mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids. Two subsequent groups (C and D) receiving hCD55 transgenic pig kidneys were then performed with an 'optimized' immunosuppression (Cyclophosphamide starting 1 day earlier) but only group D recipients were immunoadsorbed. Biopsies taken during the post-transplantation period were analyzed for Ab deposition, compliment activation and cellular infiltration. No hyperacute rejection was observed. In the initial immunoadsorbed groups A and B, all baboons underwent DXR, which started surprisingly early (day 5 in most cases. In the subsequent two groups, the immunoadsorbed group D baboons also underwent DXR, again as early as day 5. In contrast, group C baboons did not show any signs of DXR on their day 6 biopsy or at their time of death. Analysis of graft biopsies from the kidneys undergoing rejection or with stable function showed strong deposition of anti-Gal IgM in all cases whereas strong complement C5b-9 deposits were only observed in biopsies at rejection. Cellular infiltration consisted mostly of monocytes/macrophages, was more pronounced in biopsies taken at rejection and was associated with a pro-inflammatory environment involving interleukins 1alpha, 6 and 8. Our findings suggest non-specific Ig (anti-Gal and non-Gal Ig of all isotypes) IA or even incomplete IA in immunosuppressed baboon recipients of transgenic pig kidneys is detrimental to graft survival by being associated with an Ab and compliment driven rejection. We speculate that the IA were insufficient in terms of Ig depletion or frequency inducing an Ab rebound or that this total Ig depletion also removed components facilitating graft survival.

CD52 antigen as a target for immunotherapy

T he antigenic epitope CD52 is expressed on the surface membranes of peripheral blood lymphocytes, monocytes, and macrophages, as well as the epithelial lining of the male reproductive system. The structural features of the CD52 antigen, specifically its small size, lateral mobility, and closeness to the cell membrane, as well as the sheer abundance of the antigen (CD52 is expressed on 5% of the lymphocyte surface), make it an ideal target for antibody-mediated killing1 (Fig 1). Alemtuzumab (CAMPATH 1H; ILEXTM Oncology, Inc [ILEX], San Antonio, TX), a humanized monoclonal antibody against the CD52 epitope, has a relatively low affinity and requires a concentration of approximately 50 g/mL to achieve maximum binding2 (Fig 2). Nevertheless, it is an extremely potent agent for depletion of lymphocytes in vivo, and a short course of treatment with as little as 40 mg (total) gives rapid and long-lasting depletion of lymphocytes, particularly CD4 cells, in transplant patients.3,4 The potent activity of alemtuzumab appears to be primarily initiated through cell-mediated killing (antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity), which is maximal at concentrations as low as 10 ng/mL, whereas optimum activation of complement-mediated lysis requires concentrations of 10 g/mL5 (Fig 3). In patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the indication for which alemtuzumab is approved, both the route of administration and the tumor burden influence the time necessary to achieve peak serum levels. The time to reach peak serum antibody levels is shorter with intravenous administration than with subcutaneous administration, and the blood levels reached after intravenous administration are higher in patients who have a good clinical response. In contrast, serum levels among bone marrow transplant recipients were more consistent among patients, presumably because they did not have a substantial burden of CD52 tumor cells.4 Pharmacokinetic analysis of serum from bone marrow transplant recipients shows that the half-life of alemtuzumab is in the range of 1 to 3 weeks. Therapeutic antibodies have long been used to mediate immunosuppression and prevent acute rejection in transplant recipients. An issue with antibody therapy, however, is the development of antiantibodies that can limit efficacy. Antithymocyte globulin is currently the most commonly used T-cell– depleting agent for induction therapy in kidney transplant recipients. Although antithymocyte globulin has been associated with high graft survival rates ( 98%) and low infection rates ( 10%), the potential for development of xenogeneic antibodies is high ( 78%). Muromonab anti-CD3 (OKT3) is less immunogenic; however, human antimouse antibody development is possible because of its murine origin. Because alemtuzumab is a humanized From the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom. Address reprint requests to Geoff Hale, PhD, Therapeutic Antibody Centre, Old Road, Headington, Oxford OX3 7JT, United Kingdom. © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 0955-470X/03/1704-0000$30.00/0 doi:10.1016/S0955-470X(03)00073-9 Figure 1. Structure of the CD52 antigen showing the closeness of the Campath epitope to the lipid anchor. (Modified and reprinted with permission from Hale G. The CD52 antigen and development of the CAMPATH antibodies. Cytotherapy 2001; 3:137. Published by Taylor & Francis.)