Facile discovery of surrogate cytokine agonists.

Cytokines are powerful immune modulators that initiate signaling through receptor dimerization, but natural cytokines have structural limitations as therapeutics. We present a strategy to discover cytokine surrogate agonists by using modular ligands that exploit induced proximity and receptor dimer geometry as pharmacological metrics amenable to high-throughput screening. Using VHH and scFv to human interleukin-2/15, type-I interferon, and interleukin-10 receptors, we generated combinatorial matrices of single-chain bispecific ligands that exhibited diverse spectrums of functional activities, including potent inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 by surrogate interferons. Crystal structures of IL-2R:VHH complexes revealed that variation in receptor dimer geometries resulted in functionally diverse signaling outputs. This modular platform enabled engineering of surrogate ligands that compelled assembly of an IL-2R/IL-10R heterodimer, which does not naturally exist, that signaled through pSTAT5 on T and natural killer (NK) cells. This "cytokine med-chem" approach, rooted in principles of induced proximity, is generalizable for discovery of diversified agonists for many ligand-receptor systems.

Structural analyses of the GI.4 norovirus by cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography revealing binding sites for human monoclonal antibodies.

Noroviruses are major causative agents of acute nonbacterial gastroenteritis in humans. There are neither antiviral therapeutic agents nor vaccines for noroviruses at this time. To evaluate the potential usefulness of two previously isolated human monoclonal antibody fragments, CV-1A1 and CV-2F5, we first conducted a single-particle analysis to determine the cryo-electron microscopy structure of virus-like particles (VLPs) from the genogroup I genotype 4 (GI.4) Chiba strain uniformly coated with CV-1A1 fragments. The results revealed that the GI.4-specific CV-1A1 antibody bound to the P2 subdomain, in which amino acids are less conserved and variable. Interestingly, a part of the CV-1A1 intrudes into the histo-blood group antigen-binding site, suggesting that this antibody might exert neutralizing activity. Next, we determined the crystal structure of the protruding (P) domain of the capsid protein in the complex form with the CV-2F5 antibody fragment. Consistent with the cross-reactivity, the CV-2F5 bound to the P1 subdomain, which is rich in amino acids conserved among the GI strains, and moreover induced a disruption of Chiba VLPs. These results suggest that the broadly reactive CV-2F5 antibody can be used as both a universal detection reagent and an antiviral drug for GI noroviruses. IMPORTANCE: We conducted the structural analyses of the VP1 protein from the GI.4 Chiba norovirus to identify the binding sites of the previously isolated human monoclonal antibodies CV-1A1 and CV-2F5. The cryo-electron microscopy of the Chiba virus-like particles (VLPs) complexed with the Fv-clasp forms of GI.4-specific CV-1A1 revealed that this antibody binds to the highly variable P2 subdomain, suggesting that this antibody may have neutralizing ability against the GI.4 strains. X-ray crystallography revealed that the CV-2F5 antibody bound to the P1 subdomain, which is rich in conserved amino acids. This result is consistent with the ability of the CV-2F5 antibody to react with a wide variety of GI norovirus strains. It is also found that the CV-2F5 antibody caused a disruption of VLPs. Our findings, together with previous reports on the structures of VP1 proteins and VLPs, are expected to open a path for the structure-based development of antivirals and vaccines against norovirus disease.

In vivo mRNA expression of a multi-mechanistic mAb combination protects against Staphylococcus aureus infection.

Single monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can be expressed in vivo through gene delivery of their mRNA formulated with lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). However, delivery of a mAb combination could be challenging due to the risk of heavy and light variable chain mispairing. We evaluated the pharmacokinetics of a three mAb combination against Staphylococcus aureus first in single chain variable fragment scFv-Fc and then in immunoglobulin G 1 (IgG1) format in mice. Intravenous delivery of each mRNA/LNP or the trio (1 mg/kg each) induced functional antibody expression after 24 h (10-100 µg/mL) with 64%-78% cognate-chain paired IgG expression after 3 days, and an absence of non-cognate chain pairing for scFv-Fc. We did not observe reduced neutralizing activity for each mAb compared with the level of expression of chain-paired mAbs. Delivery of the trio mRNA protected mice in an S. aureus-induced dermonecrosis model. Intravenous administration of the three mRNA in non-human primates achieved peak serum IgG levels ranging between 2.9 and 13.7 µg/mL with a half-life of 11.8-15.4 days. These results suggest nucleic acid delivery of mAb combinations holds promise and may be a viable option to streamline the development of therapeutic antibodies.

Genetically encoded intrabodies as high-precision tools to visualize and manipulate neuronal function.

Basic neuroscience research employs numerous forms of antibodies as key reagents in diverse applications. While the predominant use of antibodies is as immunolabeling reagents, neuroscientists are making increased use of intracellular antibodies or intrabodies. Intrabodies are recombinant antibodies genetically encoded for expression within neurons. These can be used to target various cargo (fluorescent proteins, reporters, enzymes, etc.) to specific molecules and subcellular domains to report on and manipulate neuronal function with high precision. Intrabodies have the advantages inherent in all genetically encoded recombinant antibodies but represent a distinct subclass in that their structure allows for their expression and function within cells. The high precision afforded by the ability to direct their expression to specific cell types, and the selective binding of intrabodies to targets within these allows intrabodies to offer unique advantages for neuroscience research, given the tremendous molecular, cellular and morphological complexity of brain neurons. Intrabodies expressed within neurons have been used for a variety of purposes in basic neuroscience research. Here I provide a general background to intrabodies and their development, and examples of their emerging utility as valuable basic neuroscience research tools.

A single-chain antibody construct with specificity of a natural IgM antibody reduces hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury in mice.

Natural immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies have been shown to recognize post-ischemic neoepitopes following reperfusion of tissues and to activate complement. Specifically, IgM antibodies and complement have been shown to drive hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). Herein, we investigate the therapeutic effect of C2 scFv (single-chain antibody construct with specificity of a natural IgM antibody) on hepatic IRI in C57BL/6 mice. Compared with PBS-treated mice, C2 scFv-treated mice displayed almost no necrotic areas, significant reduction in serum ALT, AST and LDH levels, and significantly reduced in the number of TUNEL positive cells. Moreover, C2 scFv-treated mice exhibited a notable reduction in inflammatory cells after hepatic IRI than PBS-treated mice. The serum IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α and MPC-1 levels were also severely suppressed by C2 scFv. Interestingly, C2 scFv reconstituted hepatic inflammation and IRI in Rag1-/- mice. We found that C2 scFv promoted hepatic cell death and increased inflammatory cytokines and infiltration of inflammatory cells after hepatic IRI in Rag1-/- mice. In addition, IgM and complement 3d (C3d) were deposited in WT mice and in Rag1-/- mice reconstituted with C2 scFv, indicating that C2 scFv can affect IgM binding and complement activation and reconstitute hepatic IRI. C3d expression was significantly lower in C57BL/6 mice treated with C2 scFv compared to PBS, indicating that excessive exogenous C2 scFv inhibited complement activation. These data suggest that C2 scFv alleviates hepatic IRI by blocking complement activation, and treatment with C2 scFv may be a promising therapy for hepatic IRI.

Recent advances in CAR-T cell therapy for acute myeloid leukaemia.

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a fatal and refractory haematologic cancer that primarily affects adults. It interferes with bone marrow cell proliferation. Patients have a 5 years survival rate of less than 30% despite the availability of several treatments, including chemotherapy, allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT), and receptor antagonist drugs. Allo-HSCT is the mainstay of acute myeloid leukaemia treatment. Although it does work, there are severe side effects, such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In recent years, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies have made significant progress in the treatment of cancer. These engineered T cells can locate and recognize tumour cells in vivo and release a large number of effectors through immune action to effectively kill tumour cells. CAR-T cells are among the most effective cancer treatments because of this property. CAR-T cells have demonstrated positive therapeutic results in the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia, according to numerous clinical investigations. This review highlights recent progress in new targets for AML immunotherapy, and the limitations, and difficulties of CAR-T therapy for AML.

Respiratory syncytial virus-approved mAb Palivizumab as ligand for anti-idiotype nanobody-based synthetic cytokine receptors.

Synthetic cytokine receptors can modulate cellular functions based on an artificial ligand to avoid off-target and/or unspecific effects. However, ligands that can modulate receptor activity so far have not been used clinically because of unknown toxicity and immunity against the ligands. Here, we developed a fully synthetic cytokine/cytokine receptor pair based on the antigen-binding domain of the respiratory syncytial virus-approved mAb Palivizumab as a synthetic cytokine and a set of anti-idiotype nanobodies (AIPVHH) as synthetic receptors. Importantly, Palivizumab is neither cross-reactive with human proteins nor immunogenic. For the synthetic receptors, AIPVHH were fused to the activating interleukin-6 cytokine receptor gp130 and the apoptosis-inducing receptor Fas. We found that the synthetic cytokine receptor AIPVHHgp130 was efficiently activated by dimeric Palivizumab single-chain variable fragments. In summary, we created an in vitro nonimmunogenic full-synthetic cytokine/cytokine receptor pair as a proof of concept for future in vivo therapeutic strategies utilizing nonphysiological targets during immunotherapy.

Chimerism of avian IgY-scFv and truncated IgG-Fc: A novel strategy in cross-species antibody generation and enhancement.

Chicken single-chain fragment variable (IgY-scFv) is a functional fragment and an emerging development in genetically engineered antibodies with a wide range of biomedical applications. However, scFvs have considerably shorter serum half-life due to the absence of antibody Fc region compared with the full-length antibody, and usually requires continuous intravenous administration for efficacy. A promising approach to overcome this limitation is to fuse scFv with immunoglobulin G (IgG) Fc region, for better recognition and mediation by the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) in the host. In this study, engineered mammalian ΔFc domains (CH2, CH3, and intact Fc region) were fused with anti-canine parvovirus-like particles avian IgY-scFv to produce chimeric antibodies and expressed in the HEK293 cell expression system. The obtained scFv-CH2, scFv-CH3, and scFv-Fc can bind with antigen specifically and dose-dependently. Surface plasmon resonance investigation confirmed that scFv-CH2, scFv-CH3, and scFv-Fc had different degrees of binding to FcRn, with scFv-Fc showing the highest affinity. scFv-Fc had a significantly longer half-life in mice compared with the unfused scFv. The identified ΔFcs are promising for the development of engineered Fc-based therapeutic antibodies and proteins with longer half-lives. The avian IgY-scFv-mammalian IgG Fc region opens up new avenues for antibody engineering, and it is a novel strategy to enhance the rapid development and screening of functional antibodies in veterinary and human medicine.

Anti-Acinetobacter Baumannii single-chain variable fragments provide therapeutic efficacy in an immunocompromised mouse pneumonia model.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of carbapenem-resistant and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter baumannii as well as inadequate effective antibiotics calls for an urgent effort to find new antibacterial agents. The therapeutic efficacy of two human scFvs, EB211 and EB279, showing growth inhibitory activity against A. baumannii in vitro, was investigated in immunocompromised mice with A. baumannii pneumonia. RESULTS: The data revealed that infected mice treated with EB211, EB279, and a combination of the two scFvs showed better survival, reduced bacterial load in the lungs, and no marked pathological abnormalities in the kidneys, liver, and lungs when compared to the control groups receiving normal saline or an irrelevant scFv. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study suggest that the scFvs with direct growth inhibitory activity could offer promising results in the treatment of pneumonia caused by XDR A. baumannii.

Dynamics of scFv-targeted VAP2 correlating with IL-16, MIF and IL-1Ra in ANCA-associated vasculitis.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: Using a mouse model of MPA with microvascular lesion with a clone (VasSF) of recombinant single chain fragments of the variable region of human IgG, we previously showed that vasculitis-associated apolipoprotein A2 (VAP2) may be a therapeutic target for vasculitis. The present study estimated the target molecules for VasSF and the association between VAP2 and cytokine levels in patient sera in terms of microvascular lesion severity. METHODS: Sera and clinical information were collected from patients with microscopic polyangiitis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (MPA/GPA) and infectious disease. Neutrophil counts, levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), creatinine, total cholesterol associated with microvascular lesion, HDL cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and cytokines were estimated. Serum VAP2 signals were determined with Western blotting. RESULTS: VasSF bound to a 24 kDa molecule in the serum of active MPA/GPA patients. Anti-AP2 antibody also bound with the same 24 kDa molecule, named VAP2, because of size difference from normal APOA2. The VAP2 signal was significantly stronger in the active-disease group but significantly weakened in remission. The signal correlated positively with eGFR but not with the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score, CRP, MPO-ANCA, or PR3-ANCA levels. It correlated negatively with MPO activity, IL-16, MIF, and IL-1Ra. Moreover, VasSF bound to a 17 kDa molecule in the remission phase. CONCLUSION: The 24 kDa VAP2 molecule may be associated with neutrophil functions because of its inverse correlation with MPO activity, IL-16, MIF, and IL-1Ra, suggesting that VAP2-APOA1 formation in HDL triggers microvascular injury. VasSF may reverse the injury by removing APOA1-VAP2 heterodimers from peripheral blood vessels.

Allogeneic stem cells engineered to release interferon ß and scFv-PD1 target glioblastoma and alter the tumor microenvironment.

Highly malignant brain tumors, glioblastomas (GBM), are immunosuppressive, thereby limiting current promising immunotherapeutic approaches. In this study, we created interferon receptor 1 knockout allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to secrete dual-function pro-apoptotic and immunomodulatory interferon (IFN) ß (MSCKO-IFNß) using a single lentiviral vector CRISPR/Cas9 system. We show that MSCKO-IFNß induces apoptosis in GBM cells and upregulates the cell surface expression of programmed death ligand-1 in tumor cells. Next, we engineered MSCKO to release a secretable single-chain variable fragment (scFv) to block programmed death (PD)-1 and show the ability of MSCKO-scFv-PD1 to enhance T-cell activation and T-cell-mediated tumor cell killing. To simultaneously express both immune modulators, we engineered MSCKO-IFNß to co-express scFv-PD1 (MSCKO-IFNß-scFv-PD1) and show the expression of both IFNß and scFv-PD1 in vitro leads to T-cell activation and lowers the viability of tumor cells. Furthermore, to mimic the clinical scenario of GBM tumor resection and subsequent treatment, we show that synthetic extracellular matrix (sECM) encapsulated MSCKO-IFNß-scFv-PD1 treatment of resected tumors results in the increase of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, mature conventional dendritic cells type II and activation of microglia as compared to the control treatment group. Overall, these results reveal the ability of MSCKO-IFNß-scFv-PD1 to shape the tumor microenvironment and enhance therapeutic outcomes in GBM.

RGD-p21Ras-scFv expressed prokaryotically on a pilot scale inhibits ras-driven colorectal cancer growth by blocking p21Ras-GTP.

BACKGROUND: Ras gene mutation and/or overexpression are drivers in the progression of cancers, including colorectal cancer. Blocking the Ras signaling has become a significant strategy for cancer therapy. Previously, we constructed a recombinant scFv, RGD-p21Ras-scFv by linking RGD membrane-penetrating peptide gene with the anti-p21Ras scFv gene. Here, we expressed prokaryotically RGD-p21Ras-scFv on a pilot scale, then investigated the anti-tumor effect and the mechanism of blocking Ras signaling. METHODS: The E. coli bacteria which could highly express RGD-p21Ras-scFv was screened and grown in 100 L fermentation tank to produce RGD-p21Ras-scFv on optimized induced expression conditions. The scFv was purified from E. coli bacteria using His Ni-NTA column. ELISA was adopted to test the immunoreactivity of RGD-p21Ras-scFv against p21Ras proteins, and the IC50 of RGD-p21Ras-scFv was analyzed by CCK-8. Immunofluorescence colocalization and pull-down assays were used to determine the localization and binding between RGD-p21Ras-scFv and p21Ras. The interaction forces between RGD-p21Ras-scFv and p21Ras after binding were analyzed by molecular docking, and the stability after binding was determined by molecular dynamics simulations. p21Ras-GTP interaction was detected by Ras pull-down. Changes in the MEK-ERK /PI3K-AKT signaling paths downstream of Ras were detected by WB assays. The anti-tumor activity of RGD-p21Ras-scFv was investigated by nude mouse xenograft models. RESULTS: The technique of RGD-p21Ras-scFv expression on a pilot scale was established. The wet weight of the harvested bacteria was 31.064 g/L, and 31.6 mg RGD-p21Ras-scFv was obtained from 1 L of bacterial medium. The purity of the recombinant antibody was above 85%, we found that the prepared on a pilot scale RGD-p21Ras-scFv could penetrate the cell membrane of colon cancer cells and bind to p21Ras, then led to reduce of p21Ras-GTP (active p21Ras). The phosphorylation of downstream effectors MEK-ERK /PI3K-AKT was downregulated. In vivo antitumor activity assays showed that the RGD-p21Ras-scFv inhibited the proliferation of colorectal cancer cell lines. CONCLUSION: RGD-p21Ras-scFv prokaryotic expressed on pilot-scale could inhibited Ras-driven colorectal cancer growth by partially blocking p21Ras-GTP and might be able to be a hidden therapeutic antibody for treating RAS-driven tumors.

An Investigation into the In Vitro Targeted Killing of CD44-Expressing Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells Using Recombinant Photoimmunotherapeutics Compared to Auristatin-F-Based Antibody-Drug Conjugates.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the deadliest form of breast cancer with limited treatment options. The persistence of highly tumorigenic CD44-expressing subpopulation referred to as cancer stem cells (CSCs), endowed with the self-renewal capacity, has been associated with therapeutic resistance, hence clinical relapses. To mitigate these undesired events, targeted immunotherapies using antibody-photoconjugate (APC) or antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), were developed to specifically release cytotoxic payloads within targeted cells overexpressing cognate antigen receptors. Therefore, an αCD44(scFv)-SNAP-tag antibody fusion protein was engineered through genetic fusion of a single-chain antibody fragment (scFv) to a SNAPf-tag fusion protein, capable of self-conjugating with benzylguanine-modified light-sensitive near-infrared (NIR) phthalocyanine dye IRDye700DX (BG-IR700) or the small molecule toxin auristatin-F (BG-AURIF). Binding of the αCD44(scFv)-SNAPf-IR700 photoimmunoconjugate to antigen-positive cells was demonstrated by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. By switching to NIR irradiation, CD44-expressing TNBC was selectively killed through induced phototoxic activities. Likewise, the αCD44(scFv)-SNAPf-AURIF immunoconjugate was able to selectively accumulate within targeted cells and significantly reduced cell viability through antimitotic activities at nano- to micromolar drug concentrations. This study provides an in vitro proof-of-concept for a future strategy to selectively destroy light-accessible superficial CD44-expressing TNBC tumors and their metastatic lesions which are inaccessible to therapeutic light.

Development of an effective single-chain variable fragment recognizing a novel epitope in the hepatitis C virus E2 protein that restricts virus entry into hepatocytes.

Previously, we reported a neutralizing monoclonal antibody, A8A11, raised against a novel conserved epitope within the hepatitis C virus (HCV) E2 protein, that could significantly reduce HCV replication. Here, we report the nucleotide sequence of A8A11 and demonstrate the efficacy of a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) protein that mimics the antibody, inhibits the binding of an HCV virus-like particle to hepatocytes, and reduces viral RNA replication in a cell culture system. More importantly, scFv A8A11 was found to effectively restrict the increase of viral RNA levels in the serum of HCV-infected chimeric mice harbouring human hepatocytes. These results suggest a promising approach to neutralizing-antibody-based therapeutic interventions against HCV infection.

Blocking an epitope of misfolded SOD1 ameliorates disease phenotype in a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

The current strategies to mitigate the toxicity of misfolded superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis via blocking SOD1 expression in the CNS are indiscriminative for misfolded and intact proteins, and as such, entail a risk of depriving CNS cells of their essential antioxidant potential. As an alternative approach to neutralize misfolded and spare unaffected SOD1 species, we developed scFv-SE21 antibody that blocks the ß6/ß7 loop epitope exposed exclusively in misfolded SOD1. The ß6/ß7 loop epitope has previously been proposed to initiate amyloid-like aggregation of misfolded SOD1 and mediate its prion-like activity. The adeno-associated virus-mediated expression of scFv-SE21 in the CNS of hSOD1G37R mice rescued spinal motor neurons, reduced the accumulation of misfolded SOD1, decreased gliosis and thus delayed disease onset and extended survival by 90 days. The results provide evidence for the role of the exposed ß6/ß7 loop epitope in the mechanism of neurotoxic gain-of-function of misfolded SOD1 and open avenues for the development of mechanism-based anti-SOD1 therapeutics, whose selective targeting of misfolded SOD1 species may entail a reduced risk of collateral oxidative damage to the CNS.

AAV-mediated neuronal expression of an scFv antibody selective for Aß oligomers protects synapses and rescues memory in Alzheimer models.

The accumulation of soluble oligomers of the amyloid-ß peptide (AßOs) in the brain has been implicated in synapse failure and memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease. Here, we initially show that treatment with NUsc1, a single-chain variable-fragment antibody (scFv) that selectively targets a subpopulation of AßOs and shows minimal reactivity to Aß monomers and fibrils, prevents the inhibition of long-term potentiation in hippocampal slices and memory impairment induced by AßOs in mice. As a therapeutic approach for intracerebral antibody delivery, we developed an adeno-associated virus vector to drive neuronal expression of NUsc1 (AAV-NUsc1) within the brain. Transduction by AAV-NUsc1 induced NUsc1 expression and secretion in adult human brain slices and inhibited AßO binding to neurons and AßO-induced loss of dendritic spines in primary rat hippocampal cultures. Treatment of mice with AAV-NUsc1 prevented memory impairment induced by AßOs and, remarkably, reversed memory deficits in aged APPswe/PS1ΔE9 Alzheimer's disease model mice. These results support the feasibility of immunotherapy using viral vector-mediated gene delivery of NUsc1 or other AßO-specific single-chain antibodies as a potential therapeutic approach in Alzheimer's disease.

CD90-targeted lentiviral vectors for HSC gene therapy.

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) gene therapy is currently performed on CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells containing less than 1% true HSCs and requiring a highly specialized infrastructure for cell manufacturing and transplantation. We have previously identified the CD34+CD90+ subset to be exclusively responsible for short- and long-term engraftment. However, purification and enrichment of this subset is laborious and expensive. HSC-specific delivery agents for the direct modification of rare HSCs are currently lacking. Here, we developed novel targeted viral vectors to specifically transduce CD90-expressing HSCs. Anti-CD90 single chain variable fragments (scFvs) were engineered onto measles- and VSV-G-pseudotyped lentiviral vectors that were knocked out for native targeting. We further developed a custom hydrodynamic titration methodology to assess the loading of surface-engineered capsids, measure antigen recognition of the scFv, and predict the performance on cells. Engineered vectors formed with minimal impairment in the functional titer, maintained their ability to fuse with the target cells, and showed highly specific recognition of CD90 on cells ex vivo. Most important, targeted vectors selectively transduced human HSCs with secondary colony-forming potential. Our novel HSC-targeted viral vectors have the potential to significantly enhance the feasibility of ex vivo gene therapy and pave the way for future in vivo applications.

Targeted degradation of oncogenic BCR-ABL by silencing the gene of NEDD8 E3 ligase RAPSYN.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been the standard treatment for patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) leukemia. However, a series of issues, including drug resistance, relapse and intolerance, are still an unmet medical need. Here, we report the targeted siRNA-based lipid nanoparticles in Ph+ leukemic cell lines for gene therapy of Ph+ leukemia, which specifically targets a recently identified NEDD8 E3 ligase RAPSYN in Ph+ leukemic cells to disrupt the neddylation of oncogenic BCR-ABL. To achieve the specificity for Ph+ leukemia therapy, a single-chain fragment variable region (scFv) of anti-CD79B monoclonal antibody was covalently conjugated on the surface of OA2-siRAPSYN lipid nanoparticles to generate the targeted lipid nanoparticles (scFv-OA2-siRAPSYN). Through effectively silencing RAPSYN gene in leukemic cell lines by the nanoparticles, BCR-ABL was remarkably degraded accompanied by the inhibition of proliferation and the promotion of apoptosis. The specific targeting, therapeutic effects and systemic safety were further evaluated and demonstrated in cell line-derived mouse models. The present study has not only addressed the clinical need of Ph+ leukemia, but also enabled gene therapy against a less druggable target.

Neutralizing anti-diphtheria toxin scFv produced by phage display.

BACKGROUND: Diphtheria can be prevented by vaccination, but some epidemics occur in several places, and diphtheria's threat is considerable. Administration of diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) produced from hyperimmunized animals is the most common treatment. Recombinant human antibody fragments such as single-chain variable fragments (scFv) produced by phage display library may introduce an interesting approach to overcome the limitations of the traditional antibody therapy. In the present study, B cells of immunized volunteers were used to construct a human single-chain fragment (HuscFv) library. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The library was constructed with the maximum combination of heavy and light chains. As an antigen, Diphtheria toxoid (DTd) was used in four-round phage bio-panning to select phage clones that display DTd bound HuscFv from the library. After panning, individual scFv clones were selected. Clones that were able to detect DTd in an initial screening assay were transferred to Escherichia coli HB2151 to express the scFvs and purification was followed by Ni metal ion affinity chromatography. Toxin neutralization test was performed on Vero cells. The reactivity of the soluble scFv with diphtheria toxin were done and affinity calculation based on Beatty method was calculated. RESULTS: The size of the constructed scFv library was calculated to be 1.3 × 106 members. Following four rounds of selection, 40 antibody clones were isolated which showed positive reactivity with DTd in an ELISA assay. Five clones were able to neutralize DTd in Vero cell assay. These neutralizing clones were used for soluble expression and purification of scFv fragments. Some of these soluble scFv fragments show neutralizing activity ranging from 0.6 to 1.2 µg against twofold cytotoxic dose of diphtheria toxin. The affinity constant of the selected scFv antibody was determined almost 107 M-1. CONCLUSION: This study describes the prosperous construction and isolation of scFv from the immune library, which specifically neutralizes diphtheria toxin. The HuscFv produced in this study can be a potential candidate to substitute the animal antibody for treating diphtheria and detecting toxins.

Conformation-sensitive antibody reveals an altered cytosolic PAS/CNBh assembly during hERG channel gating.

The human ERG (hERG) K+ channel has a crucial function in cardiac repolarization, and mutations or channel block can give rise to long QT syndrome and catastrophic ventricular arrhythmias. The cytosolic assembly formed by the Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) and cyclic nucleotide binding homology (CNBh) domains is the defining structural feature of hERG and related KCNH channels. However, the molecular role of these two domains in channel gating remains unclear. We have previously shown that single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies can modulate hERG function by binding to the PAS domain. Here, we mapped the scFv2.12 epitope to a site overlapping with the PAS/CNBh domain interface using NMR spectroscopy and mutagenesis and show that scFv binding in vitro and in the cell is incompatible with the PAS interaction with CNBh. By generating a fluorescently labeled scFv2.12, we demonstrate that association with the full-length hERG channel is state dependent. We detect Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) with scFv2.12 when the channel gate is open but not when it is closed. In addition, state dependence of scFv2.12 FRET signal disappears when the R56Q mutation, known to destabilize the PAS-CNBh interaction, is introduced in the channel. Altogether, these data are consistent with an extensive structural alteration of the PAS/CNBh assembly when the cytosolic gate opens, likely favoring PAS domain dissociation from the CNBh domain.