Innovative, multifunctional sequential oligopeptide carriers Soc(n)-I and SOC(n)-II: functions-technology-perspectives.

An innovative type of multifunctional helicoid artificial carriers, formed by the repetitive Lys-Aib-Gly (SOC(n)-I) or by the Aib-Lys-Aib-Gly (SOC(n)-II), with structural rigidity and regularity were successfully applied in our laboratory for anchoring antigenic/immunogenic peptides. The carriers, designed to display a predetermined 3D structure, adopt the 3(10) helical conformation, while the attached peptides preserve their original "active" conformation. The constructed conjugates were used as substrates in solid phase immunoassays, as well as for generating potent and specific immune responses.

Zinc ion dependent B-cell epitope, associated with primary Sjogren's syndrome, resides within the putative zinc finger domain of Ro60kD autoantigen: physical and immunologic properties.

The Ro/La ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex is composed of the proteins Ro60kD, Ro52kD, and La48kD that are in association with one small cytoplasmic RNA (YRNA). Specific protein-RNA and protein-protein interactions are thought to occur through the RNP and zinc-finger secondary structure elements of the Ro60kD protein. The aim of our study was to investigate the antigenic properties of the zinc finger domain of the Ro60KD autoantigen and its contribution to the formation of Ro/La RNP complex. It was found that the peptide VSLVCEKLCNEKLLKKARIHPFHILIA (Zif-1), which corresponds to the natural sequence of the zinc finger domain (301-327), and the peptide C(Acm)NEKLLKKARIC(Acm), analogous to the intermediate loop 310-319 (Zif-3) of the same domain of Ro60KD, are recognized by the majority of anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB positive sera (82.6% and 77.1%, respectively) in the absence of zinc ions. The same sera failed to react with Zif-1 peptide in the presence of Zn2+. In contrast, the addition of zinc ions was necessary for the binding of Zif-1 to recombinant Ro52KD as shown by direct binding experiments of the recombinant protein with synthetic peptides. Our data suggest the zinc finger domain of Ro60kD contains a B-cell epitope with high specificity for primary Sjogren's syndrome. Furthermore, depending on the presence of zinc ions, the zinc finger domain of the Ro60KD protein can exist in two different conformational states favoring either an interaction with the Ro52KD protein or binding with autoantibodies.

Complementary peptide epitopes and anti-idiotypic antibodies in autoimmunity.

Application of complementary B and T cell epitopes in inducing anti-idiotypic and anti-clonotypic antibodies capable of regulating or suppressing the autoimmune responses in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG), allergic neuritis (EAN) and allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) has been the stimulus of many research efforts. Studies on the idiotypic/anti-idiotypic network of anti-La/SSB positive sera from patients with Sjogren's Syndrome (SS) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and on animals immunized with the complementary epitopes are presented.

Sequential oligopeptide carriers, SOCn, as scaffolds for the reconstitution of antigenic proteins: applications in solid phase immunoassays.

A new class of helicoid type sequential oligopeptide carriers (SOC), for anchoring antigenic epitopes, has been modeled from the repetitive Lys-Aib-Gly (SOC(n)-I) and Aib-Lys-Aib-Gly (SOC(n)-II) units aiming to the development of scaffolds with predetermined 3D structures. Conformational analysis showed that the SOC(n) carriers adopt 3(10)-helical structures, while the SOC(n)-conjugates retain their original active conformations and they interact neither to the carriers nor to each other. It is concluded that the helicoid structure of SOC(n) helps the reconstitution and/or mimicking of the native forms of the epitopes so that potent antigens are generated for developing specific, sensitive and reproducible immunoassays.

HLA-DQ7 beta(1) and beta(2) derived peptides as immunomodulators.

Modulation of protein-protein interactions involved in the immune system by using small molecular mimics of the contact interfaces may lead to the blockage of the autoimmune response and the development of drugs for immunotherapy. The nonpolymorphic beta-regions, exposed to the microenvironment, of the modeled HLA-DQ7, which is genetically linked to autoimmune diseases, were determined. Peptides 132-141 and 58-67, located at the beta(1) and beta(2) domains of HLA-DQ7, respectively, were tested for their involvement in the interactions with CD4(+) T lymphocytes. Linear, cyclic, and dimeric analogs that mimic the exposed surfaces of HLA-DQ7 were designed and synthesized. Their immunosuppressory activities, found in the secondary, humoral immune response to sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) in mice in vitro, ranged from 11% to 53%. The significance of the total charge of the peptides, the pattern of the hydrogen bonding, and the presence of secondary structure were investigated in relation to the immunomodulatory effect of the peptides. Two dimeric analogs of the HLA-DQ7 58-67 fragment, consisting of the two monomers covalently linked by a polyethylene glycol (PEG) spacer, able to mimic the superdimers, were also synthesized and studied. As the 58-67 segment is located at the beta(1) region of HLA-DQ7, close to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) groove, one may assume that the 58-67 peptide could accommodate the association between T-cell receptor (TCR) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) by activating a co-stimulatory molecule of the TCR/HLA interaction. This hypothesis is supported by the confocal laser image of the fluorescein-labeled 58-67 peptide and by the fact that it is an immunostimulator at low concentration.

A complementary La/SSB epitope anchored to Sequential Oligopeptide Carrier regulates the anti-La/SSB response in immunized animals.

Complementary peptide epitopes, derived from complementary RNA sequences, have been used for suppressing the autoimmune response in experimental autoimmune diseases as myasthenia gravis, allergic neuritis and allergic encephalomyelitis. Aiming at contributing to the development of a tool that could regulate the autoantibody production against La/SSB, which is the main target of autoantibodies in Sjogren's syndrome (SS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the complementary epitope, cpep349-364, of the minor T/major B cell epitope of La/SSB, pep349-364, was utilized for the induction of neutralizing anti-cpep349-364 antibodies in rabbit immunizations. Complementary peptides were coupled to an artificial carrier, developed in our laboratory, in order to enhance the complementary potency of cpep349-364 and its counterpart. This carrier, named Sequential Oligopeptide Carrier, SOC(n), formed by the repeating tripeptide Lys-Aib-Gly, adopts helical conformation, which allows the anchored peptide epitopes to preserve their initial reactivity such as molecular recognition, antigenicity/immunogenicity. Our study provides proof of evidence of specific interactions between idiotypic (Id)/anti-idiotypic (anti-Id) antibodies generated in immunized animals by the sense epitope (conjugate I) of La/SSB and its complementary counterpart (conjugate II). It was also demonstrated that the Id/anti-Id association is specifically disrupted by adding either the sense epitope (conjugate I) or its complementary counterpart (conjugate II). A mutual neutralization of Id/anti-Id antibodies was observed in vivo, which implies that generation of anti-Id antibodies by immunization with the complementary La/SSB epitope could scavenge the anti-La/SSB response.

Collagen models as a probe in the decay of works of art: synthesis, conformation and immunological studies.

Proteinaceous substances such as collagen, casein and albumin have been widely used as binding media in a variety of works of art. Damages of these 'sensitive' materials, mainly caused of the influence of the environment, are responsible for the overall decay of works of art, and their identification is essential to understand ancient technologies, determine the extent of deterioration and help in future restoration and preservation processes. The most commonly used techniques for the identification of proteinaceous binding media are staining techniques, chromatography, spectrometry and immunological methods, although for the latter no systematic studies have been carried out until now. Aiming at contributing to the development of a reliable and reproducible immunoassay for the evaluation of the collagen-based decay of works of art, sequential polypeptides (Pro-X-Gly)n where X represents amino acid residues Val, Lys, Glu and (Hyp-Val-Gly)n were prepared as models of collagen fragments derived from artificially and naturally aged animal collagens. Conformational studies of the polypeptides by CD revealed the occurrence of polyproline II-like structures comparable with those of collagen. Polypeptides and collagen I were administered to animals, and the induced antibodies were used for the immunochemical detection and differentiation of collagen and collagen fragments. The combined application of (i) anti-collagen antibodies, which strongly interact with native collagen, but poorly recognized by artificially aged collagen and (ii) anti-polypeptide antibodies, which do not associate with native collagen, but are strongly recognized by collagen fragments in naturally or artificially aged collagen, is a valuable tool in determining the extent of decay in works of art.

Design and synthesis of cationic Aib-containing antimicrobial peptides: conformational and biological studies.

Development of antimicrobial peptides has attracted considerable attention in recent years due to the excessive use of antibiotics, which has led to multiresistant bacteria. Cationic amphiphilic Aib-containing peptide models Ac-(Aib-Arg-Aib-Leu)(n)-NH2, n = 1-4, and sequential cationic polypeptides (Arg-X-Gly)(n), X = Ala, Val, Leu, were prepared and studied for their antimicrobial and hemolytic activity, as well as for their proteolytic stability. Ac-(Aib-Arg-Aib-Leu)(n)-NH2, n = 2, 3 and the polypeptide (Arg-Leu-Gly)(n) exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, and they were nontoxic at their MIC values and resistant, in particular the Aib-peptide models, to enzymatic degradation. The conformational characteristics of the peptide models were studied by circular dichroism (CD). Structure-activity relationship studies revealed the importance of the amphipathic alpha-helical conformation of the reported peptides in inducing antimicrobial effects. It is concluded that peptide models comprising cationic amino acids (Arg), helicogenic and noncoding residues (Aib) and/or hydrophobic and helix-promoting components (Leu) may lead to the development of antimicrobial therapeutics.

A palmitoyl-tailed sequential oligopeptide carrier for engineering immunogenic conjugates.

The main guideline in designing effective immunogens as vaccine candidates capable of eliciting potent and specific immune responses is to combine B/T cell epitopes and adjuvants as immunostimulators on the same carrier that links the major histocompatibility complex with T cell receptors. Aiming at contributing to the development of carriers for human usage a helicoid type sequential oligopeptide carrier, SOC(n)-II, formed by the repeating tetrapeptide unit (Aib-Lys-Aib-Gly)(n), n=2-7, elongated from the amino-terminus by the palmitoyl group, known for its adjuvanticity, is now presented. The main B cell epitope, PPGMRPP, of the Sm autoantigen against which the majority of antibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus is directed, was coupled to the Lys-N(epsilon)H(2) groups of the carrier in four copies and the resulting conjugate Palm-SOC(4)-II-Sm(4) was subjected to animal immunizations without utilizing any adjuvant. The induced immune response was comparable with that produced when Ac-SOC(4)-II-Sm(4) was administered in animals following the conventional immunization protocol of complete/incomplete Freund's adjuvant. High titers of anti-Palm-SOC(4)-II-Sm(4) antibodies were generated, which recognize the priming immunogenic conjugate, as well as reconstituted Sm mimics but not the carrier alone. It is concluded that Palm-SOC(n)-II carrier is a valuable tool for engineering immunogens eliciting enhanced and specific humoral immune responses.

Conformational study of new amphipathic alpha-helical peptide models of apoA-I as potential atheroprotective agents.

Aiming at contributing to the development of potential atheroprotective agents, we report on the concept and design of two peptide models, which mimic the amphipathic helices of apoA-I and incorporate Met into their sequences to validate its role as oxidant scavenger: Ac-ESK(Palm)KELSKSW(10)SEM(13)LKEK(Palm)SKS-NH(2) (model 1 [W(10), M(13)]) and Ac-ESK(Palm)KELSKSM(10)SEW(13)LKEK(Palm)SKS-NH(2) (model 2 [M(10), W(13)]). Hydrophobic residues of both models cover about the half of the surface, while the positively and negatively charged residues constitute two separate clusters on the hydrophilic face. Palmitoyl groups were introduced into the Lys-N(epsilon)H(2) groups at positions 3 and 17 to contribute to the amphipathic character of the peptides and stabilize the nonpolar face of the helix. Conformational study by the combined application of 2D-NMR and molecular dynamics simulations, CD, FTIR, and fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that model 1 adopts helical conformation and Met is well exposed to the microenvironment. Model 2 that derives from model 1 by exchanging W(10) (model 1) with M(10) and M(13) (model 1) with W(13) also displays helical characteristics, while Met is rather shielded. Oxidation experiments indicated that model 1 exhibits a 2-fold more potent antioxidant activity towards LDL oxidation, compared to model 2, confirming the role of Met, when is devoid of steric hindrances, as oxidant scavenger for the protection of LDL.

Artificial carriers: a strategy for constructing antigenic/immunogenic conjugates.

The rational design of artificial carriers for anchoring multiple copies of B and/or T cell epitopes, built-in vaccine adjuvants and "promiscuous" T cell epitopes for the construction of conjugates as antigenic substrates or potent immunogens has been the stimulus of intensive efforts nowadays. The unambiguous composition, the reliability and the versatility of the production of reconstituted antigens or immunogens has found a great number of biochemical applications in developing immunoassays of high sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility and in generating site-specific antibodies for usage as human vaccine candidates. In this review are summarized different types of artificial carriers currently used as dendrimers bearing branching segments, multimeric core matrices and templates with built-in folding devices. Emphasis is given to the construction and application of a helicoid-type Sequential Oligopeptide Carrier (SOCn) developed in our laboratory. The beneficial structural elements of SOCn induce a favorable arrangement of the conjugated peptides, which also retain their initial "active" conformation, so that potent antigens and immunogens are generated.

T-cell epitopes of the La/SSB autoantigen: prediction based on the homology modeling of HLA-DQ2/DQ7 with the insulin-B peptide/HLA-DQ8 complex.

T-cell epitopes are important components of the inappropriate response of the immune system to self-proteins in autoimmune diseases. In this study, the candidate T-cell epitopes of the La/SSB autoantigen, the main target of the autoimmune response in patients with Sjogren's Syndrome (SS), and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) were predicted using as a template the HLA-DQ2 and DQ7 molecules, which are genetically linked to patients with SS and SLE. Modeling of DQ2 and DQ7 was based on the crystal structure of HLA-DQ8, an HLA molecule of high risk factor of type I diabetes, which is also an autoimmune disease. The quality and reliability of the modeled DQ2 and DQ7 was confirmed by the Ramachandran plot and the TINKER molecular modeling software. Common and/or similar candidate T-cell epitopes, obtained by comparing three different approaches the Taylor's sequence pattern, the TEPITOPE quantitative matrices, and the MULTIPRED artificial neural network, were subjected to homology modeling with the crystal structure of the insulin-B peptide complexed with HLA-DQ8, and the best superposed candidate epitopes were placed into the modeled HLA-DQ2 and DQ7 binding grooves to perform energy minimization calculations. Six T-cell epitopes were predicted for HLA-DQ7 and nine for HLA-DQ2 covering parts of the amino-terminal and the central regions of the La/SSB autoantigen. Residues corresponding to the P1, P4, and P9 pockets of the HLA-DQ2 and DQ7 binding grooves experience very low SASA because they are less exposed to the microenvironment of the groove. The proposed T-cell epitopes complexed with HLA-DQ2/DQ7 were further evaluated for their binding efficiency according to their potential interaction energy, binding affinity, and IC50 values. Our approach constitutes the ground work for a rapid and reliable experimentation concerning the T-cell epitope mapping of autoantigens, and could lead to the development of T-cell inhibitors as immunotherapeutics in autoimmune diseases.

Phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated epitopes of the La/SSB autoantigen: comparison of their antigenic and conformational characteristics.

La/SSB phosphoprotein is the target antigen of autoantibodies in sera of patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Among other structural and function motifs, four phosphorylation sites are encompassed in the primary sequence of La/SSB. Two of them (Thr-362 and Ser-366) are located within GSGKGKVQFQGKKTKFASDD (346-368) and one (Thr-302) within VTWEVLEGEVEKEALKKI (301-318), which are main B-cell epitopes of La/SSB. With the aim to investigate how phosphorylation, one of the most common posttranslational protein modifications, affects the antigenic and conformational characteristics of the La/SSB epitopes, we synthesized and studied the phosphorylated epitopes La/SSB(346-368)-P, La/SSB(359-368)-P, and La/SSB(301-318)-P with respect to their nonphosphorylated counterparts. Anti-La/SSB positive sera from SS and SLE patients are better recognized by the phosphorylated epitopes compared to their nonphosphorylated counterparts. Conformational analysis by (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and molecular dynamics showed that the phosphorylated epitopes adopt different structural characteristics from those of the corresponding nonphosphorylated epitopes. It is concluded that phosphorylation can create neoepitopes with altered functions, compared to the nonphosphorylated epitopes, which might be seen from the immune system as "foreign."

Bioactivity of glycogen phosphorylase inhibitors that bind to the purine nucleoside site.

The bioactivity in hepatocytes of glycogen phosphorylase inhibitors that bind to the active site, the allosteric activator site and the indole carboxamide site has been described. However, the pharmacological potential of the purine nucleoside inhibitor site has remained unexplored. We report the chemical synthesis and bioactivity in hepatocytes of four new olefin derivatives of flavopiridol (1-4) that bind to the purine site. Flavopiridol and 1-4 counteracted the activation of phosphorylase in hepatocytes caused by AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-beta-D-ribofuranoside), which is metabolised to an AMP analogue. Unlike an indole carboxamide inhibitor, the analogues 1 and 4 suppressed the basal rate of glycogenolysis in hepatocytes by allosteric inhibition rather than by inactivation of phosphorylase, and accordingly caused negligible stimulation of glycogen synthesis. However, they counteracted the stimulation of glycogenolysis by dibutyryl cAMP by both allosteric inhibition and inactivation of phosphorylase. Cumulatively, the results show key differences between purine site and indole carboxamide site inhibitors in terms of (i) relative roles of dephosphorylation of phosphorylase-a as compared with allosteric inhibition, (ii) counteraction of the efficacy of the inhibitors on glycogenolysis by dibutyryl-cAMP and (iii) stimulation of glycogen synthesis.

Investigation of the role of adjacent amino acids to the 313-320 sequence of the alphaIIb subunit on platelet activation and fibrinogen binding to alphaIIbbeta3.

The platelet integrin receptor alphaIIbbeta3 plays a critical role in thrombosis and haemostasis by mediating interactions between platelets and several ligands, primarily fibrinogen. We have previously shown that the synthetic peptide YMESRADRKLAEVGRVYLFL corresponding to residues 313-332 of alphaIIb, is a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation and fibrinogen binding to alphaIIbbeta3, interacting with fibrinogen rather than the receptor. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that the biological activities of the above peptide are due to the sequence YMESRADR, which corresponds to residues 313-320. By using new synthetic peptide analogues we investigated the structural characteristics responsible for the biological activity of YMESRADR as well the possible influence of the adjacent amino acids on the peptide's biological potency. According to our results, the synthetic octapeptide YMESRADR, is a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation and P-selectin expression. Furthermore, YMESRADR inhibits fibrinogen binding but it does not significantly influence the binding of PAC-1 to ADP-activated platelets. The inhibitory potency of YMESRADR was gradually diminished by deleting the YMES sequence from the amino terminus and prolonging the carboxyl terminus of this peptide with the KLAE sequence. Extension of YMESRADR towards the amino terminus with the GAPL sequence (GAPLYMESRADR) does not modify the biological activity of YMESRADR. Furthermore, extension of GAPLYMESRADR at its carboxy terminus with the KLAE sequence (GAPLYMESRADRKLAE) significantly diminished its biological potency. Substitution of E315 with D significantly enhances antiaggregatory potency and completely abolishes the inhibitory effect on P-selectin expression. Importantly, the D315-containing peptides inhibit to a similar extent both fibrinogen and PAC-1 binding to activated alphaIIbbeta3 in contrast to the E315-containing peptide which only inhibits fibrinogen binding. In conclusion, the present study suggests that the YMESRADR sequence 313-320 of alphaIIb, is an important functional region of the insert connecting the beta2 and beta3 antiparallel beta-strands of the W5 blade of the alphaIIb subunit. Structural changes significantly modify the biological properties of this region.

Influence of sequential oligopeptide carriers on the bioactive structure of conjugated epitopes: comparative study of the conformation of a Herpes simplex virus glycoprotein gD-1 epitope in the free and conjugated form, and protein "built-in" crystal structure.

Synthetic carriers play an important role in immunogen presentation, due to their ability of inducing improved and specific responses to conjugated epitopes. Their influence on the bioactive conformation of the epitope, though admittedly crucial for relevant in vitro and in vivo applications, is difficult to evaluate, given the usual lack of information on the complex conformational features determined by the nature of the carrier and the mode of ligation. Using the Herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D-1 epitope (Leu(9)-Lys-Nle-Ala-Asp-Pro-Asn-Arg-Phe-Arg-Gly-Lys-Asp-Leu(22)) as a model, we have performed a detailed conformational analysis on the free epitope peptide in solution and on three constructs in which the epitope was conjugated to sequential oligopeptide carriers {Ac-[Lys-Aib-Gly](4)-OH (SOC(4))} (through either a thioether or an amide bond; Ac: acetyl) and polytuftsin oligomers {H-[Thr-Lys-Pro-Lys-Gly](4)-NH(2) (T20)}, (through a thioether bond). The analysis of the epitope conformation in the parent protein, in carrier-conjugated and free form, suggests that the beta-turn structure of the -Asp(13)-Pro-Asn-Arg(16)- segment is highly conserved and independent of the epitope form. However, small conformational variations were observed at the C-terminal part of the epitope, depending on the nature of the carrier.

A peptide carrier with a built-in vaccine adjuvant: construction of immunogenic conjugates.

A multifunctional carrier combining B/T cell epitopes (i), a built-in vaccine adjuvant (ii), and a universal T cell epitope (iii) for the construction of potent and specific immunogenic conjugates is presented. The IL-1beta(163-171) fragment known to reproduce the immunostimulatory and adjuvant effects of the whole IL-1beta without possessing any of the pro-inflammatory properties of IL-1beta was covalently anchored to the N-terminus of the Sequential Oligopeptide Carrier, SOC(n), formed by the repeating tripeptide unit Lys-Aib-Gly. A promiscuous T cell epitope derived from the tetanus toxin, TT(593-599), was also positioned in the carboxy terminus of SOC(n) as a universal immunogen to provide broad immunogenicity. Selected B/T cell epitopes from the Sm and La/SSB autoantigens, against which is directed the humoral autoimmunity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's Syndrome, respectively, were coupled to the Lys-N(epsilon)H2 groups of the carrier, and the formulated constructs were administered in animals following the conventional immunization protocol of complete/incomplete Freund's adjuvant. The induced immune responses were compared with that produced when the Sm- and La/SSB-reconstituted immunogenic conjugates were injected alone. High titers of specific antibodies recognizing the priming construct, as well as the cognate autoantigen, were obtained when administered alone without the assistance of Freund's adjuvant. It is concluded that our approach provides the conceptual and experimental framework for the development of multifunctional immunogenic conjugates eliciting enhanced, specific, and prolonged humoral response for usage as human vaccine candidates.

The relative orientation of the Arg and Asp side chains defined by a pseudodihedral angle as a key criterion for evaluating the structure-activity relationship of RGD peptides.

The ability of an integrin to distinguish between the RGD-containing extracellular matrix proteins is thought to be due partially to the variety of RGD conformations. Three criteria have been proposed for the evaluation of the structure-activity relationship of RGD-containing peptides. These include: (i) the distance between the charged centres, (ii) the distance between the Arg Cbeta and Asp Cbeta atoms, and (iii) the pseudo-dihedral angle defining the Arg and Asp side-chain orientation formed by the Arg Czeta, Arg Calpha, Asp Calpha and Asp Cgamma atoms. A comparative conformation-activity study was performed between linear RGD peptides and strongly constrained cyclic (S,S) -CDC- bearing compounds, which cover a wide range of inhibition potency of platelet aggregation. It is concluded that the fulfilment of the -45 degrees < or = pseudo-dihedral angle < or = +45 degrees criterion is a prerequisite for an RGD compound to exhibit inhibitory activity. Once this criterion is accomplished, the longer the distance between the charged centres and/or between the Arg and Asp Cbeta atoms, the higher is the biological activity. In addition, the stronger the ionic interaction between Arg and Asp charged side chains, the lower the anti-aggregatory activity.

Computational screening of branched cyclic peptide motifs as potential enzyme mimetics.

In a previous work we described the design, synthesis and catalytic activity of a branched cyclic peptide as a serine protease mimic. To maximize its catalytic activity we present now a systematic search of a large number of homologous peptides for potential enzyme activity as revealed by the topological arrangement of the catalytic triad residues. This process is accomplished by applying a combined molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics conformational search of about 200 molecules. Starting from a previously synthesized compound that showed some hydrolytic activity several analogues were modelled by aminoacid substitutions in the main molecular framework using the Insight II molecular modelling environment with some script automation. Also presented is an algorithm that: (a) generates all possible combinations of residue substitutions, (b) scans the conformational space for each molecule via high temperature molecular dynamics, (c) picks the set of molecules the trajectories of which retained, to a considerable degree, the catalytic triad molecular arrangement, (d) subjects the selected molecules to layer solvation and energy minimization and chooses the molecules, the conformations of which could preserve the catalytic triad arrangement. Finally, a modelling with periodic boundary conditions, was performed to further support the reported algorithm. We found that at least one of the analogues could be a potential serine protease mimic, as revealed by the root-mean-square comparison between the catalytic triad in two molecular dynamics trajectories of the peptide and the corresponding residues in the crystal structure of trypsin. The most promising model candidate was synthesized and tested for its catalytic activity.

Linear epitopes of two different autoantigens-La/SSB and myelin basic protein--with a high degree of molecular similarity, cause different humoral immune responses.

The region 147-154aa of La/SSB presents 83% sequence similarity with the 139-146aa region of the human myelin basic protein (MBP). The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and significance of antibodies against both epitopes in sera from patients with systemic autoimmune diseases, and to compare the humoral responses produced after rabbit immunization. Peptides 147-154aa of La/SSB and 139-146aa of the MBP were attached on tetrameric sequential oligopeptide carriers and used for immunizations of New Zealand White rabbits. Antibodies to immunizing peptides, as well as to the peptides corresponding to other previously defined La/SSB epitopes (289-308aa, 349-364aa), to the intact human MBP (hMBP) and to the recombinant human La/SSB (rechLa) proteins, were identified using specific ELISA assays. Sera from 45 patients with Sjogren's syndrome (pSS), 49 with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), and 18 with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) were tested against the two peptides and the hMBP. Twenty-two per cent of sera from pSS patients, 27% of SLE patients, and none from RA sera reacted with the La epitope; 27% from pSS sera, 22% of SLE sera, and 17% of RA sera gave a positive reaction against the MBP peptide. Finally, 19% of pSS, 30% of SLE, and 38% of RA sera reacted with the hMBP. Thirty-five days after immunization of rabbits with the La epitope, antibodies were produced against all three La/SSB peptides, the MBP peptide, and the hMBP and rechLa proteins. Rabbits immunized with the MBP peptide produced antibodies against the immunizing peptide and the mimicking peptide of La shortly after immunization, whilst antibodies against the other La epitopes and the two intact proteins were produced later. Inhibition experiments in rabbit sera with high reactivity against hMBP, using the MBP peptide as inhibitor, revealed that 80% of serum reactivity was abolished. In conclusion, a significant proportion of human autoimmune sera reacted with both La and MBP derived peptides, as well as with hMBP. La 147-154aa peptide, when used for animal immunizations, induces a fast epitope spreading involving both La and MBP. In contrast, the mimicking MBP epitope induces a delayed response against the other La epitopes. Thus, despite the fact that these peptides present molecular similarity, they induce different immune responses.