Safety and Efficacy of SAB-185 for Non-hospitalized Adults with COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: To address the need for novel COVID-19 therapies, we evaluated the fully-human polyclonal antibody product SAB-185 in a phase 3 clinical trial. METHODS: Non-hospitalized high-risk adults within 7 days of COVID-19 symptom onset were randomized 1:1 to open-label SAB-185 3,840 units/kg or casirivimab/imdevimab 1200 mg. Non-inferiority comparison was undertaken for the pre-Omicron population (casirivimab/imdevimab expected to be fully active) and superiority comparison for the Omicron population (casirivimab/imdevimab not expected to be active). Primary outcomes were the composite of all-cause hospitalizations/deaths and grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) through day 28. Secondary outcomes included time to sustained symptom improvement and resolution. RESULTS: Enrollment was terminated early due to low hospitalization/death rates upon Omicron emergence. 733 adults were randomized, 255 included in pre-Omicron and 392 in Omicron analysis populations. Hospitalizations/deaths occurred in 6 (5.0%) and 3 (2.2%) of pre-Omicron SAB-185 and casirivimab/imdevimab arms, respectively (absolute difference [95% CI] 2.7% [-2.3%, 8.6%]), inconclusive for non-inferiority; and 5 (2.5%) versus 3 (1.5%) (absolute difference 1.0% [-2.3%, 4.5%]) for Omicron. Risk ratios for grade ≥3 TEAEs were 0.94 [0.52, 1.71] (pre-Omicron) and 1.71 [0.96, 3.07] (Omicron). Time to symptom improvement and resolution were shorter for SAB-185, median 11 vs 14 (pre-Omicron) and 11 vs 13 days (Omicron) (symptom improvement), and 16 vs 24 days and 18 vs >25 days (symptom resolution), p<0.05 for symptom resolution for Omicron only. CONCLUSIONS: SAB-185 had an acceptable safety profile with faster symptom resolution in the Omicron population. Additional studies are needed to characterize its efficacy for COVID-19.

Polyclonal Peptide Antisera.

Polyclonal antibodies are relatively easy to produce and may supplement monoclonal antibodies for some applications or even have some advantages.The choice of species for production of (peptide) antisera is based on practical considerations, including availability of immunogen (vaccine) and animals. Two major factors govern the production of antisera: the nature of adaptive immune responses, which take place over days/weeks and ethical guidelines for animal welfare.Here, simple procedures for immunization of mice, rabbits, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, and chickens are presented.

Rational design and application of broad-spectrum antibodies for Bt Cry toxins determination.

Using the amino acid sequences and analysis of selected known structures of Bt Cry toxins, Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry1Ah, Cry1B, Cry1C and Cry1F we specifically designed immunogens. After antibodies selection, broad-spectrum polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) and monoclonal antibody (namely 1A0-mAb) were obtained from rabbit and mouse, respectively. The produced pAbs displayed broad spectrum activity by recognizing Cry1 toxin, Cry2Aa, Cry2Ab and Cry3Aa with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 0.12-9.86 µg/mL. Similarly, 1A0-mAb showed broad spectrum activity, recognizing all of the above Cry protein (IC50 values of 4.66-20.46 µg/mL) with the exception of Cry2Aa. Using optimizations studies, 1A10-mAb was used as a capture antibody and pAbs as detection antibody. Double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (DAS-ELISAs) were established for Cry1 toxin, Cry2Ab and Cry3Aa with the limit of detection (LOD) values of 2.36-36.37 ng/mL, respectively. The present DAS-ELISAs had good accuracy and precisions for the determination of Cry toxin spiked tap water, corn, rice, soybeans and soil samples. In conclusion, the present study has successfully obtained broad-spectrum pAbs and mAb. Furthermore, the generated pAbs- and mAb-based DAS-ELISAs protocol can potentially be used for the broad-spectrum monitoring of eight common subtypes of Bt Cry toxins residues in food and environmental samples.

Design and Development of an Antigen Test for SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein to Validate the Viral Quality Assurance Panels.

The continuing mutability of the SARS-CoV-2 virus can result in failures of diagnostic assays. To address this, we describe a generalizable bioinformatics-to-biology pipeline developed for the calibration and quality assurance of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 variant panels provided to Radical Acceleration of Diagnostics programs (RADx)-radical program awardees. A heuristic genetic analysis based on variant-defining mutations demonstrated the lowest genetic variance in the Nucleocapsid protein (Np)-C-terminal domain (CTD) across all SARS-CoV-2 variants. We then employed the Shannon entropy method on (Np) sequences collected from the major variants, verifying the CTD with lower entropy (less prone to mutations) than other Np regions. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies were raised against this target CTD antigen and used to develop an Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) test for SARS-CoV-2. Blinded Viral Quality Assurance (VQA) panels comprised of UV-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 variants (XBB.1.5, BF.7, BA.1, B.1.617.2, and WA1) and distractor respiratory viruses (CoV 229E, CoV OC43, RSV A2, RSV B, IAV H1N1, and IBV) were assembled by the RADx-rad Diagnostics core and tested using the ELISA described here. The assay tested positive for all variants with high sensitivity (limit of detection: 1.72-8.78 ng/mL) and negative for the distractor virus panel. Epitope mapping for the monoclonal antibodies identified a 20 amino acid antigenic peptide on the Np-CTD that an in-silico program also predicted for the highest antigenicity. This work provides a template for a bioinformatics pipeline to select genetic regions with a low propensity for mutation (low Shannon entropy) to develop robust 'pan-variant' antigen-based assays for viruses prone to high mutational rates.

Antibodies anti-rFilF protein has anti-biofilm activity against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic bacterium that causes infection in several sites. Carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii strains (CRAb) lead the World Health Organization's list of 12 pathogens considered a priority for developing new antimicrobials. The pathogenicity of A. baumannii is related to the different virulence factors employed in the colonization of biotic and abiotic surfaces, biofilm formation and multidrug resistance. We analyze the outer membrane protein FilF from A. baumannii in silico and produce it in recombinant form (rFilF). rFilF protein was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 Star in an insoluble form. Immunization with rFilF induced significant anti-rFilF IgG antibody production in mice, detected by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, since the first evaluation until 49th. On the last experimentation day, the predominant immunoglobulin found was IgG1 followed by IgG2a, IgG2b, IgM, IgG3, and IgA. We observe that interleukins 4 and 10 show significant production after the 28th day of experimentation in mice immunized with rFilF. Anti-rFilF pAbs were able to inhibit biofilm formation in nine CRAb strains evaluated, and in the standard strain ATCC® 19606. These results demonstrate the anti-biofilm activity of anti-rFilF antibodies, promising in the development of a non-antibiotic approach based on the control of CRAb strains.

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 located in different developmental stages in Schistosoma japonicum and involved in important metabolic pathways.

BACKGROUND: Nuclear receptors (NRs) are vital for regulating gene expression un organisms. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (HNF4), a class of NRs, participates in blood feeding and intestinal maintenance in schistosomes. However, there is limited research on the molecular and functional characterization of HNF4 in Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum). METHODS: Highly specific polyclonal antibodies were generated to analyze the expression and tissue localization of S. japonicum HNF4 (SjHNF4). The potential biological functions of SjHNF4 were characterized by transcriptome and pull-down analysis. Subsequently, enrichment analysis was performed to identify the specific signaling pathways linked to SjHNF4. RESULTS: The SjHNF4 protein was expressed heterologously and purified successfully. High purity and high potency polyclonal antibodies were further prepared. The expression of SjHNF4 was higher in female compared to male worms at both transcriptional and protein levels. Female worms expressed SjHNF4 in their perithecium, reproductive system, and certain parts of the intestinal tissues. SjHNF4 was also detected in the perithecium of male worms, as well as in the head, body of cercaria, and eggs. Furthermore, our findings highlighted the potential role of SjHNF4 in blood feeding and its interaction with crucial pathways such as glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: This study shed light on the location of SjHNF4 in different life stages of S. japonicum, particularly associated with the female schistosomes. A strong correlation was observed between SjHNF4 and essential metabolic pathways. These findings laid a solid groundwork for the research on the relationship between NRs and schistosomes.

Can antibodies be "vegan"? A guide through the maze of today's antibody generation methods.

There is no doubt that today's life sciences would look very different without the availability of millions of research antibody products. Nevertheless, the use of antibody reagents that are poorly characterized has led to the publication of false or misleading results. The use of laboratory animals to produce research antibodies has also been criticized. Surprisingly, both problems can be addressed with the same technology. This review charts today's maze of different antibody formats and the various methods for antibody production and their interconnections, ultimately concluding that sequence-defined recombinant antibodies offer a clear path to both improved quality of experimental data and reduced use of animals.

Searching for EGF Fragments Recreating the Outer Sphere of the Growth Factor Involved in Receptor Interactions.

The aims of this study were to determine whether it is possible to use peptide microarrays obtained using the SPOT technique (immobilized on cellulose) and specific polyclonal antibodies to select fragments that reconstruct the outer sphere of proteins and to ascertain whether the selected peptide fragments can be useful in the study of their protein-protein and/or peptide-protein interactions. Using this approach, epidermal growth factor (EGF) fragments responsible for the interaction with the EGF receptor were searched. A library of EGF fragments immobilized on cellulose was obtained using triazine condensing reagents. Experiments on the interactions with EGFR confirmed the high affinity of the selected peptide fragments. Biological tests on cells showed the lack of cytotoxicity of the EGF fragments. Selected EGF fragments can be used in various areas of medicine.

Development of Polyclonal Antibodies-Based Serological Method for the Detection of Calanthe Mild Mosaic Virus and Application in Virus Certification Programme.

Calanthe mild mosaic virus (CalMMV) infecting orchids is an important potyvirus which is known to cause mild leaf mosaic and flower colour-breaking symptoms in Calanthe and other orchid plants. The present study reports the production of polyclonal antibodies against CalMMV using bacterially expressed recombinant coat protein as immunogen, which in turn would be useful in routine indexing and screening of orchid germplasm. The coat protein (CP) gene (~ 807 bp) of CalMMV isolated from infected orchid sample was cloned in expression vector, pET-28a ( +) that yielded ~ 31 kDa fusion protein with Histidine tag (His6BP). The expression of fusion CP was confirmed through SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. The His6BP-CalMMV-CP obtained in soluble state after purification was used to immunize New Zealand white rabbit for the production of polyclonal antibodies (PAb). The PAb produced against the purified fusion protein successfully detected CAlMMV in the orchid samples at a dilution of 1:2000 in direct antigen-coated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAC-ELISA). This study presents the first report of Histidine tag (His6BP) fusion CalMMV-CP-based antibody production and its successful application in the identification of the virus in orchid plants. Outcome of this study will be helpful in routine certification programmes, screening of orchid germplasm and production of CalMMV-free planting materials of orchids.

Development of egg yolk-based polyclonal antibodies and immunoprophylactic potential of antigen-antibody complex against infectious bursal disease.

A study conducted in the Faisalabad district sampled 50 cases across five IBD outbreaks, revealing an alarming 80 % infection rate among poultry. Our research focused on developing an immune complex (Antigen-antibody complex) with potential immunoprophylactic benefits to counter this formidable threat. Our study was based on producing egg yolk-derived polyclonal antibodies (IgY) targeting IBDV. Commercial layer birds were immunized with inactivated IBDV, yielding IgY antibodies extracted from their eggs exhibited substantially higher and more enduring antibody titers, with a geometric mean titer of 104. Further research involved the creation of an immune complex (ICx) where antigen was extracted from infected bursae tissues. The immunogenic response of ICx was assessed in poultry birds after a challenge with a virulent strain of IBD virus and compared to a conventional IBDV vaccine in poultry. Results revealed significantly higher and more enduring antibody titers induced by the ICx, offering enhanced protective immunity against the IBDV challenge, as evidenced by lower Bursa to bodyweight ratios in vaccinated birds.

Development of antibody to virulence factor flagellin and its evaluation in screening Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum.

The bacterial wilt disease caused by Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum presents a notable economic risk to a variety of crucial crops worldwide. During preliminary isolation of this phytopathogen, several colonies of other saprophytic bacteria may be mistaken with it. So, the present study aims to address this issue by proposing the application of immunogenic proteins, particularly flagellin (FliC), to enable a rapid and early identification of bacterial wilt. In this study, a novel approach is unveiled for the early detection of R. pseudosolanacearum. The study exploits the immunogenic attributes of flagellin (FliC), by generating polyclonal antibodies against recombinant FliC within model organisms-rabbits and mice. The efficacy of these antibodies is meticulously assessed through discerning techniques, including DAS-ELISA and Western blot analyses, which elucidate their remarkable specificity in identifying various R. pseudosolanacearum strains. Furthermore, the introduction of antibody-coated latex agglutinating reagents offers an additional layer of confirmation, substantiating the feasibility of establishing a laboratory-based toolkit for swift screening and unambiguous identification of the bacterial wilt pathogen. This study presents a significant stride toward enhancing early diagnostic capabilities, potentially revolutionizing agricultural practices by safeguarding crop yield and quality through proactive pathogen detection and mitigation strategies.

Anti-Cryptosporidium oocysts polyclonal antibodies for cryptosporidiosis diagnosis and protection.

Cryptosporidiosis is an intestinal infection that is triggered by the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium spp. Cryptosporidium oocysts can spread from one host to another either through direct contact with infected hosts' faeces or through indirect means (consumption of contaminated water or food). Significant numbers of oocysts are produced as a result of the rapid growth of the parasite within the infected hosts. For proper care of cryptosporidiosis, a laboratory diagnosis is necessary. Therefore, this study aimed to produce anti-Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) oocyst immunoglobulin (Ig)G polyclonal antibodies (pAbs). The produced pAbs were used in the detection of C. parvum oocysts antigens in stool and serum samples of infected calves. Moreover, pAbs were tested in protection of balb-c male mice from cryptosporidiosis infection. C. parvum oocysts were used in the preparation of antigens to be used in the immunization of New Zealand white rabbits. pAb was purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation method, caprylic acid purification method and diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) anion exchange chromatographic method. Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (using prepared pAb) scored higher sensitivity (85% and 95% for serum and stool samples) than that (80%) of microscopic examination of stool samples. Moreover, pAb significantly reduced the oocysts shedding, decreased inflammatory cytokines and enhanced the loss in the body weight of protected animals. The prepared pAb succeeded in the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis in calves with high sensitivity either in the serum or stool samples. Our results indicated the usefulness of using the prepared pAb in protection against cryptosporidiosis.

Development of Polyclonal Antibodies and a Serological-Based Reverse-Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (S-RT-LAMP) Assay for Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus Detection in Both Rice and Small Brown Planthopper.

Rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) infects rice and maize, and seriously affects rice yields in main rice-producing areas. It can be transmitted via small brown planthopper (SBPH: Laodelphax striatellus Fallén). To more rapidly, sensitively, and highly throughput diagnose RBSDV in the wild condition, we first purified the recombinant His-CPRBSDV protein, and prepared the polyclonal antibodies against the His-CPRBSDV protein (PAb-CPRBSDV). Based on the PAb-CPRBSDV, we developed a series of serological detections, such as Western blot, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and a dot immunoblotting assay (DIBA). Furthermore, we developed a serological-based reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (S-RT-LAMP) that could accurately detect RBSDV in the wild. Briefly, the viral genomic dsRNA together with viral CP were precipitated by co-immunoprecipitation using the PAb-CPRBSDV, then the binding RNAs were crudely isolated and used for RT-LAMP diagnosis. Using the prepared PAb-CPRBSDV, four serology-based detection methods were established to specifically detect RBSDV-infected rice plants or SBPHs in the wild. The method of S-RT-LAMP has also been developed to specifically, high-throughput, and likely detect RBSDV in rice seedlings and SBPHs simultaneously. The antiserum prepared here laid the foundation for the rapid and efficient detection of RBSDV-infected field samples, which will benefit for determination of the virulence rate of the transmission vector SBPH and outbreak and epidemic prediction of RBSDV in a rice production area.

Hydrogen Deuterium Exchange and other Mass Spectrometry-based Approaches for Epitope Mapping.

Antigen-antibody interactions are a fundamental subset of protein-protein interactions responsible for the "survival of the fittest". Determining the interacting interface of the antigen, called an epitope, and that on the antibody, called a paratope, is crucial to antibody development. Because each antigen presents multiple epitopes (unique footprints), sophisticated approaches are required to determine the target region for a given antibody. Although X-ray crystallography, Cryo-EM, and nuclear magnetic resonance can provide atomic details of an epitope, they are often laborious, poor in throughput, and insensitive. Mass spectrometry-based approaches offer rapid turnaround, intermediate structural resolution, and virtually no size limit for the antigen, making them a vital approach for epitope mapping. In this review, we describe in detail the principles of hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry in application to epitope mapping. We also show that a combination of MS-based approaches can assist or complement epitope mapping and push the limit of structural resolution to the residue level. We describe in detail the MS methods used in epitope mapping, provide our perspective about the approaches, and focus on elucidating the role that HDX-MS is playing now and in the future by organizing a discussion centered around several improvements in prototype instrument/applications used for epitope mapping. At the end, we provide a tabular summary of the current literature on HDX-MS-based epitope mapping.

A Novel Designed Sandwich ELISA for the Detection of Echinococcus granulosus Antigen in Camels for Diagnosis of Cystic Echinococcosis.

Echinococcus spp. are important cosmopolitan zoonotic parasitic tapeworms that cause a disease called hydatidosis or cystic echinococcosis (CE), which has remarkable economic losses. The objective of our study was to develop a specific IgG polyclonal antigen-based ELISA (Sandwich ELISA; capture ELISA) method for the detection of circulating Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) antigens in camels infected with hydatid cysts before slaughtering and its application in serodiagnosis of CE in animals to assess the positive rate of hydatidosis in camels slaughtered in Giza governorate abattoirs in Egypt. In this study, molecular identification of Echinococcus sp. isolate was performed based on the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (NAD1) gene, revealing the isolate (GenBank: OQ443068.1), which is identical to the G6 E. granulosus sensu lato genotype. The positive rate of hydatid cysts was determined in slaughtered camels' organs (n = 587). The results revealed that hydatid cysts were found in 46.5% (273/587) of the examined camels. Pulmonary echinococcosis was significantly more prevalent in the slaughtered camels (60%, 164/273) than hepatic echinococcosis (39.9%, 109/273), (p = 0.001, Chi Square = 11.081). Cyst fertility rates were higher in hepatic (90.8%, 99/109) than in pulmonary cysts (83.5%, 137/164) and the most viable protoscoleces were recorded from fertile the hepatic cysts (67.85 ± 12.78). In this study, hydatid cyst germinal layer antigen (GlAg) was isolated and used for the immunization of rabbits to raise IgG polyclonal antibodies (anti-Echinococcus GlAb IgG). These IgG polyclonal antibodies were purified by affinity chromatography using a protein A column, then labeled with horseradish peroxidase. Electrophoretic analysis of IgG polyclonal antibodies and crude GlAg was performed in 10% polyacrylamide gels. The SDS-PAGE revealed four bands at molecular weights of 77 kDa, 65 kDa, 55 kDa, and 25 kDa. The Sandwich ELISA was performed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity and cross-reactivity of the prepared IgG polyclonal antibodies. The circulating hydatid antigen was found in 270 out of the 273 samples with hydatidosis, with a sensitivity of 98.9% (270/273), a specificity of 94.9% (296/312) and a diagnostic efficacy of 96.8%. Regarding the cross reactivity, anti-Echinococcus GlAb IgG showed a low cross-reactivity with Fasciola gigantica infected camel sera (3/8), and Myiasis (Cephalopina titillator larvae; 3/20). No cross-reactivity was recorded with uninfected camel sera (negative sera for E. granulosus), and no cross-reactivity was found with antigens of Eimeria spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium sp., and Hyalomma dromedarii (ticks' infestation). Then, Sandwich ELISA was conducted again to detect E. granulosus antigen in all the collected camel sera, which resulted in a 48.7% (286/587) positive rate of CE compared to 46.5% (273/587) using a postmortem inspection (PM diagnosis) (p = 0.5, Chi Square = 0.302). In conclusion, the Sandwich ELISA technique introduced in this study appears to be a sufficiently sensitive diagnostic assay for the detection of camels' echinococcosis using anti-Echinococcus GlAb IgG. In addition, it might offer a significant medical and veterinary importance in helping the early detection of hydatidosis, as well as its early treatment.

Polyclonal antibodies inhibit growth of key cellulolytic rumen bacterial species.

Antibodies targeting specific bacterial species could allow for modification of the rumen microbial population to enhance rumen fermentation. However, there is limited knowledge of targeted antibody effects on rumen bacteria. Therefore, our objective was to develop efficacious polyclonal antibodies to inhibit the growth of targeted cellulolytic bacteria from the rumen. Egg-derived, polyclonal antibodies were developed against pure cultures of Ruminococcus albus 7 (anti-RA7), Ruminococcus albus 8 (anti-RA8), and Fibrobacter succinogenes S85 (anti-FS85). Antibodies were added to a cellobiose-containing growth medium for each of the three targeted species. Antibody efficacy was determined via inoculation time (0 h and 4 h) and dose response. Antibody doses included: 0 (CON), 1.3 × 10-4 (LO), 0.013 (MD), and 1.3 (HI) mg antibody per ml of medium. Each targeted species inoculated at 0 h with HI of their respective antibody had decreased (P < 0.01) final optical density and total acetate concentration after a 52 h growth period when compared with CON or LO. Live/dead stains of R. albus 7 and F. succinogenes S85 dosed at 0 h with HI of their respective antibody indicated a decrease (≥ 96%; P < 0.05) in live bacterial cells during the mid-log phase compared with CON or LO. Addition of HI of anti-FS85 at 0 h in F. succinogenes S85 cultures reduced (P < 0.01) total substrate disappearance over 52 h by at least 48% when compared with CON or LO. Cross-reactivity was assessed by adding HI at 0 h to non-targeted bacterial species. Addition of anti-RA8 or anti-RA7 to F. succinogenes S85 cultures did not affect (P ≥ 0.45) total acetate accumulation after 52 h incubation, indicating that antibodies have less of an inhibitory effect on non-target strains. Addition of anti-FS85 to non-cellulolytic strains did not affect (P ≥ 0.89) OD, substrate disappearance, or total VFA concentrations, providing further evidence of specificity against fiber-degrading bacteria. Western blotting with anti-FS85 indicated selective binding to F. succinogenes S85 proteins. Identification by LC-MS/MS of 8 selected protein spots indicated 7 were outer membrane proteins. Overall, polyclonal antibodies were more efficacious at inhibiting the growth of targeted cellulolytic bacteria than non-targeted bacteria. Validated polyclonal antibodies could serve as an effective approach to modify rumen bacterial populations.

Anti-Metalloproteases: Production and Characterization of Polyclonal IgG Anti-F2 Fraction Antibodies Purified from the Venom of the Snake Bitis arietans.

Bitis arietans is a medically important snake found in Sub-Saharan Africa. The envenomation is characterized by local and systemic effects, and the lack of antivenoms aggravates the treatment. This study aimed to identify venom toxins and develop antitoxins. The F2 fraction obtained from Bitis arietans venom (BaV) demonstrated the presence of several proteins in its composition, including metalloproteases. Titration assays carried out together with the immunization of mice demonstrated the development of anti-F2 fraction antibodies by the animals. The determination of the affinity of antibodies against different Bitis venoms was evaluated, revealing that only BaV had peptides recognized by anti-F2 fraction antibodies. In vivo analyses demonstrated the hemorrhagic capacity of the venom and the effectiveness of the antibodies in inhibiting up to 80% of the hemorrhage and 0% of the lethality caused by BaV. Together, the data indicate: (1) the prevalence of proteins that influence hemostasis and envenomation; (2) the effectiveness of antibodies in inhibiting specific activities of BaV; and (3) isolation and characterization of toxins can become crucial steps in the development of new alternative treatments. Thus, the results obtained help in understanding the envenoming mechanism and may be useful for the study of new complementary therapies.

Enhanced in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of whole tumor lysate in combination with whole tumor cell-specific polyclonal antibody.

Background and purpose: Despite the widespread utilization of cancer vaccines with specified antigens, the use of whole tumor cell lysates in tumor immunotherapy would be a very promising approach that can overcome several significant obstacles in vaccine production. Whole tumor cells provide a broad source of tumor-associated antigens and can activate cytotoxic T lymphocytes and CD4+ T helper cells concurrently. On the other hand, as an effective immunotherapy strategy, recent investigations have shown that the multi-targeting of tumor cells with polyclonal antibodies, which are also more effective than monoclonal antibodies at mediating effector functions for target elimination, might minimize the escape variants. Experimental approach: We prepared polyclonal antibodies by immunizing rabbits with the highly invasive 4T1 breast cancer cell line. Findings/Results: In vitro investigation indicated that the immunized rabbit serum inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in target tumor cells. Moreover, in vivo analysis showed enhanced anti-tumor efficacy of whole tumor cell lysate in combination with tumor cell-immunized serum. This combination therapy proved beneficial in significant inhibition of the tumor growth and the established tumor was entirely eradicated in treated mice. Conclusion and implications: Serial intravenous injections of tumor cell immunized rabbit serum significantly inhibited tumor cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo in combination with whole tumor lysate. This platform could be a promising method for developing clinical-grade vaccines and open up the possibility of addressing the effectiveness and safety of cancer vaccines.

Staphylococcus aureus vaccine strategy: Promise and challenges.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a leading and crucial infectious threat to global public health due to the widespread emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains such as Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA). MRSA infects immunocompromised patients and healthy individuals and has rapidly spread from the healthcare setting to the outside community. The development of flawless vaccines become a medical need worldwide against multi-drug resistant S. aureus. Therefore, protection by an immune-based strategy may provide valuable measures to contain the spread of invasive S. aureus infections. Several vaccine candidates have been prepared which are either in the preclinical phase or in the early clinical phase, whereas several candidates have failed to show a protective efficacy in human subjects. Currently, research is focusing on identifying novel vaccine formulations able to elicit potent humoral and cellular immune responses. Several approaches have also been made to the development of monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies for passive immunization to protect against S. aureus infections. In recent years, a multi-epitope vaccine has emerged as a novel platform for subunit vaccine design by using computational approaches. Therefore, in this review, we have summarized and discussed the mechanistic overview of different strategies used to develop potential vaccine candidates and passive interventions which are in different stages of clinical trials to fight multi-drug resistant S. aureus infections.

LIS1, a glyco-humanized swine polyclonal anti-lymphocyte globulin, as a novel induction treatment in solid organ transplantation.

Anti-thymocyte or anti-lymphocyte globulins (ATGs/ALGs) are immunosuppressive drugs used in induction therapies to prevent acute rejection in solid organ transplantation. Because animal-derived, ATGs/ALGs contain highly immunogenic carbohydrate xenoantigens eliciting antibodies that are associated with subclinical inflammatory events, possibly impacting long-term graft survival. Their strong and long-lasting lymphodepleting activity also increases the risk for infections. We investigated here the in vitro and in vivo activity of LIS1, a glyco-humanized ALG (GH-ALG) produced in pigs knocked out for the two major xeno-antigens αGal and Neu5Gc. It differs from other ATGs/ALGs by its mechanism of action excluding antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and being restricted to complement-mediated cytotoxicity, phagocyte-mediated cytotoxicity, apoptosis and antigen masking, resulting in profound inhibition of T-cell alloreactivity in mixed leucocyte reactions. Preclinical evaluation in non-human primates showed that GH-ALG dramatically reduced CD4+ (p=0.0005,***), CD8+ effector T cells (p=0.0002,***) or myeloid cells (p=0.0007,***) but not T-reg (p=0.65, ns) or B cells (p=0.65, ns). Compared with rabbit ATG, GH-ALG induced transient depletion (less than one week) of target T cells in the peripheral blood (<100 lymphocytes/L) but was equivalent in preventing allograft rejection in a skin allograft model. The novel therapeutic modality of GH-ALG might present advantages in induction treatment during organ transplantation by shortening the T-cell depletion period while maintaining adequate immunosuppression and reducing immunogenicity.