ABSTRACT
We compared the capacity of an autonomous heavy chain variable (VH) domain (VH-B1a) to support diversity within its antigen-binding site relative to the conventional antigen-binding fragment (Fab) from which it was derived. We find that VH-B1a can tolerate significant diversity within all three complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) and also within framework 3, and thus, VH-B1a and the Fab are similar in terms of the regions of the antigen-binding site that can tolerate diversity without compromising stability. We constructed libraries of synthetic VH domains and isolated binders with moderate affinity for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) from a library in which only CDR3 was randomized. One binder was subjected to affinity maturation to derive an autonomous VH domain (VH-V1a) that recognized both human and mouse VEGF with high affinity (KD=16nM or 10nM, respectively). Structural analysis revealed that VH-V1a binds to an epitope that is distinct from the epitopes of a natural VEGF receptor and six different anti-VEGF Fabs. Moreover, VH-V1a recognizes VEGF by using an unusual paratope consisting predominantly of CDR3 but with significant contributions from framework residues within the former light chain interface. These results suggest that VH-B1a and other autonomous VH domains may be useful scaffolds to support both conventional libraries with antigen-binding sites built from the three CDR loops and, also, nonconventional libraries with antigen-binding sites built from CDR3 and the former light chain interface.
Subject(s)
Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains/chemistry , Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains/metabolism , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism , Animals , Crystallography, X-Ray , Epitopes/metabolism , Humans , Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains/genetics , Mice , Models, Molecular , Mutant Proteins/chemistry , Mutant Proteins/genetics , Mutant Proteins/metabolism , Protein Binding , Recombinant Proteins/chemistry , Recombinant Proteins/genetics , Recombinant Proteins/metabolismABSTRACT
We report a comprehensive analysis of sequence features that allow for the production of autonomous human heavy chain variable (V(H)) domains that are stable and soluble in the absence of a light chain partner. Using combinatorial phage-displayed libraries and conventional biophysical methods, we analyzed the entire former light chain interface and the third complementarity determining region (CDR3). Unlike the monomeric variable domains of camelid heavy chain antibodies (V(H)H domains), in which autonomous behavior depends on interactions between the hydrophobic former light chain interface and CDR3, we find that the stability of many in vitro evolved V(H) domains is essentially independent of the CDR3 sequence and instead derives from mutations that increase the hydrophilicity of the former light chain interface by replacing exposed hydrophobic residues with structurally compatible hydrophilic substitutions. The engineered domains can be expressed recombinantly at high yield, are predominantly monomeric at high concentrations, unfold reversibly, and are even more thermostable than typical camelid V(H)H domains. Many of the stabilizing mutations are rare in natural V(H) and V(H)H domains and thus could not be predicted by studying natural sequences and structures. The results demonstrate that autonomous V(H) domains with structural properties beyond the scope of natural frameworks can be derived by using non-natural mutations, which differ from those found in camelid V(H)H domains. These findings should enable the development of libraries of synthetic V(H) domains with CDR3 diversities unconstrained by structural demands.
Subject(s)
Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains/chemistry , Alanine/chemistry , Amino Acid Sequence , Base Sequence , Biophysics/methods , Complementarity Determining Regions/chemistry , Crystallography, X-Ray/methods , Humans , Molecular Conformation , Molecular Sequence Data , Peptide Library , Protein Conformation , Protein Engineering/methods , Protein Structure, Tertiary , Recombinant Proteins/chemistryABSTRACT
The antigen-binding fragment Fab-YADS2 recognizes vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and was derived from a library with chemical diversity restricted to only four amino acids (Tyr, Ser, Ala and Asp). The structure of the Fab:antigen complex revealed that the structural paratope is dominated by Tyr side-chains. Isothermal titration calorimetry and cell-based assays show that restricted chemical diversity does not limit the affinity or specificity of Fab-YADS2, which behaves in a manner comparable to natural antibodies. Mutagenesis experiments reveal that the functional paratope is dominated by Tyr, which represents 11 of the 15 functionally important residues. However, mutagenesis experiments also indicate that substitution of any of these tyrosine residues by Phe does not significantly affect binding to VEGF. Furthermore, saturation mutagenesis shows that replacement of three functionally important tyrosine residues by combinations of other hydrophobic residues is not only tolerated, but can actually improve affinity. The results support a model for naïve antigen recognition in which large Tyr side-chains establish binding contacts with antigen, and small Ser and Ala side-chains serve as auxiliaries that help to position Tyr in favorable binding conformations. While Tyr may not be optimal for any particular antigen contact, it is nonetheless capable of mediating favorable interactions with a diverse array of surfaces. Furthermore, the side-chain hydroxyl group makes Tyr significantly more hydrophilic than Phe and other hydrophobic amino acids. Increased hydrophilicity may reduce non-specific binding in the unbound state, and this may be critical for a naïve repertoire that is exposed to a diverse range of potential antigenic surfaces. The results show that the chemical nature of Tyr endows the amino acid with a privileged role in antigen recognition, and this likely explains the high abundance of Tyr in natural antigen-binding sites.
