Liver and pancreatic-targeted interleukin-22 as a therapeutic for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is the most prevalent cause of liver disease worldwide, with a single approved therapeutic. Previous research has shown that interleukin-22 (IL-22) can suppress ß-cell stress, reduce local islet inflammation, restore appropriate insulin production, reverse hyperglycemia, and ameliorate insulin resistance in preclinical models of diabetes. In clinical trials long-acting forms of IL-22 have led to increased proliferation in the skin and intestine, where the IL-22RA1 receptor is highly expressed. To maximise beneficial effects whilst reducing the risk of epithelial proliferation and cancer, we designed short-acting IL-22-bispecific biologic drugs that successfully targeted the liver and pancreas. Here we show 10-fold lower doses of these bispecific biologics exceed the beneficial effects of native IL-22 in multiple preclinical models of MASH, without off-target effects. Treatment restores glycemic control, markedly reduces hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrogenesis. These short-acting IL-22-bispecific targeted biologics are a promising new therapeutic approach for MASH.

Cardiac human bitter taste receptors contain naturally occurring variants that alter function.

Bitter taste receptors (T2R) are a subfamily of G protein-coupled receptors that enable humans to detect aversive and toxic substances. The ability to discern bitter compounds varies between individuals and is attributed mainly to naturally occurring T2R polymorphisms. T2Rs are also expressed in numerous non-gustatory tissues, including the heart, indicating potential contributions to cardiovascular physiology. In this study. T2Rs that have previously been identified in human cardiac tissues (T2Rs - 10, 14, 30, 31, 46 and 50) and their naturally occurring polymorphisms were functionally characterised. The ligand-dependent signaling responses of some T2R variants were completely abolished (T2R30 Leu252 and T2R46 Met228), whereas other receptor variants had moderate changes in their maximal response, but not potency, relative to wild type. Using a cAMP fluorescent biosensor, we reveal the productive coupling of T2R14, but not the T2R14 Phe201 variant, to endogenous Gαi. Modeling revealed that these variants resulted in altered interactions that generally affected ligand binding (T2R30 Leu252) or Gα protein interactions (T2R46 Met228 and T2R14 Phe201), rather than receptor structural stability. Interestingly, this study is the first to show a difference in signaling for T2R50 Tyr203 (rs1376251) which has been associated with cardiovascular disease. The observation of naturally occurring functional variation in the T2Rs with the greatest expression in the heart is important, as their discovery should prove useful in deciphering the role of T2Rs within the cardiovascular system.

Design of Polarity-Dependent Immunosensors Based on the Structural Analysis of Engineered Antibodies.

"Reagentless" immunosensors are emerging to address the challenge of practical and sensitive detection of important biomarkers in real biological samples without the need for multistep assays and user intervention, with applications ranging from research tools to point-of-care diagnostics. Selective target binding to an affinity reagent is detected and reported in one step without the need for washing or additional reporters. In this study, we used a structure-guided approach to identify a mutation site in an antibody fragment for the polarity-dependent fluorophore, Anap, such that upon binding of the protein target cardiac troponin I, the Anap-labeled antibody would produce a detectable and dose-dependent shift in emission wavelength. We observed a significant emission wavelength shift of the Anap-labeled anti-cTnI mutant, with a blue shift of up to 37 nm, upon binding to the cTnI protein. Key differences in the resulting emission spectra between target peptides in comparison to whole proteins were also found; however, the affinity and binding characteristics remained unaffected when compared to the wild-type antibody. We also highlighted the potential flexibility of the approach by incorporating a near-infrared dye, IRDye800CW, into the same mutation site, which also resulted in a dose-dependent wavelength shift upon target incubation. These reagents can be used in experiments and devices to create simpler and more efficient biosensors across a range of research, medical laboratory, and point-of-care platforms.

Evaluation of Phage Display Biopanning Strategies for the Selection of Anti-Cell Surface Receptor Antibodies.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are one of the most successful and versatile protein-based pharmaceutical products used to treat multiple pathological conditions. The remarkable specificity of mAbs and their affinity for biological targets has led to the implementation of mAbs in the therapeutic regime of oncogenic, chronic inflammatory, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases. Thus, the discovery of novel mAbs with defined functional activities is of crucial importance to expand our ability to address current and future clinical challenges. In vitro, antigen-driven affinity selection employing phage display biopanning is a commonly used technique to isolate mAbs. The success of biopanning is dependent on the quality and the presentation format of the antigen, which is critical when isolating mAbs against membrane protein targets. Here, we provide a comprehensive investigation of two established panning strategies, surface-tethering of a recombinant extracellular domain and cell-based biopanning, to examine the impact of antigen presentation on selection outcomes with regards to the isolation of positive mAbs with functional potential against a proof-of-concept type I cell surface receptor. Based on the higher sequence diversity of the resulting antibody repertoire, presentation of a type I membrane protein in soluble form was more advantageous over presentation in cell-based format. Our results will contribute to inform and guide future antibody discovery campaigns against cell surface proteins.

TorsinA folding and N-linked glycosylation are sensitive to redox homeostasis.

The Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) is responsible for the folding and post-translational modification of secretory proteins, as well as for triaging misfolded proteins. During folding, there is a complex yet only partially understood interplay between disulfide bond formation, which is an enzyme catalyzed event in the oxidizing environment of the ER, along with other post-translational modifications (PTMs) and chaperone-supported protein folding. Here, we used the glycoprotein torsinA as a model substrate to explore the impact of ER redox homeostasis on PTMs and protein biogenesis. TorsinA is a AAA+ ATPase with unusual oligomeric properties and controversial functions. The deletion of a C-terminal glutamic acid residue (∆E) is associated with the development of Early-Onset Torsion Dystonia, a severe movement disorder. TorsinA differs from other AAA+ ATPases since it is an ER resident, and as a result of its entry into the ER torsinA contains two N-linked glycans and at least one disulfide bond. The role of these PTMs on torsinA biogenesis and function and the identity of the enzymes that catalyze them are poorly defined. Using a yeast torsinA expression system, we demonstrate that a specific protein disulfide isomerase, Pdi1, affects the folding and N-linked glycosylation of torsinA and torsinA∆E in a redox-dependent manner, suggesting that the acquisition of early torsinA folding intermediates is sensitive to perturbed interactions between Cys residues and the quality control machinery. We also highlight the role of specific Cys residues during torsinA biogenesis and demonstrate that torsinA∆E is more sensitive than torsinA when these Cys residues are mutated.

Recombinant Antibody Engineering Enables Reversible Binding for Continuous Protein Biosensing.

Engineering antibodies to improve target specificity, reduce detection limits, or introduce novel functionality is an important research area for biosensor development. While various affinity biosensors have been developed to generate an output signal upon varying analyte concentrations, reversible and continuous protein monitoring in complex biological samples remains challenging. Herein, we explore the concept of directed evolution to modulate dissociation kinetics of a high affinity anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) single-chain variable antibody fragment (scFv) to enable continuous protein sensing in a label-free binding assay. A mutant scFv library was generated from the wild type (WT) fragment via targeted permutation of four residues in the antibody-antigen-binding interface. A single round of phage display biopanning complemented with high-throughput screening methods then permitted isolation of a specific binder with fast reaction kinetics. We were able to obtain ∼30 times faster dissociation rates when compared to the WT without appreciably affecting overall affinity and specificity by targeting a single paratope that is known to contribute to the binding interaction. Suitability of a resulting mutant fragment to sense varying antigen concentrations in continuous mode was demonstrated in a modified label-free binding assay, achieving low nanomolar detection limits (KD = 8.39 nM). We also confirmed these results using an independent detection mechanism developed previously by our group, incorporating a polarity-dependent fluorescent dye into the scFv and reading out EGFR binding based on fluorescence wavelength shifts. In future, this generic approach could be employed to generate improved or novel binders for proteins of interest, ready for deployment in a broad range of assay platforms.

Resolving the TorsinA Oligomerization Conundrum: The Glycan Hypothesis.

TorsinA is a AAA+ ATPase involved in the severe neurological disease Early Onset Torsion Dystonia. Despite the impressive progress in the field in the recent years, the structural organization and function of this intriguing molecule is still not clear. One outstanding difference between torsinA and other AAA+ ATPases is that torsinA is a glycoprotein. TorsinA N-linked glycans impact torsinA biogenesis and subcellular localization. Here, we propose that torsinA glycans also modulate torsinA oligomerization properties. We used structural modeling to test this idea, and show that N-linked glycans appear to restrict torsinA's ability to form closed homohexameric ring assemblies, and instead promote an open hexameric conformation that allows torsinA interaction with key cofactors required for ATP hydrolysis. This mechanism would make torsinA a prime example of Nature's sophisticated molecular glycoengineering.

Targeting the undruggable: emerging technologies in antibody delivery against intracellular targets.

INTRODUCTION: Monoclonal antibodies have been utilized in clinical and basic research for the treatment of various malignancies. Whilst all therapeutically approved monoclonal antibodies or fragments thereof are directed against cell-surface receptors or proteins of the human secretome, intracellular antigen targeting strategies still await translation into the clinic. This contradicts the notion of antibodies being the magic bullet concept as many cancer targets are out of reach. AREAS COVERED: This review provides a summary of intracellular translocation strategies that were successfully employed for antibody delivery in preclinical studies. Examples encompass a variety of different approaches such as polymeric and lipid-based nanoparticles (NP), biomimetics, bispecific antibody constructs, the use of cell-penetrating peptides, as well as various sophisticated combinations thereof. We will further discuss endosomal escape as the major bottleneck in functional intracellular transport and provide suggestions on how to overcome current challenges. EXPERT OPINION: Despite significant advances in protein delivery technologies, reports of highly efficient transport vehicles are sparse when systemically applied in vivo. Consequently, more detailed mechanistic studies are needed to identify and optimize the molecular 'Achilles heel' of individual methodologies. Ultimately, to target intracellular proteins that have been undruggable in the past, a combination of strategies may be required.

Tyrosinase inhibitors as potential antibacterial agents.

Tyrosinase is a copper-containing enzyme that catalyzes the biosynthesis of melanin. This enzyme is present in bacteria, fungi, plants and animals, and plays multiple roles in pigmentation, wound healing, radiation protection, primary immune responses and the undesirable browning of fruits and vegetables. Selective tyrosinase inhibitors hence have potential application in diverse areas of agriculture, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. In the past decade many natural and synthetic tyrosinase inhibitors have been evaluated, with many reported to also possess intrinsic antibacterial activity. Further, the enzyme product melanin has been shown to compromise the activity of traditional antibiotics. Due to the antibiotic resistance crisis and the slow development of new antibiotics, tyrosinase inhibitors may have potential for development of novel antimicrobials or antibiotic adjuvants that enhance activity of incumbent drugs. This review focuses on the antibacterial activity of natural and synthetic tyrosinase inhibitors reported in the past ten years and explores the possibilities for synergism of anti-tyrosinase with anti-bacterials.

Hydroxyl substituted benzoic acid/cinnamic acid derivatives: Tyrosinase inhibitory kinetics, anti-melanogenic activity and molecular docking studies.

The inhibition of tyrosinase is an established strategy for treating hyperpigmentation. Our previous findings demonstrated that cinnamic acid and benzoic acid scaffolds can be effective tyrosinase inhibitors with low toxicity. The hydroxyl substituted benzoic and cinnamic acid moieties of these precursors were incorporated into new chemotypes that displayed in vitro inhibitory effect against mushroom tyrosinase. The most active compound, (2-(3-methoxyphenoxy)-2-oxoethyl (E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) acrylate) 6c, inhibited tyrosinase with an IC50 of 5.7 µM, while (2-(3-methoxyphenoxy)-2-oxoethyl 2, 4-dihydroxybenzoate) 4d had an IC50 of 23.8 µM. In comparison, the positive control, kojic acid showed tyrosinase inhibition with an IC50 = 16.7 µM. Analysis of enzyme kinetics revealed that 6c and 4d displayed noncompetitive reversible inhibition of the second tyrosinase enzymatic reaction with Ki values of 11 µM and 130 µM respectively. In silico docking studies with mushroom tyrosinase (PDB ID 2Y9X) predicted possible binding modes in the catalytic site for these active compounds. The phenolic para-hydroxy group of the most active compound 6c is predicted to interact with the catalytic site Cu++ ion. The methoxy part of this compound is predicted to form a hydrogen bond with Arg 268. Compound 6c had no observable toxic effects on cell morphology or cell viability at the highest tested concentration of 91.4 µM. When dosed at 91.4 µM onto B16F10 melanoma cells in vitro6c showed anti-melanogenic effects equivalent to kojic acid at 880 µM. 6c displayed no PAINS (pan-assay interference compounds) alerts. Our results show that compound 6c is a more potent tyrosinase inhibitor than kojic acid and is a candidate for further development. Our exposition of the details of the interactions between 6c and the catalytic pocket of tyrosinase provides a basis for rational design of additional potent inhibitors of tyrosinase, built on the cinnamic acid scaffold.

Wavelength-Dependent Fluorescent Immunosensors via Incorporation of Polarity Indicators near the Binding Interface of Antibody Fragments.

Herein, we describe a fluorescent immunosensor designed by incorporating an unnatural amino acid fluorophore into the binding site of an EGFR-specific antibody fragment, resulting in quantifiable EGFR-dependent changes in peak fluorescence emission wavelength. To date, immunosensor design strategies have relied on binding-induced changes in fluorescence intensity that are prone to excitation source fluctuations and sample-dependent noise. In this study, we used a rational design approach to incorporate a polarity indicator (Anap) into specific positions of an anti-EGFR single chain antibody to generate an emission wavelength-dependent immunosensor. We found that when incorporated within the topological neighborhood of the antigen binding interface, the Anap emission wavelength is blue-shifted by EGFR-binding in a titratable manner, up to 20 nm, with nanomolar detection limits. This approach could be applicable to other antibody/antigen combinations for integration into a wide range of assay platforms (including homogeneous, solid-phase assay, or microfluidic assays) for one-step protein quantification.

TraN: A novel repressor of an Enterococcus conjugative type IV secretion system.

The dissemination of multi-resistant bacteria represents an enormous burden on modern healthcare. Plasmid-borne conjugative transfer is the most prevalent mechanism, requiring a type IV secretion system that enables bacteria to spread beneficial traits, such as resistance to last-line antibiotics, among different genera. Inc18 plasmids, like the Gram-positive broad host-range plasmid pIP501, are substantially involved in propagation of vancomycin resistance from Enterococci to methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Here, we identified the small cytosolic protein TraN as a repressor of the pIP501-encoded conjugative transfer system, since deletion of traN resulted in upregulation of transfer factors, leading to highly enhanced conjugative transfer. Furthermore, we report the complex structure of TraN with DNA and define the exact sequence of its binding motif. Targeting this protein-DNA interaction might represent a novel therapeutic approach against the spreading of antibiotic resistances.

Evolution of the magic bullet: Single chain antibody fragments for the targeted delivery of immunomodulatory proteins.

Immunocytokines are fusion proteins that combine the specific antigen binding capacities of an antibody or derivative thereof and the potent bioactivity of a cytokine partner. These novel biopharmaceuticals have been directed to various targets of oncological as well as non-oncological origin and a handful of promising constructs are currently advancing in the clinical trial pipeline. Several factors such as the choice of a disease specific antigen, the antibody format and the modulatory nature of the payload are crucial, not only for therapeutic efficacy and safety but also for the commercial success of such a product. In this review, we provide an overview of the basic principles and obstacles in immunocytokine design with a specific focus on single chain antibody fragment-based constructs that employ interleukins as the immunoactive component. Impact statement Selective activation of the immune system in a variety of malignancies represents an attractive approach when existing strategies have failed to provide adequate treatment options. Immunocytokines as a novel class of bifunctional protein therapeutics have emerged recently and generated promising results in preclinical and clinical studies. In order to harness their full potential, multiple different aspects have to be taken into consideration. Several key points of these fusion constructs are discussed here and should provide an outline for the development of novel products based on an overview of selected formats.

Molecular, Structural and Immunological Characterization of Der p 18, a Chitinase-Like House Dust Mite Allergen.

BACKGROUND: The house dust mite (HDM) allergen Der p 18 belongs to the glycoside hydrolase family 18 chitinases. The relevance of Der p 18 for house dust mite allergic patients has only been partly investigated. OBJECTIVE: To perform a detailed characterization of Der p 18 on a molecular, structural and immunological level. METHODS: Der p 18 was expressed in E. coli, purified to homogeneity, tested for chitin-binding activity and its secondary structure was analyzed by circular dichroism. Der p 18-specific IgG antibodies were produced in rabbits to localize the allergen in mites using immunogold electron microscopy and to search for cross-reactive allergens in other allergen sources (i.e. mites, crustacea, mollusca and insects). IgE reactivity of rDer p 18 was tested with sera from clinically well characterized HDM-allergic patients (n = 98) and its allergenic activity was analyzed in basophil activation experiments. RESULTS: Recombinant Der p 18 was expressed and purified as a folded, biologically active protein. It shows weak chitin-binding activity and partial cross-reactivity with Der f 18 from D. farinae but not with proteins from the other tested allergen sources. The allergen was mainly localized in the peritrophic matrix of the HDM gut and to a lower extent in fecal pellets. Der p 18 reacted with IgE from 10% of mite allergic patients from Austria and showed allergenic activity when tested for basophil activation in Der p 18-sensitized patients. CONCLUSION: Der p 18 is a rather genus-specific minor allergen with weak chitin-binding activity but exhibits allergenic activity and therefore should be included in diagnostic test panels for HDM allergy.

VirB8-like protein TraH is crucial for DNA transfer in Enterococcus faecalis.

Untreatable bacterial infections caused by a perpetual increase of antibiotic resistant strains represent a serious threat to human healthcare in the 21(st) century. Conjugative DNA transfer is the most important mechanism for antibiotic resistance and virulence gene dissemination among bacteria and is mediated by a protein complex, known as type IV secretion system (T4SS). The core of the T4SS is a multiprotein complex that spans the bacterial envelope as a channel for macromolecular secretion. We report the NMR structure and functional characterization of the transfer protein TraH encoded by the conjugative Gram-positive broad-host range plasmid pIP501. The structure exhibits a striking similarity to VirB8 proteins of Gram-negative secretion systems where they play an essential role in the scaffold of the secretion machinery. Considering TraM as the first VirB8-like protein discovered in pIP501, TraH represents the second protein affiliated with this family in the respective transfer operon. A markerless traH deletion in pIP501 resulted in a total loss of transfer in Enterococcus faecalis as compared with the pIP501 wild type (wt) plasmid, demonstrating that TraH is essential for pIP501 mediated conjugation. Moreover, oligomerization state and topology of TraH in the native membrane were determined providing insights in molecular organization of a Gram-positive T4SS.

1H, 15N and 13C chemical shift assignment of the Gram-positive conjugative transfer protein TraHpIP501.

Conjugative transfer of DNA represents the most important transmission pathway in terms of antibiotic resistance and virulence gene dissemination among bacteria. TraH is a putative transfer protein of the type IV secretion system (T4SS) encoded by the Gram-positive (G+) conjugative plasmid pIP501. This molecular machine involves a multi-protein core complex spanning the bacterial envelope thereby serving as a macromolecular secretion channel. Here, we report the near complete (1)H, (13)C and (15)N resonance assignment of a soluble TraH variant comprising the C-terminal domain.

Structure of the double-stranded DNA-binding type IV secretion protein TraN from Enterococcus.

Conjugative transfer through type IV secretion multiprotein complexes is the most important means of spreading antimicrobial resistance. Plasmid pIP501, frequently found in clinical Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium isolates, is the first Gram-positive (G+) conjugative plasmid for which self-transfer to Gram-negative (G-) bacteria has been demonstrated. The pIP501-encoded type IV secretion system (T4SS) protein TraN localizes to the cytoplasm and shows specific DNA binding. The specific DNA-binding site upstream of the pIP501 origin of transfer (oriT) was identified by a novel footprinting technique based on exonuclease digestion and sequencing, suggesting TraN to be an accessory protein of the pIP501 relaxase TraA. The structure of TraN was determined to 1.35 Šresolution. It revealed an internal dimer fold with antiparallel ß-sheets in the centre and a helix-turn-helix (HTH) motif at both ends. Surprisingly, structurally related proteins (excisionases from T4SSs of G+ conjugative transposons and transcriptional regulators of the MerR family) resembling only one half of TraN were found. Thus, TraN may be involved in the early steps of pIP501 transfer, possibly triggering pIP501 TraA relaxase activity by recruiting the relaxosome to the assembled mating pore.

The type IV secretion protein TraK from the Enterococcus conjugative plasmid pIP501 exhibits a novel fold.

Conjugative plasmid transfer presents a serious threat to human health as the most important means of spreading antibiotic resistance and virulence genes among bacteria. The required direct cell-cell contact is established by a multi-protein complex, the conjugative type IV secretion system (T4SS). The conjugative core complex spans the cellular envelope and serves as a channel for macromolecular secretion. T4SSs of Gram-negative (G-) origin have been studied in great detail. In contrast, T4SSs of Gram-positive (G+) bacteria have only received little attention thus far, despite the medical relevance of numerous G+ pathogens (e.g. enterococci, staphylococci and streptococci). This study provides structural information on the type IV secretion (T4S) protein TraK of the G+ broad host range Enterococcus conjugative plasmid pIP501. The crystal structure of the N-terminally truncated construct TraKΔ was determined to 3.0 Šresolution and exhibits a novel fold. Immunolocalization demonstrated that the protein localizes to the cell wall facing towards the cell exterior, but does not exhibit surface accessibility. Circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering and size-exclusion chromatography confirmed the protein to be a monomer. With the exception of proteins from closely related T4SSs, no significant sequence or structural relatives were found. This observation marks the protein as a very exclusive, specialized member of the pIP501 T4SS.

TraG encoded by the pIP501 type IV secretion system is a two-domain peptidoglycan-degrading enzyme essential for conjugative transfer.

pIP501 is a conjugative broad-host-range plasmid frequently present in nosocomial Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium isolates. We focus here on the functional analysis of the type IV secretion gene traG, which was found to be essential for pIP501 conjugative transfer between Gram-positive bacteria. The TraG protein, which localizes to the cell envelope of E. faecalis harboring pIP501, was expressed and purified without its N-terminal transmembrane helix (TraGΔTMH) and shown to possess peptidoglycan-degrading activity. TraGΔTMH was inhibited by specific lytic transglycosylase inhibitors hexa-N-acetylchitohexaose and bulgecin A. Analysis of the TraG sequence suggested the presence of two domains which both could contribute to the observed cell wall-degrading activity: an N-terminal soluble lytic transglycosylase domain (SLT) and a C-terminal cysteine-, histidine-dependent amidohydrolases/peptidases (CHAP) domain. The protein domains were expressed separately, and both degraded peptidoglycan. A change of the conserved glutamate residue in the putative catalytic center of the SLT domain (E87) to glycine resulted in almost complete inactivity, which is consistent with this part of TraG being a predicted lytic transglycosylase. Based on our findings, we propose that TraG locally opens the peptidoglycan to facilitate insertion of the Gram-positive bacterial type IV secretion machinery into the cell envelope.

Crystallization and first data collection of the putative transfer protein TraN from the Gram-positive conjugative plasmid pIP501.

Conjugative plasmid transfer is the most important route for the spread of resistance and virulence genes among bacteria. Consequently, bacteria carrying conjugative plasmids are a substantial threat to human health, especially hospitalized patients. Whilst detailed information about the process has been obtained for Gram-negative type-4 secretion systems, little is known about the corresponding mechanisms in Gram-positive (G+) bacteria. The successful purification and crystallization of the putative transfer protein TraN from the G+ conjugative model plasmid pIP501 of Enterococcus faecalis are presented. Native crystals diffracted to 1.8 Šresolution on a synchrotron beamline. The crystals belonged to space group P2(1), with unit-cell parameters a=32.88, b=54.94, c=57.71 Å, ß=91.89° and two molecules per asymmetric unit.