A Novel High-Throughput Screening Method for a Human Multicentric Osteosarcoma-Specific Antibody and Biomarker Using a Phage Display-Derived Monoclonal Antibody.

Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor that produces neoplastic bone or osteoid osteoma. In human multicentric osteosarcoma (HMOS), a unique variant of human osteosarcoma (HOS), multiple bone lesions occur simultaneously or asynchronously before lung metastasis. HMOS is associated with an extremely poor prognosis, and effective treatment options are lacking. Using the proteins in our previously generated HMOS cell lines as antigens, we generated antibodies using a human antibody phage library. We obtained antibody clones recognizing 95 independent antigens and developed a fluorescence probe-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique capable of evaluating the reactivity of these antibodies by fluorescence intensity, allowing simple, rapid, and high-throughput selection of antibody clones. These results were highly correlated with those using flow cytometry. Subsequently, the HMOS cell lysate was incubated with the antibody, the antigen-antibody complex was recovered with magnetic beads, and the protein bands from electrophoresis were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS). CAVIN1/polymerase I transcript release factor was specifically detected in the HMOS cells. In conclusion, we found via a novel high-throughput screening method that CAVIN1/PTRF is an HMOS-specific cell membrane biomarker and an antigen capable of producing human antibodies. In the future, antibody-drug conjugate targeting of these specific proteins may be promising for clinical applications.

Comprehensive Analysis of Antibodies Induced by Vaccination with 4 Kinds of Avian Influenza H5N1 Pre-Pandemic Vaccines.

Four kinds of avian-derived H5N1 influenza virus, A/Vietnam/1194/2004 (Clade 1), A/Indonesia/5/2005 (Clade 2.1), A/Qinghai/1A/2005 (Clade 2.2), and A/Anhui/1/2005 (Clade 2.3), have been stocked in Japan for use as pre-pandemic vaccines. When a pandemic occurs, these viruses would be used as vaccines in the hope of inducing immunity against the pandemic virus. We analyzed the specificity of antibodies (Abs) produced by B lymphocytes present in the blood after immunization with these vaccines. Eighteen volunteers took part in this project. After libraries of Ab-encoding sequences were constructed using blood from subjects vaccinated with these viruses, a large number of clones that encoded Abs that bound to the virus particles used as vaccines were isolated. These clones were classified into two groups according to the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) activity of the encoded Abs. While two-thirds of the clones were HI positive, the encoded Abs exhibited only restricted strain specificity. On the other hand, half of the HI-negative clones encoded Abs that bound not only to the H5N1 virus but also to the H1N1 virus; with a few exceptions, these Abs appeared to be encoded by memory B cells present before vaccination. The HI-negative clones included those encoding broadly cross-reactive Abs, some of which were encoded by non-VH1-69 germline genes. However, although this work shows that various kinds of anti-H5N1 Abs are encoded by volunteers vaccinated with pre-pandemic vaccines, broad cross-reactivity was seen only in a minority of clones, raising concern regarding the utility of these H5N1 vaccine viruses for the prevention of H5N1 pandemics.

Radiolabeled Human Monoclonal Antibody 067-213 has the Potential for Noninvasive Quantification of CD73 Expression.

BACKGROUND: CD73 is an ectonucleotidase regulating extracellular adenosine concentration and plays an important role in adenosine-mediated immunosuppressive pathways. The efficacy of CD73-targeted therapy depends on the expression levels of CD73; therefore, monitoring CD73 status in cancer patients would provide helpful information for selection of patients who would benefit from CD73-targeted therapy. Here, we evaluated the ability of 111In-labeled antibody 067-213, which has high affinity for human CD73, to act as a noninvasive imaging probe. METHODS: Cell binding and competitive inhibition assays for 111In-labeled 067-213 were conducted using MIAPaCa-2 (high CD73 expression) and A431 (low CD73 expression) cells. For in vivo assessments, biodistribution and SPECT/CT studies were conducted in MIAPaCa-2 and A431 tumor-bearing mice. To estimate the absorbed dose in humans, biodistribution and SPECT/CT studies were conducted in healthy rats. RESULTS: 111In-labeled 067-213 bound to MIAPaCa-2 and A431 cells in a CD73-dependent manner and the affinity loss after 111In-labeling was limited. Biodistribution and SPECT/CT studies with 111In-labeled 067-213 in mice showed high uptake in MIAPaCa-2 tumors and lower uptake in A431 tumors. In rats, the probe did not show high uptake in normal organs, including endogenously CD73-expressing organs. The estimated absorbed doses in humans were reasonably low. CONCLUSIONS: 111In-labeled 067-213 showed CD73-expression-dependent tumor uptake and low uptake in normal organs and tissues. Radiolabeled 067-213 holds promise as an imaging probe for noninvasive evaluation of CD73 expression levels in patients. Our data encourage further clinical studies to clarify a role for CD73 monitoring in patients receiving CD73-targeted immune therapy.

Efficacy Evaluation of Combination Treatment Using Gemcitabine and Radioimmunotherapy with 90Y-Labeled Fully Human Anti-CD147 Monoclonal Antibody 059-053 in a BxPC-3 Xenograft Mouse Model of Refractory Pancreatic Cancer.

The poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer requires the development of more effective therapy. CD147 expresses in pancreatic cancer with high incidence and has a crucial role in invasion and metastasis. We developed a fully human monoclonal antibody (059-053) with high affinity for CD147. Here we evaluated the efficacy of combined treatment using radioimmunotherapy (RIT) with 90Y-labeled 059-053 and gemcitabine in a BxPC-3 xenograft mouse model. Expression of CD147 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) in BxPC-3 tumors was evaluated. In vitro and in vivo properties of 059-053 were evaluated using 111In-labeled 059-053 and a pancreatic cancer model BxPC-3. Tumor volume and body weight were periodically measured in mice receiving gemcitabine, RIT, and both RIT and gemcitabine (one cycle and two cycles). High expression of CD147 and MMP2 was observed in BxPC-3 tumors and suppressed by 059-053 injection. Radiolabeled 059-053 bound specifically to BxPC-3 cells and accumulated highly in BxPC-3 tumors but low in major organs. Combined treatment using RIT with gemcitabine (one cycle) significantly suppressed tumor growth and prolonged survival with tolerable toxicity. The two-cycle regimen had the highest anti-tumor effect, but was not tolerable. Combined treatment with 90Y-labeled 059-053 and gemcitabine is a promising therapeutic option for pancreatic cancer.

Three Types of Broadly Reacting Antibodies against Influenza B Viruses Induced by Vaccination with Seasonal Influenza Viruses.

We analyzed the antibody (Ab) repertoire against influenza B viruses induced by vaccination with seasonal influenza viruses in one individual who had never been vaccinated until 2009. The vaccine used in this study comprised B/Massachusetts/2/2012 (Yamagata lineage), A/Texas/50/2012 (H3N2), and A/California/7/2009 (H1N1). One month after the subject received two vaccinations, blood (200 ml) was obtained and peripheral mononuclear cells were prepared, and a large Ab library was constructed using phage display technology. The library was screened with HA-enriched fraction of B/Massachusetts/2/2012 and B/Brisbane/60/2008 (Victoria lineage) virus, and a total of 26 Abs that potentially bound to hemagglutinin (HA) molecules were isolated. Their binding activities to six influenza B viruses, three of Yamagata lineage and three of Victoria lineage, and two influenza A viruses, H1N1 and H3N2, were examined. The Abs showed cross-reactivity at three different levels. The first type bound to all Yamagata lineage viruses. The second type bound to both Yamagata and Victoria lineage viruses. The third type bound to both influenza A and B viruses. These results indicate that common epitopes exist on HA molecules of influenza virus at various levels, and humans have capability to produce Abs that bind to such common epitopes.

Cell-free synthesis of functional antibody fragments to provide a structural basis for antibody-antigen interaction.

Growing numbers of therapeutic antibodies offer excellent treatment strategies for many diseases. Elucidation of the interaction between a potential therapeutic antibody and its target protein by structural analysis reveals the mechanism of action and offers useful information for developing rational antibody designs for improved affinity. Here, we developed a rapid, high-yield cell-free system using dialysis mode to synthesize antibody fragments for the structural analysis of antibody-antigen complexes. Optimal synthesis conditions of fragments (Fv and Fab) of the anti-EGFR antibody 059-152 were rapidly determined in a day by using a 30-µl-scale unit. The concentration of supplemented disulfide isomerase, DsbC, was critical to obtaining soluble antibody fragments. The optimal conditions were directly applicable to a 9-ml-scale reaction, with linear scalable yields of more than 1 mg/ml. Analyses of purified 059-152-Fv and Fab showed that the cell-free synthesized antibody fragments were disulfide-bridged, with antigen binding activity comparable to that of clinical antibodies. Examination of the crystal structure of cell-free synthesized 059-152-Fv in complex with the extracellular domain of human EGFR revealed that the epitope of 059-152-Fv broadly covers the EGF binding surface on domain III, including residues that formed critical hydrogen bonds with EGF (Asp355EGFR, Gln384EGFR, H409EGFR, and Lys465EGFR), so that the antibody inhibited EGFR activation. We further demonstrated the application of the cell-free system to site-specific integration of non-natural amino acids for antibody engineering, which would expand the availability of therapeutic antibodies based on structural information and rational design. This cell-free system could be an ideal antibody-fragment production platform for functional and structural analysis of potential therapeutic antibodies and for engineered antibody development.

Combined treatment of pancreatic cancer xenograft with 90Y-ITGA6B4-mediated radioimmunotherapy and PI3K/mTOR inhibitor.

AIM: To investigate the therapeutic effect of combined integrin α6ß4-targeted radioimmunotherapy (RIT) and PI3K/mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 in a pancreatic cancer model. METHODS: Phosphorylation of Akt, mTOR, the downstream effectors eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4EBP1) and S6 ribosomal protein (S6) were evaluated in BxPC-3 human pancreatic cancer cells treated with Yttrium-90 (90Y) labeled anti-integrin α6ß4 antibody (ITGA6B4) and BEZ235 by western blotting. The cytotoxic effect of BEZ235 was investigated using a colony formation assay. Therapeutic efficacy enhancement by oral BEZ235 administration was assessed using mice bearing BxPC-3 xenograft tumors. Tumor volume measurements and immunohistochemical analyses (cell proliferation marker Ki-67, DNA damage marker p-H2AX and p-4EBP1 staining) of tumors were performed for evaluation of combined treatment with 90Y-ITGA6B4 plus BEZ235, or each arm alone. RESULTS: We found that phosphorylation of Akt (p-Akt), 4EBP1 (p-4EBP1) and S6 (p-S6) was inhibited by BEZ235. Colony formation in BxPC-3 cells was additively suppressed by the combination of 90Y-ITGA6B4 and BEZ235. Pretreatment with BEZ235 before 90Y-ITGA6B4 exposure resulted in significant reduction of cells plating efficiency (PE) (0.54 ± 0.11 vs 2.81 ± 0.14 with 185 kBq/mL 90Y-ITGA6B4 exposure, P < 0.01; 0.39 ± 0.08 vs 1.88 ± 0.09 with 370 kBq/mL 90Y-ITGA6B4 exposure, P < 0.01) when 5 × 103 cells per dish were plated. In vivo, the combined treatment with 90Y-ITGA6B4 plus BEZ235 enhanced the inhibition of tumor growth and statistically significant differences of relative tumor volume were observed for 27 d after the treatment start date when compared with the 90Y-ITGA6B4 single injection treatment (1.03 ± 0.38 vs 1.5 ± 0.15 at Day 27, P < 0.05), and for 41 d when compared with the BEZ235 treatment alone (1.8 ± 0.7 vs 3.14 ± 1.19 at Day 41, P < 0.05). Tumors from treatment groups showed reduction in volumes, decreased Ki-67-positive cells, increased p-H2AX-positive cells and decreased p-4EBP1 expression. CONCLUSION: The therapeutic efficacy of 90Y-ITGA6B4-RIT can be improved by combining with dual PI3K and mTOR inhibitor, BEZ235, in a pancreatic cancer model suggesting potential clinical application.

Uptake of 111In-labeled fully human monoclonal antibody TSP-A18 reflects transferrin receptor expression in normal organs and tissues of mice.

Transferrin receptor (TfR) is an attractive molecule for targeted therapy of cancer. Various TfR-targeted therapeutic agents such as anti-TfR antibodies conjugated with anticancer agents have been developed. An antibody that recognizes both human and murine TfR is needed to predict the toxicity of antibody-based agents before clinical trials, there is no such antibody to date. In this study, a new fully human monoclonal antibody TSP-A18 that recognizes both human and murine TfR was developed and the correlation analysis of the radiolabeled antibody uptake and TfR expression in two murine strains was conducted. TSP-A18 was selected using extracellular portions of human and murine TfR from a human antibody library. The cross-reactivity of TSP-A18 with human and murine cells was confirmed by flow cytometry. Cell binding and competitive inhibition assays with [111In]TSP-A18 showed that TSP-A18 bound highly to TfR-expressing MIAPaCa-2 cells with high affinity. Biodistribution studies of [111In]TSP-A18 and [67Ga]citrate (a transferrin-mediated imaging probe) were conducted in C57BL/6J and BALB/c-nu/nu mice. [111In]TSP-A18 was accumulated highly in the spleen and bone containing marrow component of both strains, whereas high [67Ga]citrate uptake was only observed in bone containing marrow component and not in the spleen. Western blotting indicated the spleen showed the strongest TfR expression compared with other organs in both strains. There was significant correlation between [111In]TSP-A18 uptake and TfR protein expression in both strains, whereas there was significant correlation of [67Ga]citrate uptake with TfR expression only in C57BL/6J. These findings suggest that the difference in TfR expression between murine strains should be carefully considered when testing for the toxicity of anti-TfR antibody in mice and the uptake of anti-TfR antibody could reflect tissue TfR expression more accurately compared with that of transferrin-mediated imaging probe such as [67Ga]citrate.

Classification of 27 Tumor-Associated Antigens by Histochemical Analysis of 36 Freshly Resected Lung Cancer Tissues.

In previous studies, we identified 29 tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and isolated 488 human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that specifically bind to one of the 29 TAAs. In the present study, we performed histochemical analysis of 36 freshly resected lung cancer tissues by using 60 mAbs against 27 TAAs. Comparison of the staining patterns of tumor cells, bronchial epithelial cells, and normal pulmonary alveolus cells and interalveolar septum allowed us to determine the type and location of cells that express target molecules, as well as the degree of expression. The patterns were classified into 7 categories. While multiple Abs were used against certain TAAs, the differences observed among them should be derived from differences in the binding activity and/or the epitope. Thus, such data indicate the versatility of respective clones as anti-cancer drugs. Although the information obtained was limited to the lung and bronchial tube, bronchial epithelial cells represent normal growing cells, and therefore, the data are informative. The results indicate that 9 of the 27 TAAs are suitable targets for therapeutic Abs. These 9 Ags include EGFR, HER2, TfR, and integrin α6ß4. Based on our findings, a pharmaceutical company has started to develop anti-cancer drugs by using Abs to TfR and integrin α6ß4. HGFR, PTP-LAR, CD147, CDCP1, and integrin αvß3 are also appropriate targets for therapeutic purposes.

A variety of human monoclonal antibodies against epidermal growth factor receptor isolated from a phage antibody library.

When the technology for constructing human antibody (Ab) libraries using a phage-display system was developed, many researchers in Ab-related fields anticipated that it would be widely applied to the development of pharmaceutical drugs against various diseases, including cancers. However, successful examples of such applications are very limited. Moreover, researchers who utilize phage-display technology now show divergent ways of thinking about phage Ab libraries. For example, there is debate about what should be the source of VH and VL genes for the construction of libraries to cover the whole repertoire of Abs present in the human body. In the immune system, the introduction of mutations into V genes followed by selection based on binding activity, termed Ab maturation, is required for the production of Abs exhibiting high affinity to the antigen (Ag). Therefore, introduction of mutations and selection are required for isolation of Abs with high affinity after isolation of clones from phage Ab libraries. We constructed a large human Ab library termed AIMS, developed a screening method termed ICOS, and succeeded in isolating many human monoclonal Abs (mAbs) that specifically and strongly bind to various tumor-associated Ags. Eight anti-EGFR mAbs were included, which we characterized. These mAbs showed various different activities against EGFR-expressing cancer cells. In this paper, we describe these data and discuss the possibility and necessity that the mAbs isolated from the AIMS library might be developed as therapeutic drugs against cancers without introduction of mutations.

Radioimmunotherapy of pancreatic cancer xenografts in nude mice using 90Y-labeled anti-α6ß4 integrin antibody.

The contribution of integrin α6ß4 (α6ß4) overexpression to the pancreatic cancer invasion and metastasis has been previously shown. We have reported immunotargeting of α6ß4 for radionuclide-based and near-infrared fluorescence imaging in a pancreatic cancer model. In this study, we prepared yttrium-90 labeled anti-α6ß4 antibody (90Y-ITGA6B4) and evaluated its radioimmunotherapeutic efficacy against pancreatic cancer xenografts in nude mice. Mice bearing xenograft tumors were randomly divided into 5 groups: (1) single administration of 90Y-ITGA6B4 (3.7MBq), (2) double administrations of 90Y-ITGA6B4 with once-weekly schedule (3.7MBq x 2), (3) single administration of unlabeled ITGA6B4, (4) double administrations of unlabeled ITGA6B4 with once-weekly schedule and (5) the untreated control. Biweekly tumor volume measurements and immunohistochemical analyses of tumors at 2 days post-administration were performed to monitor the response to treatments. To assess the toxicity, body weight was measured biweekly. Additionally, at 27 days post-administration, blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture, and hematological parameters, hepatic and renal functions were analyzed. Both 90Y-ITGA6B4 treatment groups showed reduction in tumor volumes (P < 0.04), decreased cell proliferation marker Ki-67-positive cells and increased DNA damage marker p-H2AX-positive cells, compared with the other groups. Mice treated with double administrations of 90Y-ITGA6B4, exhibited myelosuppression. There were no significant differences in hepatic and renal functions between the 2 treatment groups and the other groups. Our results suggest that 90Y-ITGA6B4 is a promising radioimmunotherapeutic agent against α6ß4 overexpressing tumors. In the future studies, dose adjustment for fractionated RIT should be considered carefully in order to get the optimal effect while avoiding myelotoxicity.

Immunotargeting of Integrin α6ß4 for Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography and Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging in a Pancreatic Cancer Model.

To explore suitable imaging probes for early and specific detection of pancreatic cancer, we demonstrated that α6ß4integrin is a good target and employed single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or near-infrared (NIR) imaging for immunotargeting. Expression levels of α6ß4were examined by Western blotting and flow cytometry in certain human pancreatic cancer cell lines. The human cell line BxPC-3 was used for α6ß4-positive and a mouse cell line, A4, was used for negative counterpart. We labeled antibody against α6ß4with Indium-111 ((111)In) or indocyanine green (ICG). After injection of(111)In-labeled probe to tumor-bearing mice, biodistribution, SPECT, autoradiography (ARG), and immunohistochemical (IHC) studies were conducted. After administration of ICG-labeled probe, in vivo and ex vivo NIR imaging and fluorescence microscopy of tumors were performed. BxPC-3 tumor showed a higher radioligand binding in SPECT and higher fluorescence intensity as well as a delay in the probe washout in NIR imaging when compared to A4 tumor. The biodistribution profile of(111)In-labeled probe, ARG, and IHC confirmed the α6ß4specific binding of the probe. Here, we propose that α6ß4is a desirable target for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and that it could be detected by radionuclide imaging and NIR imaging using a radiolabeled or ICG-labeled α6ß4antibody.

Retargeting of microcell fusion towards recipient cell-oriented transfer of human artificial chromosome.

BACKGROUND: Human artificial chromosome (HAC) vectors have some unique characteristics as compared with conventional vectors, carrying large transgenes without size limitation, showing persistent expression of transgenes, and existing independently from host genome in cells. With these features, HACs are expected to be promising vectors for modifications of a variety of cell types. However, the method of introduction of HACs into target cells is confined to microcell-mediated chromosome transfer (MMCT), which is less efficient than other methods of vector introduction. Application of Measles Virus (MV) fusogenic proteins to MMCT instead of polyethylene glycol (PEG) has partly solved this drawback, whereas the tropism of MV fusogenic proteins is restricted to human CD46- or SLAM-positive cells. RESULTS: Here, we show that retargeting of microcell fusion by adding anti-Transferrin receptor (TfR) single chain antibodies (scFvs) to the extracellular C-terminus of the MV-H protein improves the efficiency of MV-MMCT to human fibroblasts which originally barely express both native MV receptors, and are therefore resistant to MV-MMCT. Efficacy of chimeric fusogenic proteins was evaluated by the evidence that the HAC, tagged with a drug-resistant gene and an EGFP gene, was transferred from CHO donor cells into human fibroblasts. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that no perturbation of either the HAC status or the functions of transgenes was observed on account of retargeted MV-MMCT when another HAC carrying four reprogramming factors (iHAC) was transferred into human fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS: Retargeted MV-MMCT using chimeric H protein with scFvs succeeded in extending the cell spectrum for gene transfer via HAC vectors. Therefore, this technology could facilitate the systematic cell engineering by HACs.

Evaluation of Efficacy of Radioimmunotherapy with 90Y-Labeled Fully Human Anti-Transferrin Receptor Monoclonal Antibody in Pancreatic Cancer Mouse Models.

OBJECTIVE: Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive tumor and the prognosis remains poor. Therefore, development of more effective therapy is needed. We previously reported that 89Zr-labeled TSP-A01, an antibody against transferrin receptor (TfR), is highly accumulated in a pancreatic cancer xenograft, but not in major normal organs. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of radioimmunotherapy (RIT) with 90Y-TSP-A01 in pancreatic cancer mouse models. METHODS: TfR expression in pancreatic cancer cell lines (AsPC-1, BxPC-3, MIAPaCa-2) was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. 111In-labeled anti-TfR antibodies (TSP-A01, TSP-A02) were evaluated in vitro by cell binding assay with the three cell lines and by competitive inhibition assay with MIAPaCa-2. In vivo biodistribution was evaluated in mice bearing BxPC-3 and MIAPaCa-2 xenografts. Tumor volumes of BxPC-3 and MIAPaCa-2 were sequentially measured after 90Y-TSP-A01 injection and histological analysis of tumors was conducted. RESULTS: MIAPaCa-2 cells showed the highest TfR expression, followed by AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 cells. 111In-TSP-A01 and 111In-TSP-A02 bound specifically to the three cell lines according to TfR expression. The dissociation constants for TSP-A01, DOTA-TSP-A01, TSP-A02, and DOTA-TSP-A02 were 0.22, 0.28, 0.17, and 0.22 nM, respectively. 111In-TSP-A01 was highly accumulated in tumors, especially in MIAPaCa-2, but this was not true of 111In-TSP-A02. The absorbed dose for 90Y-TSP-A01 was estimated to be 8.3 Gy/MBq to BxPC-3 and 12.4 Gy/MBq to MIAPaCa-2. MIAPaCa-2 tumors treated with 3.7 MBq of 90Y-TSP-A01 had almost completely disappeared around 3 weeks after injection and regrowth was not observed. Growth of BxPC-3 tumors was inhibited by 3.7 MBq of 90Y-TSP-A01, but the tumor size was not reduced. CONCLUSION: 90Y-TSP-A01 treatment achieved an almost complete response in MIAPaCa-2 tumors, whereas it merely inhibited the growth of BxPC-3 tumors. 90Y-TSP-A01 is a promising RIT agent for pancreatic cancer, although further investigation is necessary to improve the efficacy for the radioresistant types like BxPC-3.

Isolation of B subunit-specific monoclonal antibody clones that strongly neutralize the toxicity of Shiga toxin 2.

Shiga toxin 2 (Stx2)-specific mAb-producing hybridoma clones were generated from mice. Because mice tend to produce small amounts of B subunit (Stx2B)-specific antibodies at the polyclonal antibody level after immunization via the parenteral route, mice were immunized intranasally with Stx2 toxoids with a mutant heat-labile enterotoxin as a mucosal adjuvant; 11 different hybridoma clones were obtained in two trials. Six of them were A subunit (Stx2A)-specific whereas five were Stx2B-specific antibody-producing clones. The in vitro neutralization activity of Stx2B-specific mAbs against Stx2 was greater than that of Stx2A-specific mAbs on HeLa229 cells. Furthermore, even at low concentrations two of the Stx2B-specific mAbs (45 and 75D9) completely inhibited receptor binding and showed in vivo neutralization activity against a fivefold median lethal dose of Stx2 in mice. In western blot analysis, these Stx2B-specific neutralization antibodies did not react to three different mutant forms of Stx2, each amino acid residue of which was associated with receptor binding. Additionally, the nucleotide sequences of the VH and VL regions of clones 45 and 75D9 were determined. Our Stx2B-specific mAbs may be new candidates for the development of mouse-human chimeric Stx2-neutralizing antibodies which have fewer adverse effects than animal antibodies for enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection.

Preclinical evaluation of 89Zr-labeled human antitransferrin receptor monoclonal antibody as a PET probe using a pancreatic cancer mouse model.

OBJECTIVE: Pancreatic cancer is aggressive and its prognosis remains poor; thus, effective therapy is urgently needed. Transferrin receptor (TfR) is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer and is considered to be a good candidate for molecular-targeted therapy. We radiolabeled and evaluated fully human anti-TfR monoclonal antibodies as a new PET probe for evaluating the biodistribution of the anti-TfR antibody in pancreatic cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: TfR expression was evaluated in four human pancreatic cancer (MIAPaCa-2, PANC-1, BxPC-3, and AsPC-1) and murine A4 cell lines. The binding of 125I-labeled anti-TfR antibodies (TSP-A01, TSP-A02, TSP-A03, and TSP-A04) to MIAPaCa-2 cells was compared. 125I-labeled, 67Ga-labeled, and 89Zr-labeled TSP-A01 were evaluated by cell binding, competitive inhibition, and internalization assays. Biodistribution studies of 125I-labeled and 89Zr-labeled TSP-A01 were conducted in mice bearing MIAPaCa-2 and A4 tumors. PET imaging with [89Zr]TSP-A01 was carried out. RESULTS: MIAPaCa-2 cells showed the highest TfR expression in vitro and in vivo, whereas A4 cells showed no expression. Of the four antibodies, [125I]TSP-A01 showed the highest binding to MIAPaCa-2 cells, but not to A4 cells. The dissociation constant of TSP-A01 was 0.29 nmol/l. Uptake of radiolabeled TSP-A01, especially [89Zr]TSP-A01, was significantly higher in MIAPaCa-2 tumors than in A4 tumors. PET with [89Zr]TSP-A01 clearly visualized MIAPaCa-2 xenografts but not A4 xenografts. CONCLUSION: [89Zr]TSP-A01 is a promising PET probe for evaluating the accumulation of anti-TfR antibody in pancreatic cancer and has the potential to facilitate the selection of appropriate patients who would benefit from anti-TfR antibody therapy.

Conserved neutralizing epitope at globular head of hemagglutinin in H3N2 influenza viruses.

UNLABELLED: Neutralizing antibodies that target the hemagglutinin of influenza virus either inhibit binding of hemagglutinin to cellular receptors or prevent the low-pH-induced conformational change in hemagglutinin required for membrane fusion. In general, the former type of antibody binds to the globular head formed by HA1 and has narrow strain specificity, while the latter type binds to the stem mainly formed by HA2 and has broad strain specificity. In the present study, we analyzed the epitope and function of a broadly neutralizing human antibody against H3N2 viruses, F005-126. The crystal structure of F005-126 Fab in complex with hemagglutinin revealed that the antibody binds to the globular head, spans a cleft formed by two hemagglutinin monomers in a hemagglutinin trimer, and cross-links them. It recognizes two peptide portions (sites L and R) and a glycan linked to asparagine at residue 285 using three complementarity-determining regions and framework 3 in the heavy chain. Binding of the antibody to sites L (residues 171 to 173, 239, and 240) and R (residues 91, 92, 270 to 273, 284, and 285) is mediated mainly by van der Waals contacts with the main chains of the peptides in these sites and secondarily by hydrogen bonds with a few side chains of conserved sequences in HA1. Furthermore, the glycan recognized by F005-126 is conserved among H3N2 viruses. F005-126 has the ability to prevent low-pH-induced conformational changes in hemagglutinin. The newly identified conserved epitope, including the glycan, should be immunogenic in humans and may induce production of broadly neutralizing antibodies against H3 viruses. IMPORTANCE: Antibodies play an important role in protection against influenza virus, and hemagglutinin is the major target for virus neutralizing antibodies. It has long been believed that all effective neutralizing antibodies bind to the surrounding regions of the sialic acid-binding pocket and inhibit the binding of hemagglutinin to the cellular receptor. Since mutations are readily introduced into such epitopes, this type of antibody shows narrow strain specificity. Recently, however, broadly neutralizing antibodies have been isolated. Most of these bind either to conserved sites in the stem region or to the sialic acid-binding pocket itself. In the present study, we identified a new neutralizing epitope in the head region recognized by a broadly neutralizing human antibody against H3N2. This epitope may be useful for design of vaccines.

Receptor mimicry by antibody F045-092 facilitates universal binding to the H3 subtype of influenza virus.

Influenza viruses present a significant health challenge each year, as in the H3N2 epidemic of 2012-2013. Here we describe an antibody, F045-092, that possesses broadly neutralizing activity against the entire H3 subtype and accommodates the natural variation and additional glycosylation in all strains tested from 1963 to 2011. Crystal structures of F045-092 in complex with HAs from 1975 and 2011 H3N2 viruses reveal the structural basis for its neutralization breadth through insertion of its 23-residue HCDR3 into the receptor-binding site that involves striking receptor mimicry. F045-092 extends its recognition to divergent subtypes, including H1, H2 and H13, using the enhanced avidity of its IgG to overcome lower-affinity Fab binding, as observed with other antibodies that target the receptor-binding site. This unprecedented level of antibody cross-reactivity against the H3 subtype can potentially inform on development of a pan-H3 vaccine or small-molecule therapeutics.

Two types of antibodies are induced by vaccination with A/California/2009 pdm virus: binding near the sialic acid-binding pocket and neutralizing both H1N1 and H5N1 viruses.

Many people have a history of catching the flu several times during childhood but no additional flu in adulthood, even without vaccination. We analyzed the total repertoire of antibodies (Abs) against influenza A group 1 viruses induced in such a flu-resistant person after vaccination with 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza virus. They were classified into two types, with no exceptions. The first type, the products of B cells newly induced through vaccination, binds near the sialic acid-binding pocket. The second type, the products of long-lived memory B cells established before vaccination, utilizes the 1-69 VH gene, binds to the stem of HA, and neutralizes both H1N1 and H5N1 viruses with few exceptions. These observations indicate that the sialic acid-binding pocket and its surrounding region are immunogenically very potent and majority of the B cells whose growth is newly induced by vaccination produce Abs that recognize these regions. However, they play a role in protection against influenza virus infection for a short period since variant viruses that have acquired resistance to these Abs become dominant. On the other hand, although the stem of HA is immunogenically not potent, the second type of B cells eventually becomes dominant. Thus, a selection system should function in forming the repertoire of long-lived memory B cells and the stability of the epitope would greatly affect the fate of the memory cells. Acquisition of the ability to produce Abs that bind to the stable epitope could be a major factor of flu resistance.

Isolation of cross-reactive human monoclonal antibodies that prevent binding of human noroviruses to histo-blood group antigens.

In order to identify the repertoire of antibodies generated on natural infection of norovirus (NoV) in humans, and to characterize the human monoclonal antibodies against NoV, three phage-displayed antibody libraries originating from healthy person(s) were screened using purified virus-like particles (VLPs) of strain Narita 104 (r104, genogroup II, genotype 4) or strain Chiba 407 (rCV, genogroup I, genotype 4) as antigens. On screening with r104, 62 clones were isolated. Among these antibodies, two clones, 12A11 and 12B10, showed intra-genogroup cross-reactivity to genotypes 1, 3-7, 12, and 14, and genotypes 1, 4, 6, and 7 of genogroup II, respectively. In addition, antibodies belonging to the same group were isolated from two different libraries. On screening with rCV, five clones were isolated, two of which were cross-reactive. One, CV-2F5, reacted to genotypes 1-4, and 8 of genogroup I, and the other, CV-1A5, showed inter-genogroup cross-reactivity to all the VLPs employed in this study. The blocking activities of the monoclonal antibodies against the interaction of homotypic VLPs (VLPs used in the panning procedure) with histo-blood group antigens were also assessed as an alternative to neutralization assay. Although the blocking activity of 12A11 was partially limited 12B10 prevented the binding of r104 to histo-blood group antigens that had been reported to bind r104. The blocking activity of CV-2F5 against the attachment of rCV to suitable histo-blood group antigens was weak, but the blocking activity of CV-1A5 was well recognized. Thus, 12B10 and CV-1A5 were suggested to be cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies with neutralizing activity.