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1.
J Extracell Vesicles ; 13(6): e12462, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38840457

ABSTRACT

Ulcerative colitis (UC) manifests clinically with chronic intestinal inflammation and microflora dysbiosis. Although biologics can effectively control inflammation, efficient delivery to the colon and colon epithelial cells remains challenging. Milk-derived extracellular vesicles (EV) show promise as an oral delivery tool, however, the ability to load biologics into EV presents challenges to therapeutic applications. Here, we demonstrate that fusing cell-penetrating peptide (TAT) to green fluorescent protein (GFP) enabled biologics loading into EV and protected against degradation in the gastrointestinal environment in vitro and in vivo after oral delivery. Oral administration of EV loaded with anti-tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) nanobody (VHHm3F) (EVVHH) via TAT significantly reduced tissue TNF-α levels and alleviated pathologies in mice with acute UC, compared to VHH alone. In mice with chronic UC, simultaneously introducing VHH and an antimicrobial peptide LL37 into EV (EVLV), then administering orally improved intestinal barrier, inflammation and microbiota balance, resulted in relief of UC-induced depression and anxiety. Collectively, we demonstrated that oral delivery of EVLV effectively alleviated UC in mice and TAT efficiently loaded biologics into EV to confer protection from degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. This therapeutic strategy is promising for UC and is a simple and generalizable approach towards drug-loaded orally-administrable EV treatment for other diseases.


Subject(s)
Colitis, Ulcerative , Extracellular Vesicles , Milk , Single-Domain Antibodies , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha , Animals , Colitis, Ulcerative/drug therapy , Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism , Mice , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism , Single-Domain Antibodies/pharmacology , Single-Domain Antibodies/therapeutic use , Antimicrobial Peptides/pharmacology , Cathelicidins , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Disease Models, Animal , Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects , Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides/pharmacology , Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides/therapeutic use , Cell-Penetrating Peptides/pharmacology , Humans , Administration, Oral , Male , Female
2.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 4728, 2024 Jun 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38830864

ABSTRACT

Due to their exceptional solubility and stability, nanobodies have emerged as powerful building blocks for research tools and therapeutics. However, their generation in llamas is cumbersome and costly. Here, by inserting an engineered llama immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) locus into IgH-deficient mice, we generate a transgenic mouse line, which we refer to as 'LamaMouse'. We demonstrate that LamaMice solely express llama IgH molecules without association to Igκ or λ light chains. Immunization of LamaMice with AAV8, the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, IgE, IgG2c, and CLEC9A enabled us to readily select respective target-specific nanobodies using classical hybridoma and phage display technologies, single B cell screening, and direct cloning of the nanobody-repertoire into a mammalian expression vector. Our work shows that the LamaMouse represents a flexible and broadly applicable platform for a facilitated selection of target-specific nanobodies.


Subject(s)
Camelids, New World , Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains , Mice, Transgenic , Single-Domain Antibodies , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus , Animals , Single-Domain Antibodies/genetics , Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology , Camelids, New World/immunology , Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains/genetics , Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains/immunology , Mice , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/chemistry , Lectins, C-Type/metabolism , Lectins, C-Type/immunology , Lectins, C-Type/genetics , SARS-CoV-2/immunology , SARS-CoV-2/genetics , Immunoglobulin E/immunology , Humans , Dependovirus/genetics , Dependovirus/immunology , Immunoglobulin G/immunology , COVID-19/immunology , B-Lymphocytes/immunology
3.
Open Biol ; 14(6): 230252, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38835241

ABSTRACT

The Omicron strains of SARS-CoV-2 pose a significant challenge to the development of effective antibody-based treatments as immune evasion has compromised most available immune therapeutics. Therefore, in the 'arms race' with the virus, there is a continuing need to identify new biologics for the prevention or treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Here, we report the isolation of nanobodies that bind to the Omicron BA.1 spike protein by screening nanobody phage display libraries previously generated from llamas immunized with either the Wuhan or Beta spike proteins. The structure and binding properties of three of these nanobodies (A8, H6 and B5-5) have been characterized in detail providing insight into their binding epitopes on the Omicron spike protein. Trimeric versions of H6 and B5-5 neutralized the SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern BA.5 both in vitro and in the hamster model of COVID-19 following nasal administration. Thus, either alone or in combination could serve as starting points for the development of new anti-viral immunotherapeutics.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Neutralizing , Antibodies, Viral , COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Single-Domain Antibodies , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus , SARS-CoV-2/immunology , Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology , Single-Domain Antibodies/chemistry , Single-Domain Antibodies/pharmacology , Animals , Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology , Antibodies, Neutralizing/chemistry , COVID-19/immunology , COVID-19/virology , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/chemistry , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics , Humans , Antibodies, Viral/immunology , Camelids, New World/immunology , Epitopes/immunology , Epitopes/chemistry , Cricetinae , Protein Binding , Models, Molecular
4.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 4687, 2024 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38824166

ABSTRACT

Ligand-induced activation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can initiate signaling through multiple distinct pathways with differing biological and physiological outcomes. There is intense interest in understanding how variation in GPCR ligand structure can be used to promote pathway selective signaling ("biased agonism") with the goal of promoting desirable responses and avoiding deleterious side effects. Here we present an approach in which a conventional peptide ligand for the type 1 parathyroid hormone receptor (PTHR1) is converted from an agonist which induces signaling through all relevant pathways to a compound that is highly selective for a single pathway. This is achieved not through variation in the core structure of the agonist, but rather by linking it to a nanobody tethering agent that binds with high affinity to a separate site on the receptor not involved in signal transduction. The resulting conjugate represents the most biased agonist of PTHR1 reported to date. This approach holds promise for facile generation of pathway selective ligands for other GPCRs.


Subject(s)
Receptor, Parathyroid Hormone, Type 1 , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled , Signal Transduction , Single-Domain Antibodies , Ligands , Humans , Receptor, Parathyroid Hormone, Type 1/metabolism , Receptor, Parathyroid Hormone, Type 1/agonists , Single-Domain Antibodies/metabolism , Single-Domain Antibodies/pharmacology , HEK293 Cells , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/agonists , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism , Protein Binding , Animals , Peptides/chemistry , Peptides/pharmacology , Peptides/metabolism
5.
Front Immunol ; 15: 1334829, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38827746

ABSTRACT

Infectious diseases continue to pose significant global health challenges. In addition to the enduring burdens of ailments like malaria and HIV, the emergence of nosocomial outbreaks driven by antibiotic-resistant pathogens underscores the ongoing threats. Furthermore, recent infectious disease crises, exemplified by the Ebola and SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks, have intensified the pursuit of more effective and efficient diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. Among the promising options, antibodies have garnered significant attention due to their favorable structural characteristics and versatile applications. Notably, nanobodies (Nbs), the smallest functional single-domain antibodies of heavy-chain only antibodies produced by camelids, exhibit remarkable capabilities in stable antigen binding. They offer unique advantages such as ease of expression and modification and enhanced stability, as well as improved hydrophilicity compared to conventional antibody fragments (antigen-binding fragments (Fab) or single-chain variable fragments (scFv)) that can aggregate due to their low solubility. Nanobodies directly target antigen epitopes or can be engineered into multivalent Nbs and Nb-fusion proteins, expanding their therapeutic potential. This review is dedicated to charting the progress in Nb research, particularly those derived from camelids, and highlighting their diverse applications in treating infectious diseases, spanning both human and animal contexts.


Subject(s)
Camelidae , Single-Domain Antibodies , Animals , Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology , Single-Domain Antibodies/therapeutic use , Humans , Camelidae/immunology , Communicable Diseases/immunology , Communicable Diseases/therapy , Camelids, New World/immunology , COVID-19/immunology , COVID-19/therapy
6.
J Nanobiotechnology ; 22(1): 304, 2024 May 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38822339

ABSTRACT

Nanobodies, single-domain antibodies derived from variable domain of camelid or shark heavy-chain antibodies, have unique properties with small size, strong binding affinity, easy construction in versatile formats, high neutralizing activity, protective efficacy, and manufactural capacity on a large-scale. Nanobodies have been arisen as an effective research tool for development of nanobiotechnologies with a variety of applications. Three highly pathogenic coronaviruses (CoVs), SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV, have caused serious outbreaks or a global pandemic, and continue to post a threat to public health worldwide. The viral spike (S) protein and its cognate receptor-binding domain (RBD), which initiate viral entry and play a critical role in virus pathogenesis, are important therapeutic targets. This review describes pathogenic human CoVs, including viral structures and proteins, and S protein-mediated viral entry process. It also summarizes recent advances in development of nanobodies targeting these CoVs, focusing on those targeting the S protein and RBD. Finally, we discuss potential strategies to improve the efficacy of nanobodies against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and other CoVs with pandemic potential. It will provide important information for rational design and evaluation of therapeutic agents against emerging and reemerging pathogens.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Single-Domain Antibodies , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus , Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology , Single-Domain Antibodies/pharmacology , Single-Domain Antibodies/therapeutic use , Single-Domain Antibodies/chemistry , Humans , SARS-CoV-2/immunology , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/chemistry , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism , Animals , COVID-19/virology , COVID-19/immunology , COVID-19/therapy , Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy , Coronavirus Infections/immunology , Coronavirus Infections/virology , Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus/immunology , Virus Internalization/drug effects , Pandemics , Betacoronavirus/immunology , Antibodies, Viral/immunology , Antibodies, Viral/therapeutic use , Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy , Pneumonia, Viral/virology , Pneumonia, Viral/immunology , Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus/immunology , Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology , Antibodies, Neutralizing/therapeutic use
7.
Cancer Res Commun ; 4(6): 1410-1429, 2024 Jun 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38717140

ABSTRACT

Encouraged by the observations of significant B7-H3 protein overexpression in many human solid tumors compared to healthy tissues, we directed our focus towards targeting B7-H3 using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. We utilized a nanobody as the B7-H3-targeting domain in our CAR construct to circumvent the stability issues associated with single-chain variable fragment-based domains. In efforts to expand patient access to CAR T-cell therapy, we engineered our nanobody-based CAR into human Epstein-Barr virus-specific T cells (EBVST), offering a readily available off-the-shelf treatment. B7H3.CAR-armored EBVSTs demonstrated potent in vitro and in vivo activities against multiple B7-H3-positive human tumor cell lines and patient-derived xenograft models. Murine T cells expressing a murine equivalent of our B7H3.CAR exhibited no life-threatening toxicities in immunocompetent mice bearing syngeneic tumors. Further in vitro evaluation revealed that while human T, B, and natural killer cells were unaffected by B7H3.CAR EBVSTs, monocytes were targeted because of upregulation of B7-H3. Such targeting of myeloid cells, which are key mediators of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), contributed to a low incidence of CRS in humanized mice after B7H3.CAR EBVST treatment. Notably, we showed that B7H3.CAR EBVSTs can target B7-H3-expressing myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), thereby mitigating MDSC-driven immune suppression. In summary, our data demonstrate that our nanobody-based B7H3.CAR EBVSTs are effective as an off-the-shelf therapy for B7-H3-positive solid tumors. These cells also offer an avenue to modulate the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, highlighting their promising clinical potential in targeting solid tumors. SIGNIFICANCE: Clinical application of EBVSTs armored with B7-H3-targeting CARs offer an attractive solution to translate off-the-shelf CAR T cells as therapy for solid tumors.


Subject(s)
B7 Antigens , Herpesvirus 4, Human , Immunotherapy, Adoptive , Receptors, Chimeric Antigen , T-Lymphocytes , Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays , Animals , Humans , B7 Antigens/immunology , B7 Antigens/metabolism , Mice , Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology , Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism , Herpesvirus 4, Human/immunology , Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods , T-Lymphocytes/immunology , T-Lymphocytes/metabolism , Cell Line, Tumor , Neoplasms/therapy , Neoplasms/immunology , Female , Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology
8.
Elife ; 122024 May 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38805257

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is known to survive within macrophages by compromising the integrity of the phagosomal compartment in which it resides. This activity primarily relies on the ESX-1 secretion system, predominantly involving the protein duo ESAT-6 and CFP-10. CFP-10 likely acts as a chaperone, while ESAT-6 likely disrupts phagosomal membrane stability via a largely unknown mechanism. we employ a series of biochemical analyses, protein modeling techniques, and a novel ESAT-6-specific nanobody to gain insight into the ESAT-6's mode of action. First, we measure the binding kinetics of the tight 1:1 complex formed by ESAT-6 and CFP-10 at neutral pH. Subsequently, we demonstrate a rapid self-association of ESAT-6 into large complexes under acidic conditions, leading to the identification of a stable tetrameric ESAT-6 species. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we pinpoint the most probable interaction interface. Furthermore, we show that cytoplasmic expression of an anti-ESAT-6 nanobody blocks Mtb replication, thereby underlining the pivotal role of ESAT-6 in intracellular survival. Together, these data suggest that ESAT-6 acts by a pH-dependent mechanism to establish two-way communication between the cytoplasm and the Mtb-containing phagosome.


Subject(s)
Antigens, Bacterial , Bacterial Proteins , Macrophages , Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Phagosomes , Single-Domain Antibodies , Antigens, Bacterial/metabolism , Antigens, Bacterial/immunology , Bacterial Proteins/metabolism , Phagosomes/metabolism , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/immunology , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/metabolism , Macrophages/immunology , Macrophages/metabolism , Macrophages/microbiology , Single-Domain Antibodies/metabolism , Humans , Molecular Dynamics Simulation , Animals
9.
Food Chem ; 453: 139623, 2024 Sep 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38761730

ABSTRACT

Ochratoxin A (OTA) in food poses a serious challenge to public health. Herein, using the nanobody-driven controllable aggregation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in a glucose oxidase-tyramine-horseradish peroxidase (GOx-TYR-HRP) system, we propose a direct competitive plasmonic enzyme immunoassay (dc-PEIA) for OTA detection. The OTA-GOx conjugate catalyzes glucose to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and then HRP catalyzes H2O2 to generate hydroxyl radical which induces the crosslink of TYR. Crosslinked TYR leads to aggregation of AuNPs through strong electrostatic interactions, which is tunable based on the competition of OTA-GOx and free OTA for binding the immobilized nanobody. The optimized dc-PEIA achieves an instrumental limit of detection (LOD) of 0.275 ng/mL and a visual LOD of 1.56 ng/mL. It exhibits good selectivity for OTA and accuracy in the analysis of pepper samples, with the confirmation of high-performance liquid chromatography. Overall, the dc-PEIA is demonstrated as a useful tool for detecting OTA in food.


Subject(s)
Capsicum , Food Contamination , Gold , Metal Nanoparticles , Ochratoxins , Ochratoxins/analysis , Gold/chemistry , Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry , Capsicum/chemistry , Capsicum/immunology , Food Contamination/analysis , Immunoenzyme Techniques/methods , Limit of Detection , Glucose Oxidase/chemistry , Single-Domain Antibodies/chemistry , Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology , Horseradish Peroxidase/chemistry , Biosensing Techniques
10.
J Nanobiotechnology ; 22(1): 279, 2024 May 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38783333

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: BCMA-directed autologous chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells have shown excellent clinical efficacy in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), however, the current preparation process for autologous CAR-T cells is complicated and costly. Moreover, the upregulation of CD47 expression has been observed in multiple myeloma, and anti-CD47 antibodies have shown remarkable results in clinical trials. Therefore, we focus on the development of BCMA/CD47-directed universal CAR-T (UCAR-T) cells to improve these limitations. METHODS: In this study, we employed phage display technology to screen nanobodies against BCMA and CD47 protein, and determined the characterization of nanobodies. Furthermore, we simultaneously disrupted the endogenous TRAC and B2M genes of T cells using CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate TCR and HLA double knock-out T cells, and developed BCMA/CD47-directed UCAR-T cells and detected the antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: We obtained fourteen and one specific nanobodies against BCMA and CD47 protein from the immunized VHH library, respectively. BCMA/CD47-directed UCAR-T cells exhibited superior CAR expression (89.13-98.03%), and effectively killing primary human MM cells and MM cell lines. BCMA/CD47-directed UCAR-T cells demonstrated excellent antitumor activity against MM and prolonged the survival of tumor-engrafted NCG mice in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: This work demonstrated that BCMA/CD47-directed UCAR-T cells exhibited potent antitumor activity against MM in vitro and in vivo, which provides a potential strategy for the development of a novel "off-the-shelf" cellular immunotherapies for the treatment of multiple myeloma.


Subject(s)
B-Cell Maturation Antigen , CD47 Antigen , Immunotherapy, Adoptive , Multiple Myeloma , Receptors, Chimeric Antigen , Multiple Myeloma/therapy , Multiple Myeloma/immunology , Humans , Animals , CD47 Antigen/immunology , B-Cell Maturation Antigen/immunology , Mice , Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods , Cell Line, Tumor , Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology , Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology , Single-Domain Antibodies/pharmacology , T-Lymphocytes/immunology , CRISPR-Cas Systems , Female
11.
Life Sci Alliance ; 7(8)2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38816213

ABSTRACT

In cells, mitochondria undergo constant fusion and fission. An essential factor for fission is the mammalian dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1). Dysregulation of Drp1 is associated with neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's, cardiovascular diseases and cancer, making Drp1 a pivotal biomarker for monitoring mitochondrial status and potential pathophysiological conditions. Here, we developed nanobodies (Nbs) as versatile binding molecules for proteomics, advanced microscopy and live cell imaging of Drp1. To specifically enrich endogenous Drp1 with interacting proteins for proteomics, we functionalized high-affinity Nbs into advanced capture matrices. Furthermore, we detected Drp1 by bivalent Nbs combined with site-directed fluorophore labelling in super-resolution STORM microscopy. For real-time imaging of Drp1, we intracellularly expressed fluorescently labelled Nbs, so-called chromobodies (Cbs). To improve the signal-to-noise ratio, we further converted Cbs into a "turnover-accelerated" format. With these imaging probes, we visualized the dynamics of endogenous Drp1 upon compound-induced mitochondrial fission in living cells. Considering the wide range of research applications, the presented Nb toolset will open up new possibilities for advanced functional studies of Drp1 in disease-relevant models.


Subject(s)
Dynamins , Mitochondria , Mitochondrial Dynamics , Single-Domain Antibodies , Dynamins/metabolism , Humans , Single-Domain Antibodies/metabolism , Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology , Mitochondria/metabolism , Proteomics/methods , Animals , Protein Binding , HeLa Cells , Mitochondrial Proteins/metabolism
12.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 4611, 2024 May 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38816420

ABSTRACT

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are pivotal therapeutic targets, but their complex structure poses challenges for effective drug design. Nanobodies, or single-domain antibodies, have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy to target GPCRs, offering advantages over traditional small molecules and antibodies. However, an incomplete understanding of the structural features enabling GPCR-nanobody interactions has limited their development. In this study, we investigate VUN701, a nanobody antagonist targeting the atypical chemokine receptor 3 (ACKR3). We determine that an extended CDR3 loop is required for ACKR3 binding. Uncommon in most nanobodies, an extended CDR3 is prevalent in GPCR-targeting nanobodies. Combining experimental and computational approaches, we map an inhibitory ACKR3-VUN701 interface and define a distinct conformational mechanism for GPCR inactivation. Our results provide insights into class A GPCR-nanobody selectivity and suggest a strategy for the development of these new therapeutic tools.


Subject(s)
Receptors, CXCR , Single-Domain Antibodies , Single-Domain Antibodies/chemistry , Single-Domain Antibodies/metabolism , Humans , Receptors, CXCR/metabolism , Receptors, CXCR/genetics , Receptors, CXCR/antagonists & inhibitors , Receptors, CXCR/chemistry , HEK293 Cells , Protein Binding , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/chemistry , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/antagonists & inhibitors , Animals
13.
Mol Neurodegener ; 19(1): 44, 2024 May 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38816762

ABSTRACT

Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) in the brain, leading to motor and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Currently, there are no known cures for synucleinopathies, and treatments mainly focus on symptom management. In this study, we developed a single-domain antibody (sdAb)-based protein degrader with features designed to enhance proteasomal degradation of α-syn. This sdAb derivative targets both α-syn and Cereblon (CRBN), a substrate-receptor for the E3-ubiquitin ligase CRL4CRBN, and thereby induces α-syn ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Our results indicate that this therapeutic candidate enhances proteasomal degradation of α-syn, in addition to the endogenous lysosomal degradation machinery. By promoting proteasomal degradation of α-syn, we improved clearance of α-syn in primary culture and mouse models of synucleinopathy. These findings indicate that our sdAb-based protein degrader is a promising therapeutic candidate for synucleinopathies. Considering that only a small percentage of antibodies enter the brain, more potent sdAbs with greater brain entry than whole antibodies could enhance clinical benefits of antibody-based therapies.


Subject(s)
Synucleinopathies , alpha-Synuclein , Animals , Synucleinopathies/metabolism , alpha-Synuclein/metabolism , alpha-Synuclein/immunology , Mice , Humans , Single-Domain Antibodies , Disease Models, Animal , Brain/metabolism , Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex/metabolism
14.
Int Immunopharmacol ; 134: 112215, 2024 Jun 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38744173

ABSTRACT

Camelid single-domain antibodies (VHH) represent a promising class of immunobiologicals for therapeutic applications due to their remarkable stability, specificity, and therapeutic potential. To enhance the effectiveness of antivenoms for snakebites, various methods have been explored to address limitations associated with serum therapy, particularly focusing on mitigating local damage and ensuring sustainable production. Our study aimed to characterize the pharmacological profile and neutralization capacity of anti-Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) monomeric VHH (Genbank accessions: KC329718). Using a post-envenoming mouse model, we used intravital microscopy to assess leukocyte influx, measured CK and LDH levels, and conducted a histopathology analysis to evaluate VHH KC329718's ability to neutralize myotoxic activity. Our findings demonstrated that VHH KC329718 exhibited heterogeneous distribution in muscle tissue. Treatment with VHH KC329718 reduced leukocyte influx caused by BthTX-I (a Lys-49 PLA2) by 28 %, as observed through intravital microscopy. When administered at a 1:10 ratio [venom or toxin:VHH (w/w)], VHH KC329718 significantly decreased myotoxicity, resulting in a 35-40 % reduction in CK levels from BthTX-I and BthTX-II (an Asp-49 PLA2) and a 60 % decrease in CK levels from B. jararacussu venom. LDH levels also showed reductions of 60%, 80%, and 60% induced by BthTX-I, BthTX-II, and B. jararacussu venom, respectively. Histological analysis confirmed the neutralization potential, displaying a significant reduction in tissue damage and inflammatory cell count in mice treated with VHH KC329718 post B. jararacussu venom inoculation. This study underscores the potential of monomeric anti-PLA2 VHH in mitigating myotoxic effects, suggesting a promising avenue for the development of new generation antivenoms to address current therapeutic limitations.


Subject(s)
Antivenins , Bothrops , Phospholipases A2 , Single-Domain Antibodies , Snake Bites , Animals , Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology , Snake Bites/drug therapy , Snake Bites/immunology , Antivenins/pharmacology , Antivenins/therapeutic use , Mice , Phospholipases A2/metabolism , Crotalid Venoms/immunology , Crotalid Venoms/toxicity , Male , Disease Models, Animal , Muscle, Skeletal/pathology , Muscle, Skeletal/drug effects , Leukocytes/drug effects , Leukocytes/immunology , Humans , Creatine Kinase/blood
15.
Sci Signal ; 17(837): eadq4734, 2024 May 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38771919

ABSTRACT

Antibody fragments can act as pharmacological tools to modulate the functions of G protein-coupled receptors.


Subject(s)
Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled , Single-Domain Antibodies , Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology , Humans , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/immunology , Animals
16.
J Med Virol ; 96(6): e29692, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38804172

ABSTRACT

To achieve a virological cure for hepatitis B virus (HBV), innovative strategies are required to target the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) genome. Guanine-quadruplexes (G4s) are a secondary structure that can be adopted by DNA and play a significant role in regulating viral replication, transcription, and translation. Antibody-based probes and small molecules have been developed to study the role of G4s in the context of the human genome, but none have been specifically made to target G4s in viral infection. Herein, we describe the development of a humanized single-domain antibody (S10) that can target a G4 located in the PreCore (PreC) promoter of the HBV cccDNA genome. MicroScale Thermophoresis demonstrated that S10 has a strong nanomolar affinity to the PreC G4 in its quadruplex form and a structural electron density envelope of the complex was determined using Small-Angle X-ray Scattering. Lentiviral transduction of S10 into HepG2-NTCP cells shows nuclear localization, and chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with next-generation sequencing demonstrated that S10 can bind to the HBV PreC G4 present on the cccDNA. This research validates the existence of a G4 in HBV cccDNA and demonstrates that this DNA secondary structure can be targeted with high structural and sequence specificity using S10.


Subject(s)
DNA, Circular , DNA, Viral , G-Quadruplexes , Hepatitis B virus , Single-Domain Antibodies , Humans , Hepatitis B virus/genetics , Hepatitis B virus/immunology , DNA, Circular/genetics , DNA, Viral/genetics , Hep G2 Cells , Single-Domain Antibodies/genetics , Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology , Single-Domain Antibodies/chemistry , Genome, Viral , Promoter Regions, Genetic , Virus Replication , Hepatitis B/virology
17.
Anal Chim Acta ; 1310: 342717, 2024 Jun 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38811143

ABSTRACT

Parathion is one of organophosphorus pesticide, which has been prohibited in agricultural products due to its high toxicity to human beings. However, there are still abuse cases for profit in agricultural production. Hence, we established nanobodies-based colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA) in which nanobodies (Nbs) as an excellent recognition element, greatly improving the stability and sensitivity of ICA. Under the optimal conditions, the developed Nbs-based GICA showed a cut-off value of 50 ng/mL for visual judgment and a half-inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 2.39 ng/mL for quantitative detection. The limit of detection (LOD) was as low as 0.15 ng/mL which was significantly 50-fold higher sensitivity than the commercial mAb-ICA. Additionally, this method exhibited good recoveries for the detection of cabbage, cucumber, and orange samples and excellent correlation with the UPLC-MS/MS method. The results showed that this method developed in this work based on nanobody can be used in practical detection of parathion in foods and nanobody is novel prospective antibody resource for immunoassays of chemical contaminants.


Subject(s)
Chromatography, Affinity , Gold Colloid , Parathion , Single-Domain Antibodies , Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology , Single-Domain Antibodies/chemistry , Gold Colloid/chemistry , Parathion/analysis , Chromatography, Affinity/methods , Immunoassay/methods , Limit of Detection , Food Contamination/analysis
18.
Elife ; 122024 May 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38712823

ABSTRACT

To date, all major modes of monoclonal antibody therapy targeting SARS-CoV-2 have lost significant efficacy against the latest circulating variants. As SARS-CoV-2 omicron sublineages account for over 90% of COVID-19 infections, evasion of immune responses generated by vaccination or exposure to previous variants poses a significant challenge. A compelling new therapeutic strategy against SARS-CoV-2 is that of single-domain antibodies, termed nanobodies, which address certain limitations of monoclonal antibodies. Here, we demonstrate that our high-affinity nanobody repertoire, generated against wild-type SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (Mast et al., 2021), remains effective against variants of concern, including omicron BA.4/BA.5; a subset is predicted to counter resistance in emerging XBB and BQ.1.1 sublineages. Furthermore, we reveal the synergistic potential of nanobody cocktails in neutralizing emerging variants. Our study highlights the power of nanobody technology as a versatile therapeutic and diagnostic tool to combat rapidly evolving infectious diseases such as SARS-CoV-2.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Neutralizing , Antibodies, Viral , COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Single-Domain Antibodies , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus , Animals , Humans , Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology , Antibodies, Viral/immunology , Antibodies, Viral/therapeutic use , COVID-19/immunology , COVID-19/therapy , SARS-CoV-2/immunology , Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology , Single-Domain Antibodies/therapeutic use , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
19.
Front Immunol ; 15: 1389018, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38720898

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Multiple myeloma (MM) remains incurable, despite the advent of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy. This unfulfilled potential can be attributed to two untackled issues: the lack of suitable CAR targets and formats. In relation to the former, the target should be highly expressed and reluctant to shedding; two characteristics that are attributed to the CS1-antigen. Furthermore, conventional CARs rely on scFvs for antigen recognition, yet this withholds disadvantages, mainly caused by the intrinsic instability of this format. VHHs have been proposed as valid scFv alternatives. We therefore intended to develop VHH-based CAR-T cells, targeting CS1, and to identify VHHs that induce optimal CAR-T cell activation together with the VHH parameters required to achieve this. Methods: CS1-specific VHHs were generated, identified and fully characterized, in vitro and in vivo. Next, they were incorporated into second-generation CARs that only differ in their antigen-binding moiety. Reporter T-cell lines were lentivirally transduced with the different VHH-CARs and CAR-T cell activation kinetics were evaluated side-by-side. Affinity, cell-binding capacity, epitope location, in vivo behavior, binding distance, and orientation of the CAR-T:MM cell interaction pair were investigated as predictive parameters for CAR-T cell activation. Results: Our data show that the VHHs affinity for its target antigen is relatively predictive for its in vivo tumor-tracing capacity, as tumor uptake generally decreased with decreasing affinity in an in vivo model of MM. This does not hold true for their CAR-T cell activation potential, as some intermediate affinity-binding VHHs proved surprisingly potent, while some higher affinity VHHs failed to induce equal levels of T-cell activation. This could not be attributed to cell-binding capacity, in vivo VHH behavior, epitope location, cell-to-cell distance or binding orientation. Hence, none of the investigated parameters proved to have significant predictive value for the extent of CAR-T cell activation. Conclusions: We gained insight into the predictive parameters of VHHs in the CAR-context using a VHH library against CS1, a highly relevant MM antigen. As none of the studied VHH parameters had predictive value, defining VHHs for optimal CAR-T cell activation remains bound to serendipity. These findings highlight the importance of screening multiple candidates.


Subject(s)
Immunotherapy, Adoptive , Multiple Myeloma , Receptors, Chimeric Antigen , Single-Domain Antibodies , Multiple Myeloma/immunology , Multiple Myeloma/therapy , Humans , Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology , Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics , Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism , Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology , Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods , Animals , Cell Line, Tumor , Mice , Lymphocyte Activation/immunology , T-Lymphocytes/immunology , T-Lymphocytes/metabolism , Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family/immunology , Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family/metabolism , Single-Chain Antibodies/immunology , Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
20.
Signal Transduct Target Ther ; 9(1): 131, 2024 May 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38740785

ABSTRACT

Almost all the neutralizing antibodies targeting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of spike (S) protein show weakened or lost efficacy against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged or emerging variants, such as Omicron and its sub-variants. This suggests that highly conserved epitopes are crucial for the development of neutralizing antibodies. Here, we present one nanobody, N235, displaying broad neutralization against the SARS-CoV-2 prototype and multiple variants, including the newly emerged Omicron and its sub-variants. Cryo-electron microscopy demonstrates N235 binds a novel, conserved, cryptic epitope in the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the S protein, which interferes with the RBD in the neighboring S protein. The neutralization mechanism interpreted via flow cytometry and Western blot shows that N235 appears to induce the S1 subunit shedding from the trimeric S complex. Furthermore, a nano-IgM construct (MN235), engineered by fusing N235 with the human IgM Fc region, displays prevention via inducing S1 shedding and cross-linking virus particles. Compared to N235, MN235 exhibits varied enhancement in neutralization against pseudotyped and authentic viruses in vitro. The intranasal administration of MN235 in low doses can effectively prevent the infection of Omicron sub-variant BA.1 and XBB in vivo, suggesting that it can be developed as a promising prophylactic antibody to cope with the ongoing and future infection.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Neutralizing , Antibodies, Viral , COVID-19 , Epitopes , Immunoglobulin M , SARS-CoV-2 , Single-Domain Antibodies , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus , SARS-CoV-2/immunology , SARS-CoV-2/genetics , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/chemistry , Humans , Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology , Single-Domain Antibodies/genetics , Single-Domain Antibodies/chemistry , Single-Domain Antibodies/pharmacology , Epitopes/immunology , Epitopes/genetics , Epitopes/chemistry , Animals , COVID-19/immunology , COVID-19/virology , Antibodies, Viral/immunology , Antibodies, Viral/chemistry , Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology , Antibodies, Neutralizing/chemistry , Antibodies, Neutralizing/genetics , Immunoglobulin M/immunology , Immunoglobulin M/genetics , Mice , Protein Domains , Cryoelectron Microscopy
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