Unfolding of the immunoglobulin light and heavy chains is required for the enzymatic removal of N-terminal pyroglutamyl residues.

To enable Edman sequencing of pyroglutamylated immunoglobulins, enzymatic deblocking by pyroglutamate aminopeptidase is performed, often with variable yield and compromised solubility. Recently, enzymatic deblocking of immunoglobulins without denaturation was described. Although the conditions ensured efficient removal of pyroglutamyl residues, we conclude that deblocking is preceded by denaturation, which results in aggregation of the immunoglobulins. To study the effect of folding status on deblocking we developed a methanol based deblocking solution, which preserved the enzymatic activity of pyroglutamate aminopeptidase, provided conditions compatible with sequencing and enhanced deblocking of electroblotted samples, as well. At 50 degrees C and 35% (v/v) methanol the immunoglobulin chains were completely aggregated, but the degree of deblocking was comparable to that obtained with the previously described method. At 37 degrees C, the immunoglobulins were partly aggregated, but the deblocked chains were completely in the insoluble fractions, whereas the soluble fractions had retained pyroglutamylation in both chains, suggesting that unfolding of the immunoglobulins is required for the excision of the pyroglutamates. Inspection of the structures of pyroglutamylated immunoglobulin and pyroglutamate aminopeptidase P. furiosus indicates that the enzyme requires the substrate in an extended conformation, a criterium, which we conclude not to be fulfilled in the native form of immunoglobulins. Unfolding of the N-terminus would disrupt the immunoglobulin fold by breaking interactions between secondary structure elements and expose surfaces prone to aggregation.

Utilization of recombinant Fab fragments in a cTnI immunoassay conducted in spot wells.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the performance of a new cTnI immunoassay utilizing site-specifically biotinylated recombinant Fab fragments on recently established spot wells. DESIGN AND METHODS: Two different cTnI-specific recombinant site-specifically biotinylated Fab fragments were produced. The performance of the new sandwich-type cTnI immunoassay in spot wells was evaluated in terms of binding capacity, assay kinetics and assay sensitivity and compared with a cTnI immunoassay carried out in conventional microtitration wells. Furthermore, the functionality of the recombinant Fab fragments was compared to the corresponding monoclonal antibodies in assay with one, two or three capture antibodies. RESULTS: The signal-to-background level was improved, providing an analytical detection limit of 0.002 microg/l with a surface of two capture Fab fragments. The spot wells increased the signal levels 2-fold and a further 4-fold improvement was detected with the Fab fragments already after 5 min assay time. CONCLUSIONS: The spot-concept in combination with site-oriented capture Fab fragments carries great promise as a very useful approach to improve the immunoassay performance of future point-of-care cTnI assays.