Autoantibodies related to ataxia and other central nervous system manifestations of gluten enteropathy

Gluten ataxia and other central nervous system disorders could be linked to gluten enteropathy and related autoantibodies.In this narrative review,we focus on the various neuro-logical manifestations in patients with gluten sensitivity/celiac disease,immunological and autoimmune mechanisms of ataxia in connection to gluten sensitivity and the autoantibodies that could be used as a biomarker for diagnosing and following.We focused on the anti-gliadin antibodies,antibodies to different isoforms of tissue transglutaminase(TG)(anti-TG2,3,and 6 antibodies),anti-glycine receptor antibodies,anti-glutamine acid decarboxylase antibodies,anti-deamidated gliadin peptides antibodies,etc.Most studies found a higher prevalence of these antibodies in patients with gluten sensitivity and neurological dysfunction,presented as different neurological disorders.We also discuss the role of a gluten-free diet on the clinical improvement of patients and also on imaging of these disorders.

Effects of the Sheep Polyclonal Antibodies Against the Porcine Adipocyte Plasma Membrane Proteins on Porcine Carcass Composition and Meat Quality

To detect the effects of the polyclonal antibodies raised in sheep against porcine adipocyte plasma membranes on the porcine carcass composition and meat quality, 30 pigs assigned into 6 treatment groups were given intraperitoneal injections of sheep antipig adipocyte plasma membrane immunoglobulin （ASIg） or sheep nonimmune serum immunoglobulin （NSIg）. At the end of the experiment, the pigs were slaughtered at 90 kg body weight, and carcasses and meat quality were evaluated. The results showed that when pigs intraperitoneally immunized with 20 or 30 mg ASIg at 15 kg body weight, 20 mg purified ASIg twice at 15 and 60 kg body weight, or 20 mg purified ASIg at 60 kg body weight, respectively, their lean meat percentage, fat meat percentage, backfat thickness, loin eye area leaf fat weight, caul fat weight, heart weight, liver weight, and kidney weight were significantly affected. However, the kidney weight, lurrg weight, dressing percentage, and spleen weight did not remarkably change. Our results indicated that pigs intraperitoneally immunized with 20 or 30 mg ASIg at 15 kg body weight, and 20 mg ASIg twice at 15 and 60 kg body weight, have significantly different drip loss rate, cooked meat ratio, tenderness, storage loss rate, muscle fiber diameter, moisture content, dry matter content, crude protein content, and crude fat content from the control group that received 20 mg NSIg at 15 kg body weight. However, meat pH, meat color value, meat marbling score, inosinate, and myohemoglobin were not significantly affected. Our results indicated ASIg could not significantly affect the content of most muscular amino acids and intramuscular fatty acids.

Development and characterization of new polyclonal antibodies specific for three polychlorinated biphenyls

Three polychlorinated biphenyls （PCBs） congeners and their corresponding haptens bearing four carbon length carboxylic groups that can be linked to a protein for raising antibodies were synthesized. The three resultant immunogens were fabricated and used to stimulate immune responses in rabbits to survey the characteristics of the haptens. Three of the resultant polyclonal antibodies （Pabs） were obtained. The antiserum exhibited relatively high antibody titres （1：32-64） in double agar diffusion.

Production of human polyclonal antibodies by transgenic animals

Polyclonal antibodies collected from the blood of animals and humans experimentally immunised or spontaneously immunised respectively can be injected into patients to protect them against pathogens, toxins, tumours etc. This approach is severely limited by the availability of human polyclonal antibodies of interest. Moreover, polyclonal antibodies from animals are recognised as antigens by patients and are thus rapidly rejected and inactivated. To circumvent this problem, animals (essentially rabbits, chicken, pigs and cows) are being genetically engineered. Their immunoglobulin genes are being inactivated and the corresponding human immunoglobulin genes are being transferred to them. These animals will be immunized and it is expected that large amounts of pure human polyclonal antibodies will be extracted from their blood to be administered to patients. The possible acceptability problem of this approach is under a case study of the European Union Pegasus project.

Cloning and Expression of Intracellular Part of Receptor Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase RPTPα and Preparation of Its Polyclonal Antibodies

A DNA fragment encoding the intracellular part of tyrosine phosphatase RPTPα designated as RPTPα-2D gene was amplified by PCR from a human prostate cDNA library and cloned into the pT7 E. coli expression vector. The resulting plasmid pT7-RPTPα-2D was used to transform Rosetta DE3 E. coli cells. RPTPα-2D was predominately expressed in the insoluble inclusion body and was effectively purified using preparative electrophoresis gels. Polyclonal antibodies were obtained after immunization of a rabbit with purified RPTPα-2D. The antibodies displayed a high titer and sensitivity. This study thus provided a valuable tool for further researches on RPTPα.

Preparation and Characterization of Polyclonal Antibodies against VLDL Receptor

Summary: The polyclonal antibodies against VLDL receptor were prepared and identified. Rabbits were immunized with polypeptide fragment of VLDL receptor as antigen. The collected blood serum of the immunized rabbits was analyzed and identified by using ELISA and Western Blot. The results showed that the rabbit against mouse and human VLDL receptor antibodies were obtained with high titer and could recognize the natural VLDL receptors through Western blot. The prepared polyclonal antibodies against VLDL receptor provide a new tool to study the protein of VLDL receptor.

Preparation of Polyclonal Antibodies Against Testis-specific Protease 50 and Characterization of Antibody Specificity

Testis-specific protease 50 （TSP50） is a testis-specific oncogene, which is abnormally activated in most tested patients with breast cancer. This property makes it an attractive molecular marker and a promising target for the diagnosis and therapy of breast cancer. In order to obtain the protective and specific polyclonal antibodies for further research, TSPS0 cDNA was amplified by RT-PCR from normal human testicular tissue, and inserted into eukaryotic expression vector PeDNA3.1. Rabbit anti-TSPS0 polyclonal antibodies were prepared by means of intramuscular injection of peDNA3.1-TSPS0 into the rabbits. Titem of the anti-sera were measured by ELISA and Western blotting with the E. coli cell lysate containing the induced GST-TSPS0 fusion protein as an antigen. In addition, we examined the expression of TSPS0 in both breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and breast cancer tissue by immunofluorescent and immunohistochemistry analysis.

Preparation of Polyclonal Antibodies against NS3 Protein of Japanese Encephalitis Virus

Japanese encephalitis （JE） is a central nervous system disease caused by Japanese encephalitis virus （JEV）, which can infect human and a variety of animals and cause irreversible nerve damages. NS3 protein plays an important role in the process of JEV polyprotein hydrolysis, which is essential for JEV replication. Therefore, NS3 protein may be used as a potential drug target to treat Japanese encephalitis. In this study, the pET-28a-NS3 plasmid was successfully constructed and expressed in E. coli BL21 （ DE3 ） under IPTG induction. The molecular weight of the expressed recombinant protein was 55 ku, which was consistent with the expected result. The positive serum was prepared by immunizing BALB/c mice with NS3 protein and identified by indirect immunofluorescence （IFA）. The results showed that there was a fluorescence reaction between the prepared positive serum of NS3 protein and cells infected with JEV.

Preparation and application of polyclonal antibodies against KSHV v-cyclin

We prepared rabbit polyclonal antibodies against Kaposi＇s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus （KSHV）-encoded v- cyclin （ORF 72） and detected the natural viral protein using these polyclonal antibodies. Three antigenic polypep- tides of v-cyclin were designed and synthesized. A fragment of the v-cyclin gene was cloned into a eukaryotic expression vector pEF-MCS-Flag-IRES/Puro to construct a recombinant vector, pEF v-cyclin. Then, pEF v-cyclin was transfected into 293T and EA.hy926 cells to obtain v-cyclin-Flag fusion proteins. Six New Zealand white rabbits were immunized with KLH-conjugated peptides to generate polyclonal antibodies against v-cyclin. The polyclonal antibodies were then characterized by ELISA and Western blotting assays. Finally, the polyclonal anti- bodies against v-cyclin were used to detect natural viral protein expressed in BCBL-1, BC-3, and JSC-1 cells. The results showed that using the Flag antibody, v-cyclin-Flag fusion protein was detected in 293T and EA.hy926 cells transfected with pEF-v-cyclin. Furthermore, ELISA showed that the titer of the induced polyclonal rabbit anti-v- cyclin antibodies was higher than 1：8,000. In Western blotting assays, the antibodies reacted specifically with the v-cyclin-Flag fusion protein as well as the natural viral protein. The recombinant expression vector pEF-v-cyclin was constructed successfully, and the polyclonal antibodies prepared can be used for various biological tests in- cluding ELISA and Western blotting assays.

Blockade of Rho-associated kinase prevents inhibition of axon regeneration of peripheral nerves induced by anti-ganglioside antibodies

Anti-ganglioside antibodies are associated with delayed/poor clinical recovery in Guillain-Barrèsyndrome,mostly related to halted axon regeneration.Cross-linking of cell surface gangliosides by anti-ganglioside antibodies triggers inhibition of nerve repair in in vitro and in vivo paradigms of axon regeneration.These effects involve the activation of the small GTPase Rho A/ROCK signaling pathways,which negatively modulate growth cone cytoskeleton,similarly to well stablished inhibitors of axon regeneration described so far.The aim of this work was to perform a proof of concept study to demonstrate the effectiveness of Y-27632,a selective pharmacological inhibitor of ROCK,in a mouse model of axon regeneration of peripheral nerves,where the passive immunization with a monoclonal antibody targeting gangliosides GD1a and GT1b was previously reported to exert a potent inhibitory effect on regeneration of both myelinated and unmyelinated fibers.Our results demonstrate a differential sensitivity of myelinated and unmyelinated axons to the pro-regenerative effect of Y-27632.Treatment with a total dosage of 9 mg/kg of Y-27632 resulted in a complete prevention of anti-GD1a/GT1b monoclonal antibody-mediated inhibition of axon regeneration of unmyelinated fibers to skin and the functional recovery of mechanical cutaneous sensitivity.In contrast,the same dose showed toxic effects on the regeneration of myelinated fibers.Interestingly,scale down of the dosage of Y-27632 to 5 mg/kg resulted in a significant although not complete recovery of regenerated myelinated axons exposed to anti-GD1a/GT1b monoclonal antibody in the absence of toxicity in animals exposed to only Y-27632.Overall,these findings confirm the in vivo participation of Rho A/ROCK signaling pathways in the molecular mechanisms associated with the inhibition of axon regeneration induced by anti-GD1a/GT1b monoclonal antibody.Our findings open the possibility of therapeutic pharmacological intervention targeting Rho A/Rock pathway in immune neuropathies associated with the presence of anti-ganglioside antibodies and delayed or incomplete clinical recovery after injury in the peripheral nervous system.

Prokaryotic expression, purification of a novel candidate tumor suppressor gene FUS1 and characterization of its polyclonal antibodies

FUS1 is a novel candidate tumor suppressor gene identified in human chromosome 3p21.3. Its expression showed significantly reduction or even loss in lung cancer and other types of cancers. In order to further investigate the biological function of FUS1 protein, FUS1 cDNA from MRC-5 cells was amplified by RT-PCR and cloned into prokaryotic expression vector pQE-30. The recombinant expression plasmids were transformed into M15 strain and grown at 20℃ or 37℃. SDS–PAGE analysis revealed that the accumulation of the recombinant protein FUS1 (rFUS1) in inclusion body forms reached maxium amount when induced with 0.5 mM IPTG for 5 h at 37℃. The inclusion bodies were solubilized in 2M urea and purified by a 6 ×His tagged affinity column under denaturing condition. The purified rFUS1 was identified by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and tested for purity by HPLC chromatography. The purified rFUS1 proteins were then used to immunize rabbits to obtain anti-human FUS1 polyclonal antibodies, which were suitable to detect both the recombinant exogenous FUS1 and the endogenous FUS1 from tissues and cells by western blot and immunohistochemistry, Available purified rFUS1 proteins and self-prepared polyclonal antibodies against FUS1 may provide effective tools for further studies on biological function and application of FUS1.

Prokaryotic Expression and Purification of HIV-1 Vif and hAPOBEC3G, Preparation of Polyclonal Antibodies

To prepare HIV-1 Vif and hAPOBEC3G and to produce their antibodies, the full length gene fragment of HIV-1 vif was amplified by PCR from a plasmid of HIV-1 NL4.3 cDNA, and the APOBEC3G gene was obtained by RT-PCR from the total RNA of H9 cells. The resulting DNA construct was cloned into a prokaryotic expression vector (pET-32a). Recombinant pET-vif and pET-APOBEC3G were expressed respectively in Eserichia coli BL21 (DE3) as an insoluble protein. The vector also contained a six-histidine tag at the C-terminus for convenient purification and detection. To express and purify the HIV-1 Vif and hAPOBEC3G in E.coli cells, the accuracy of inserted gene and specificity of proteins were detected by the two enzyme digestion method, SDS-PAGE, and Western blotting. Rabbits were then immunized by Vif or APOBEC3G protein and serum samples were tested by indirect ELISA to determine the level of antibodies. Immunoenzyme and immunofluorescence assays were performed to identify the specificity of polyclonal antibodies. The titer of the anti-Vif antibodies was 1:204800, and that of the anti-APOBEC3G antibodies was 1:102400. Thus the antibodies could detect the antigen expression in the cells, demonstrating that fusion proteins with high purity and their corresponding polyclonal antibodies with high titer and specificity were achieved.

Development of rabbit monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies for detection of site-specific histone modifications and their application in analyzing overall modification levels

In addition to DNA sequence information, site-specific histone modifications are another important determinant of gene expression in a eukaryotic organism. We selected four modification sites in common histones that are known to significantly impact chromatin function and generated monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies that recognize each of those site-specific modifications. We used these antibodies to demonstrate that the site-specific histone modification levels remain relatively constant in different organs of the same organism. We also compared the levels of selected histone modifications among several representative organisms and found that site-specific modifications are highly variable among different organisms, providing new insight into the evolutionary divergence of specific histone modifications.

Expression of Cytochrome P450nor in Escherichia coli , Purification and Preparation of Polyclonal Antibodies

Cytochrome P450nor gene was cloned into the expression vector pET-28 to yield the recombinant expression plasmid pET-P450nor, which could direct the synthesis of a eukaryotic derived protein in Escherichia coli BL21. The vector allows overproduction and single-step purification of (His) 6-tagged cytochrome P450nor by the facilitation of metal (Ni 2+ ) chelate affinity chromatography. The expression level of cytochrome P450nor was high at 30℃ after IPTG induction. SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis showed a specific band (about 43 kDa). The overproduced cytochrome P450nor was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity within 2.5 h and about 20.8 mg purified protein was obtained from 2 L cell culture. The proliferation of SSMC-7721 cell line could be inhibited by cytochrome P450nor. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies (titer over 64 000 ) were produced against recombinant cytochrome P450nor and proved to be very useful for immunoblotting study. Availability of this expression system and specific antibodies should facilitate characterization of the role of cytochrome P450nor in the metabolism of NO.

Development of Non-ABO Red Blood Cell Alloantibodies in Patient Undergoing Allogeneic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

Alloantibodies that are non ABO Alloimmunization to protein antigens happens only after exposure, in contrast to ABO isohaemagglutinins, which are present naturally, even in the absence of prior exposure. It is recognized that while non-ABO RBC antibodies are less common than ABO antibodies, they generate essentially the same issues that lead to unfavorable clinical results. If non-ABO alloantibodies are identified early on, these issues related complications may be avoided This call for an in-depth understanding of the recipient and donor’s ABO-Rh grouping, antibody screening, and the phenotype of certain antigens. Equally important, the temporal association time between transplantation and hemolysis can help identify the underlying mechanism of hemolysis and direct appropriate management. Therefore, for that, it is crucial to identify the etiology of post-HSCT anemia for prevention and therapy, in addition to a thorough grasp of the mechanism of anemia in non-ABO-incompatible HSCT and the temporal link between HSCT and anemia. Finding the cause of post-HSCT anemia is essential for prevention and therapy, in addition to a thorough grasp of the mechanism of anemia in non-ABO-incompatible HSCT and the temporal link between HSCT and anemia. Therefore, for that, it is crucial to identify the etiology of post-HSCT anemia. In this case report review, we would like to highlight the vital role of transfusion medicine services and stem cell clinical teams in paying particular attention to the clinical significance of non-ABO alloantibodies involved to avoid causing overt hemolysis of incompatible donor RBCs or delayed erythropoiesis. Considering the fact that some of the Haematopoietic stem cell transplant centers do not give an attention to the other non-ABO RBC antigens.

New glucocerebrosidase antibodies can advance research in the field of neurodegenerative disorders

In medical research,there are times when the introduction of a new tool can launch scientific discovery in new directions.While antibody development may be considered mundane,in the field of glucocerebrosidase(GCase)research,the dearth of validated antibodies for different applications has impeded progress in studies of disease pathogenesis and therapeutic development.The recent introduction of new,rigorously evaluated antibodies can now propel research into the link between glucocerebrosidase and Parkinson’s disease(PD)as well as aspects of the pathobiology of Gaucher disease(Jong et al.,2024).

Allogenic Stem Cell Transplantation and COVID-19 Antibodies: Mechanistic Insights and Recipient Concerns

Collecting umbilical cord stem cells is widely practiced due to its numerous benefits. Over the past decade, umbilical cord stem cells (UCSCs) have shown effectiveness in treating various conditions, such as bone pathologies, neuropsychiatry disorders, hereditary diseases, and metabolic disorders. However, factors like immunization affect the quantity and quality of cord harvesting. Studies suggest that antibodies from the mother pass through the umbilical cord to protect the infant against infections. Cleaning the umbilical cord before stem cell extraction is crucial to maintain sterility and cell integrity. Vaccinating a female donor, including for COVID-19, typically does not directly affect the stem cells. Although vaccines aim to trigger an immunological response, they generally do not affect the donor’s stem cells.

Human leukocyte antigen compatibility and incidence of donorspecific antibodies in pediatric liver transplant recipients

BACKGROUND Antibody-mediated rejection following liver transplantation(LT)has been increasingly recognized,particularly with respect to the emergence of de novo donor-specific antibodies(DSAs)and their impact on graft longevity.While substantial evidence for adult populations exists,research focusing on pediatric LT outcomes remains limited.AIM To investigate the prevalence of human leukocyte antigen(HLA)mismatches and DSA and evaluate their association with rejection episodes after pediatric LT.METHODS A cohort of pediatric LT recipients underwent HLA testing at Santa Casa de Porto Alegre,Brazil,between December 2013 and December 2023.Only patients who survived for>30 days after LT with at least one DSA analysis were included.DSA classes I and II and cross-matches were analyzed.The presence of de novo DSA(dnDSA)was evaluated at least 3 months after LT using the Luminex®single antigen bead method,with a positive reaction threshold set at 1000 MFI.Rejection episodes were confirmed by liver biopsy.RESULTS Overall,67 transplanted children were analyzed;61 received grafts from living donors,85%of whom were related to recipients.Pre-transplant DSA(class I or II)was detected in 28.3%of patients,and dnDSA was detected in 48.4%.The median time to DSA detection after LT was 19.7[interquartile range(IQR):4.3-35.6]months.Biopsyproven rejection occurred in 13 patients at follow-up,with C4d positivity observed in 5/13 Liver biopsies.The median time to rejection was 7.8(IQR:5.7-12.8)months.The presence of dnDSA was significantly associated with rejection(36%vs 3%,P<0.001).The rejection-free survival rates at 12 and 24 months were 76%vs 100%and 58%vs 95%for patients with dnDSA anti-DQ vs those without,respectively.CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the importance of incorporating DSA assessment into pre-and post-transplantation protocols for pediatric LT recipients.Future implications may include immunosuppression minimization strategies based on this analysis in pediatric LT recipients.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Positivity of Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) Patterns, Native Anti-DNA and Extractable Nuclear Antigens (ENA) Antibodies: Experience from a Laboratory in Dakar

Background: Diagnosis of autoimmune diseases (AID) is challenging, due to overlapping features with other non-immune disorders. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are sensitive screening tests but anti-deoxyribonucleic acid-antibody (anti-DNA), and anti-extractable nuclear antigens (anti-ENA) are specific for AIDs. We aimed to look at ANA patterns in our patients and correlated them with anti-ENA for proper interpretation and better patient management cost-effectively. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted over 1 year from January to December 2022 who were tested for ANA at biology medical laboratory of Pasteur Institute of Dakar. Anti-ENA and anti-DNA results were also analyzed for ANA-positive patients. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 14.0, p Results: 216 patients were analyzed. Women predominated at 79.2% and mean age was 48 years [CI 95%, 46 - 50], with extremes of 10 and 89. Most represented age group was [41 - 60] with 38%. ANA was positive in 27 (12.5%) of patients, 59.2% of whom were strongly positive (titer of 1/1000, 1/3200 or 1/6400). The most common pattern was nuclear speckled, which was found in 77.8% of samples. Anti-ENA and anti-DNA positivity in ANA-positive patients was found respectively in 63% (17/27) and 1.4% (3/27) of the samples analyzed. Most commonly identified anti-ENA was anti-Sm 29.6%, anti-SSA 29.6%, anti-Ro-52 25.9%, anti-RNP 18.5% and anti-SSB 14.8% which was associated with speckled pattern. Association results indicated a significant relationship between both tests and between ANA titer in the anti-ENA- and ANA-positive patients (p 0.001). Conclusions: ANA, Anti-ENA and anti-DNA antibodies are essential for AIDS diagnosis. However, the testing repertoire should follow an algorithm comprising of clinical features, followed by ANA results with nuclear, mitotic, and cytoplasmic patterns, anti-ENA, and anti-DNA for a more meaningful, and cost-effective diagnostic approach.

Basic regulatory science behind drug substance and drug product specifications of monoclonal antibodies and other protein therapeutics

In this review,we focus on providing basics and examples for each component of the protein therapeutic specifications to interested pharmacists and biopharmaceutical scientists with a goal to strengthen understanding in regulatory science and compliance.Pharmaceutical specifications comprise a list of important quality attributes for testing,references to use for test procedures,and appropriate acceptance criteria for the tests,and they are set up to ensure that when a drug product is administered to a patient,its intended therapeutic benefits and safety can be rendered appropriately.Conformance of drug substance or drug product to the specifications is achieved by testing an article according to the listed tests and analytical methods and obtaining test results that meet the acceptance criteria.Quality attributes are chosen to be tested based on their quality risk,and consideration should be given to the merit of the analytical methods which are associated with the acceptance criteria of the specifications.Acceptance criteria are set forth primarily based on efficacy and safety profiles,with an increasing attention noted for patient-centric specifications.Discussed in this work are related guidelines that support the biopharmaceutical specification setting,how to set the acceptance criteria,and examples of the quality attributes and the analytical methods from 60 articles and 23 pharmacopeial monographs.Outlooks are also explored on process analytical technologies and other orthogonal tools which are on-trend in biopharmaceutical characterization and quality control.