Identification of the immunogenic domains in HBsAg preS1 region using overlapping preS1 fragment fusion proteins

AIM: The incorporation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) preS1 region into epitope-based vaccines against HBV has been accepted widely, but the incorporate site and size of preS1 sequence is controversial. Therefore our purpose was to further investigate its immunogenic domains for the epitopebased hepatitis B vaccine design.METHODS: Eight GST fusion proteins containing overlapping preS1 fragments in preS1 (21-119) region were expressed in E.coli. Using these purified fusion proteins, the immunogenic domains in preS1 region were identified in detail in mice and humans by Western blot analysis and ELISA.RESULTS: The results in mice showed that the immunogenic domains mainly existed in preS1 (21-59) and preS1 (95-109). Similarly, these fragments had strong immunogenicity in humans; whereas the other parts except for preS1 (60-70) also had some immunogenicity.More importantly, a major immunogenic domain, preS1 (34-59), which has much stronger immunogenicity, was identified. Additionally, the antibodies against some preS1 fragments, especially preS1 (34-59), were speculated to be virus-neutralizing.CONCLUSION: Eight GST fusion proteins containing overlapping preS1 fragments were prepared successfully. They were used for the study on the immunogenic domains in preS1 (21-119) region. The preS1 (34-59) fragments were the major immunogenic domains in the preS1 region, and the antibodies against these fragments were speculated to be virus-neutralizing. Therefore, the incorporation of preS1 (34-59) fragments into epitopebased HBV vaccines may be efficient for enhancement of immune response. Additionally, the results also imply that there are more complex immune responses to preS1 region and more abundant immunogenic domains in humans.

Construction, expression and characterization of human interferon α2b-(G4S)n-thymosin α1 fusion proteins in Pichia pastoris

AIM:Interferon α2b (IFNα2b) and thymosin α1 (Tα1) exhibit synergic effects in the treatment of hepatitis B and hepatitis C when used together. For developing a fusion protein drug, fusion proteins of IFNα2b and Ta1 linked by different lengths of (G4S)n(n = 1-3) were constructed and expressed in Pichia pastoris. METHODS: Using PCR and molecular clone techniques, the fusion genes of IFNα2b-(G4S)n-Tα1 (n = 1-3) were constructed and subcloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pPIC9. After transformation of these plasmids into P. pastoris, the expressed fusion proteins IFNα2b-(G4S) n-Tα1 (n = 1-3) were obtained. These proteins were purified through diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) affinity chromatography and Superdex?75 gel filtration and analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. Antiviral and E-rosette assays were used to investigate the bioactivities of these fusion proteins. RESULTS: DNA sequencing confirmed that the fusion genes of IFNa2b-(G4S)n-Tα1 (n= 1-3) were correctly cloned to the pPIC9 vector. The recombinant IFNα2b-(G4S)n-Tα1 (n = 1-3) fusion proteins expressed in P. pastoris were purified with DEAE and Superdex?75 gel filtration chromatography. The fusion proteins could be observed on sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with molecular weight (MW) of 23.2, 22.9, and 22.6 ku, respectively, and reacted to the IFNa2b monoclonal antibody and Tal polyclonal antibody. The purified fusion proteins exhibit antiviral activity and can enhance the percentage of E-rosette-forming-cell in E-rosette assay. CONCLUSION: The recombinant IFNa2b-(G4S)n-Tα1 (n = 1-3) fusion proteins were successfully expressed in P. pastoris. Purified fusion proteins exhibit both antiviral activity of IFNa2b and immunomodulatory activity of Tal in vitro. These results will be the basis for further evaluation of the fusion proteins' function in vivo.

EXPRESSION OF PRE S ROTEIN OF HBV AS A ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE FUSION PROTEINS IN NIH 3T3 CELLS

The pre S1 protein of hepatitis B virus(HBV)has been shown to bind to the hepatocytes.However,the hepatocyte receptor for HBV binding has not been cloned yet.The pre S sequence of HBV was inserted into a matnmalian expression vector, Aptag-1,to produce a Alkaline Phusphatase fusion proteins that could be easily and sensitively traced.Efficient expression was achieved in NIH 3T3 cells.This fusion proteins can be used to screen hepatocyte cDNA expression library for the cloning of HBV receptor in hepatocytes.

Affinity Chromatography Purification of Recombinant Human Interleukin-6 from Its Fusion Protein with GST

Recombinant E.coli JM109, containing pHZ1818 plasmid which included the fused gene encoding human interleukin 6(IL 6), expressed a fusion protein with glutathion S transferase(GST). The fusion protein existed both in the supernatant and inside the bacterial cell,but the insoluble protein had no biological activity and could not be refolded. The rotative speed of the shaker and the temperature of induction were optimized to maximize the expression of the soluble fusion protein. From the supernatant of the cell sonicates Glutathion Sephrose 4B affinity column chromatography was employed to isolate the fusion protein which could be purified to >80 0 0 in a single step. The yield of soluble GST IL 6 was about 10 mg per liter culture. The GST was site specifically cloven by 6 hours of treatment with thrombin and from the thrombin digest mixture IL 6 was purified by Q high performance ion exchange chromatography. From 1 liter of E.coli culture 2 mg refined IL 6 was obtained. The purified IL 6 had a purity of more than 95 0 0 and a biological activity of 1.02×10 8 IU/mg.

Induced Expression and Optimal Expression Conditions of Recombinant Alpha-bungarotoxin Gene Fusion Protein

[Objective] This study aimed to obtain recombinant alpha-bungarotoxin （a-BG-0 gene fusion protein with biological activity and investiagte its fusion expression. [Method] The plasmid pGEX-a-BGT was transformed into E coil BL21 （DE3） and BL21 （DE3） plysS host bacteria to identify the optimal engineering strain. Fusion expression of the optimal engineering strain was induced, in order to optimize the induced expression conditions of the soluble fusion protein. [Result] JP-a-BGT was identified as the optimal engineering strain, which could express fusion protein after induced by IPTG. The optimal induced expression conditions of the soluble fusion protein were investigatect JP-a-BGT was incubated at 37 ℃ for 2.5 h and induced with 0.50 mmol4. IPTG for 4 h at 22 ℃, and the expression level of the soluble fusion protein reached 18.42%. [Conclusion] This study laid a solid foundation for the subsequent purification of fusion proteins and the separation and purification of a-BGT.

Preparation of Recombinant Islet Cell Autoantigen 69 kD Fusion Protein

To get recombinant antigen (Is/et Cell Autoantigen 69)ICA69 which was expressed in Escherichia coli strains (E.coli) by means of the gene engineering technique so that it can be used for early diagnosis of and screening in type Ⅰ diabetes mellitus, the cDNA fragment of human ICA69 was amplified by PCR, and then cloned into pSPORT 1 vector. After DNA sequencing, it was inserted into pGEX-2T between the sites of EcoR Ⅰ and Sma Ⅰ, then recombinant plasmid p2T-ICA69 was constructed and introduced into E.coli. The GST-ICA69 fusion protein was expressed by the induction of IPTG. The recombinant ICA69 proteins were used to detect the antibodies against hICA69 in 100 healthy subjects and type Ⅰ diabetic serum by the use of indirect ELISA. The sequence analysis showed that the amplified fragments contained 1449 bp, encoded 483 amino acids, and had been correctly inserted into pGEX-2T vector. The recombinant proteins expressed in the prokaryotic cells had immunogenicity and could be used to detect antibodies against ICA69 in type Ⅰ diabetic serum. Finally it can be concluded in this paper that the expression products obtained by the method of gene engineering are recombinant ICA69 antigen and may be used to improve the forecast rate and the diagnostic rate of type Ⅰ diabetes in combination with other tests.

Prokaryotic expression and purification of fibronectin leucine rich transmembrane protein 3 C-terminal domain proteins in rats

BACKGROUND： Studies have suggested that fibronectin leucine-rich transmembrane protein 3 （FLRT3） is related to injury and regeneration of the nervous system. However, the expression and biological characteristics of these proteins remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE： To obtain FLRT3 C-terminal gene fragments, to effectively express and purify the target proteins. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： An observational study of cellular and molecular biology was performed at the laboratory of Histology and Embryology in Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University between October 2007 and June 2008. MATERIALS： Three Sprague Dawley adult rats were used to extract total RNA from rat brains. The pGEX4T3 and Escherichia coil （E. coil） JM109 were purchased from Promega. E. coil BL21 was provided by Novagen. METHODS： FLRT3 protein coding C-terminal DNA fragments, at a length of 786 bp, were amplified using RT-PCR technique from rat total RNA. The amplified products were cloned into the expression vector pGEX4T3. A recombinant expression vector was then constructed and introduced into E. coil BL21. IsopropyI-D-thiogalactopyranoside was applied to induce expression of recombinant GST fusion proteins, followed by isolation, purification, and renaturation of inclusion bodies that comprised recombinant proteins. Finally, the purified recombinant protein was obtained. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Determination of FLRT3 C-terminal DNA sequence; expression of target proteins was assayed by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis; purified recombinant protein was identified with Western blot methods. RESULTS： FLRT3 protein coding C-terminal DNA fragments, at a length of 786 bp, were successfully harvested through RT-PCR amplification, and were then clones into the prokaryotic expression vector pGEX4T3. The results of the sequence were consistent with the known gene sequence. SDS-PAGE analysis demonstrated that there was a specific protein band in the recombinant GST fusion proteins at a relative molecular mass of 56,600. The recombinant protein was observed in the inclusion body, and highly purified recombinant proteins were obtained through a series of methods, such as rinsing, purifying, dissolving, and renaturing. CONCLUSION： From adult Sprague Dawley rats, FLRT3 C-terminal gene fragments were successfully cloned and shown to be effectively expressed in E. coil BL21. Moreover, highly purified GST fusion proteins were obtained.

Purification and application of C-terminally truncated hepatitis C virus El proteins expressed in Escherichia coli

AIM: To explore the possibility of expressing hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope protein 1 (E1) in Escherichia coli(E, coli) and to test the purified recombinant E1 proteins for clinical and research applications. METHODS: C-terminally truncated E1 fragments were expressed in E, coli as hexa-histidine-tagged fusion proteins. The expression products were purified under denaturing conditions using immobilized-metal affinity chrbmatography. Purified E1 proteins were used to immunize rabbits. Rabbit anti-sera thus obtained were reacted with both E. coli- and mammalian cell-expressed E1 glycoproteins as detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Full-length E1 protein proved difficult to express in E. coli, C-terminally truncated E1 was successfully expressed in E. coli as hexa-histidine-tagged recombinant fusion protein and was purified under denaturing conditions on Ni2+-NTA agarose. Rabbit anti-sera raised against purified recombinant E1 specifically reacted with mammalian cell-expressed E1 giycoproteins in Western blot. Furthermore, E. coli-derived E1 protein was able to detect animal antibodies elicited by E1-based DNA immunization. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that the prokaryotically expressed E1 proteins share identical epitopes with eukaryotically expressed E1 glycoprotein. The E coli-derived E1 proteins and corresponding antisera can become useful tools in anti-HCV vaccine research.

Construction of the recombinant expression vector for CD80-IgG fusion gene and its expression in Chinese hamster ovary cells

To construct the recombinant expression functionally in Chinese hamster ovary cells in order vector for CD80-IgG fusion gene and to express it to be used as an effective method to eliminate the immune escape of leukemic cells, the cDNA encoding the signal and extracellular domains of murine CD80 was generated by PCR amplification from plasmid pcDNMB7 containing the full length cDNA of murine CD80 and those of murine IgG1, in which the Fc fragment was obtained through RT-PCR amplification from murine spleen cells. These two cDNAs were then cloned in tandem into eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.0 and the resultant recombinant plasmid pcDNA/CD80-IgG was then transfected to Chinese hamster ovary cells with liposome transfection reagent. The cell clones constitutively expressing CD80-IgG fusion protein were obtained by G418 screening. Western blotting and dot ELISA assay were used to detect the expression of the fusion protein in the supernatants of these cells. Meanwhile, the fusion protein expressed was then purified with affinity chromatography, and its biological activity was demonstrated by flow cytometry, MTr colorimetry and ELISA assay. The experimental resuits showed that these two inserts were successfully cloned into plasmid pcDNA3.0, and the highly purified fusion protein was obtained. This fusion protein was proved to be able to upregulate the density of CD80 on leukemic cells, deliberately promote the proliferative reactions of mouse allogenic lymphocytes and increase the killing activity against WEHI-3 cells from 49.7 % up to 84.6 %. In addition, this fusion protein could also enhance the IL-2 secretion from allogenic lymphocytes activated by tumorspecific antigens. It is concluded that the recombinant vector constructed can be functionally expressed in the mammalian cells, thus providing a solid foundation for the further investigation on the mechanism to eliminate the immune escape of leukemic cells in vivo.

Construction of single chain Fv antibody against transferrin receptor and its protein fusion with alkaline phosphatase

AIM: To construct fusion protein of a single-chain antibody (scFv) against transferrin receptor (TfR) with alkaline phosphatase(AP). METHODS: The VH-linker-VL,namely scFv gene,was prepared by amplifying the VH and VL genes from plasmid pGEM-T-VH and pGEM-T-VL with splicing overlap extension polymerase chain reaction (SOE PCR). After the ScFv gene was modified by 5/71 and Not I,it was subcloned into the secretory expression vector pUC19/119, and then was transformed into E.coli TG1.The positive colonies were screened by colony PCR and their expressions were induced by IPTG.ScFv gene was gained by digesting ScFv expression vector pUC19/119 with 5/71 and NotI restriction enzymes, then subcloned into expression vector pDAP2, followed by transformation in E.coli TG1.The positive colonies were selected by bacterial colony PCR.The expression of fusion protein (scFv-AP) was induced by IPTG.Its activity was detected by enzyme immunoassay. The molecular weights of scFv and scFv-AP were measured by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). RESULTS: The product of SOE PCR formed a band of 700 bp in agarose gel electrophoresis. SDS-PAGE demonstrated the molecular weight of scFv was 27 ku.Immunofluorescent assay (IFA) demonstrated its reactivity with TfR.The molecular weight of scFv-AP was 75 ku.Enzyme immunoassay showed that scFv-AP could specifically bind to human TfR and play AP activity. CONCLUSION: We have successfully prepared the anti-human TfR scFv and constructed the fusion protein of scFv and AP.It is promising for immunological experiments.

Soluble Expression and Rapid Quantification of GFP-hepA Fusion Protein in Recombinant Escherichia coli

To establish a rapid quantification method for heparinase I during its production in recombinant Escherichia coli, a translational fusion vector was constructed by fusing the N terminus of heparinase I to the C terminus of a green fluorescent protein mutant （GFPmutl）. As a result, not only was the functional recombinant expression of heparinase I in E. coli accomplished, but also a linear correlation was obtained between the GFP fluorescence intensity and heparinase I activity, allowing enzyme activity to be quantified rapidly during the fermentation.

A fusion protein containing murine vascular endothelial growth factor and tissue factor induces thrombogenesis and suppression of tumor growth in a colon carcinoma model

Induction of tumor vasculature occlusion by targeting a thrombogen to newly formed blood vessels in tumor tissues represents an intriguing approach to the eradication of primary solid tumors. In the current study, we construct and express a fusion protein containing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tissue factor (TF) to explore whether this fusion protein has the capability of inhibiting tumor growth in a colon carcinoma model. The murine cDNA of VEGF A and TF were amplified by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and then cloned into prokaryotic expression plasmid pQE30 with a linker. The expression product recombinant VEGF-TF (rVEGF-TF) was purified and proved to have comparable enzyme activity to a commercial TF and the capability of specific binding to tumor vessels. Significant decrease of tumor growth was found in the mice administered with rVEGF-TF on Day 6 after initiated rVEGF-TF treatment (P<0.05), and the tumor masses in 2 of 10 mice were almost disappeared on Day 14 after the first treatment. In addition, valid thrombogenesis and tumor necrosis were observed in the tumor tissues injected with rVEGF-TF. Our results demonstrate that occlusion of tumor vasculature with rVEGF-TF is potentially an effective approach for cancer therapy.

Expression, Purification, and Refolding of Recombinant Fusion Protein hIL-2/mGM-CSF

Objective To study the activities of interleukin （IL）-2 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor （GM-CSF） （hlL-2/mGM-CSF）. Methods SOE PCR was used to change the linker of the fusion protein for higher activities. The fusion protein was expressed in Escherichia coli （E. coil） BL21 （DE3） in inclusion body （IB） form. After IB was extracted and clarified, it was denatured and purified by affinity chromatography. The protein was refolded by dilution in a L-arginine refolding buffer and refined by anion chromatography. The protein activity was detected by cytokine-dependent cell proliferation assay. Results The expression of hIL-2/mGM-CSF in E. coli yielded approximately 20 mg protein/L culture and the purity was about 90%. The specific activities of IL-2 and GM-CSF were 5.4×10^6 IU/mg and 7.1×10^6 IU/mg, respectively. Conclusion This research provides important information about the anti-tumor activity of hIL-2/mGM-CSF in vivo, thus facilitating future clinical research on hlL-2/mGM-CSF used in immune therapy.

Enhanced Anti-tumor Effect of an IFN-γ-EGF Fusion Protein

The novel fusion proteins harbering human or mouse interferon combined with epidermalgrowth factor receptor binding domain were constructed using methods of genetic and proteinengineering. The fusion proteins were assayed to retain complete antiviral activities. The EGFreceptor binding moiety of the fusion proteins exhibited competitive binding saainst 125 I-EGFfor EGF receptbrs on A431 cells. The fusion proteins were shown to be more potent in in-hibiting the growth of cultured target carcinoma cells than interferon-y alone. Experimentaldata derived from rnouse Bl6 malignant melanoma models indicates that the weight of tumorin mice treated with IFN fusion proteins was significantly smaller than that of mice treatedwith interferon-y alone. The work here is unprecedented in the world and provides a reliableevidence to supPOrt the upcoming clinical employment of a class of interferons that specificallytarget tumor cell

Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of recombinant M2e.Hsp70c(Hsp70_(359–610)) fusion protein against influenza virus infection in mice

New strategies in vaccine development are urgently needed to combat emerging influenza viruses and to reduce the risk of pandemic disease surfacing. Being conserved, the M2 e protein, is a potential candidate for universal vaccine development against influenza A viruses. Mycobacterium tuberculosis Hsp70(mHsp70) is known to cultivate the function of immunogenic antigen-presenting cells, stimulate a strong cytotoxic T lymphocyte(CTL) response, and stop the induction of tolerance. Thus, in this study, a recombinant protein from the extracellular domain of influenza A virus matrix protein 2(M2e), was fused to the C-terminus of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Hsp70(Hsp70c), to generate a vaccine candidate. Humoral immune responses, IFN-γ-producing lymphocyte, and strong CTL activity were all induced to confirm the immunogenicity of M2 e.Hsp70c(Hsp70359–610). And challenge tests showed protection against H1N1 and H9N2 strains in vaccinated groups. Finally these results demonstrates M2 e.Hsp70c fusion protein can be a candidate for a universal influenza A vaccine.

Construction and characterization of calreticulin-HBsAg fusion gene recombinant adenovirus expression vector

AIM: To generate recombinant adenoviral vector con-taining calreticulin (CRT)-hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) fusion gene for developing a safe, effective and HBsAg-specific therapeutic vaccine.METHODS: CRT and HBsAg gene were fused using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), endonuclease diges-tion and ligation methods. The fusion gene was cloned into pENTR/D-TOPO transfer vector after the base pairs of DNA (CACC) sequence was added to the 5′ end. Adenoviral expression vector containing CRT-HBsAg fusion gene was constructed by homologous recombinan-tion. The human embryo kidney (HEK) 293A cells were transfected with linearized DNA plasmid of the recombi-nant adenoviral vector to package and amplify recombi-nant adenovirus. The recombinant adenovirus titer was characterized using the end-dilution assay. The expres-sion of the CRT/HBsAg fusion protein in Ad-CRT/HBsAg infected 293A cells was detected by Western blotting.RESULTS: The CRT-HBsAg fusion gene was char-acterized by PCR and sequencing and its length and sequence were confirmed to be accurate. The CRT-HB-sAg fusion gene recombinant pENTR/D-TOPO transfer vector was constructed. The recombinant adenoviral vector, Ad-CRT/HBsAg, was generated successfully. The titer of Ad-CRT/HBsAg was characterized as 3.9 × 1011 pfu/mL. The CRT-HBsAg fusion protein was ex-pressed by HEK 293A cells correctly. CONCLUSION: CRT/HBsAg fusion gene recombinant replication-defective adenovirus expression vector is constructed successfully and this study has provided an experimental basis for further studies of Hepatitis B vi-rus gene therapy.

GST Fusion Protein Based Specific Polyclonal Antibody Preparation of Mouse Aquaporin 1

Aquaporins（AQPs） are specific membrane channels for water and other small nonionic molecules.In order to overcome the difficulties to generate the effictive antibody of membrane protein,we selected the cytoplasmic C-terminus of Aquaporin 1（AQP1） as an unique antigen.The long C-terminus of mouse AQP1 was overexpressed in the Glutathione S-tansferase Gene Fusion System.On the basis of the resonable amounts of soluable membrane protein peptides,we prepared the specific antibody.To pursure this object,we constructed pGEX-4T-1/mAQP1（DNA sequence from 700 to 801 bp） recombinant plasmid and transformed it into Escherichia coli BL21 cells.The GST-AQP1 C-terminal hydrophilic peptide fusion protein was induced by IPTG and further purified by Glutathione Sepharose 4B to obtain the right size fusion protein.Then we immunized the New Zealand rabbits to prepare the antiserum.The purified AQP1 antibody showed high sensitivity by ELISA assay and high specificity by Western blot with AQP1 null mice served as negative control.Finally,we also checked the AQP1 localization in the mouse renal tissues in wild type of mice and AQP1 null mice served as negative control.We demonstrated that AQP1 was highly expressed at the descending limb of Henle tube using our purified AQP1 antibody,which was consistent with previous report.The successful design and preparation of AQP1 antibody through GST technique is an example as making antibodies against a specific membrane protein.

Contruction of the Genetic Engineering Strain Expressed Nontoxic ST_1-LT_B Fusion Protein Against Enterotoxigenic Eschenichia coli

Thermostable enterotoxinⅠ(ST1) mutant genes and thermolabile enterotoxin B subunit (LTB)genes were amplified by PCR from plasmids of Eschenichia coli C83902. The recombinantexpression plasmid pZST3LTB containing ST1-LTB fusion gene was constructed by recombinantDNA technique and then transformed into Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The ST1-LTB fusionprotein was highly expressed in recombinant strain BL21(DE3)(pZST3LTB) and the fusionprotein was about 38.53% of total cellular protein by SDS-PAGE and thin-layer gelscanning analysis. More important, mice immunized with crude preparation containing thefusion protein inclusion bodies or inactivated recombinant strain produced antibodiesthat were able to recognize ST1 in vitro. These sera antibodies were able to neutralizethe biological activity of native ST1 in the suckling mouse assay. Hence the ST1-LTBfusion protein was nontoxic and immunogenic, the constructed recombinant strain BL21(DE3)(pZST3LTB) could be used as a candidate of vaccine strain.

Construction of Expression Vector for Porcine Gastrin-releasing Peptide Fusion Protein

[Objectives]This study was conducted to obtain porcine gastrin-releasing peptide(GRP)fusion protein.[Methods]The constructed pET32a(+)-GRP plasmid was transformed into Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)competent cells to obtain the pET32a(+)-GRP-BL21(DE3)fusion protein expression strain,which was induced with 0.5 mM IPTG at 25℃and 150 r/min for 12 h,and the His-tagged GRP fusion protein was detected by SDS-Page gel electrophoresis and Western Blot.[Results]After optimizing the IPTG-induced expression conditions,it was confirmed that the porcine GRP fusion protein was obtained,and the porcine GRP fusion protein was soluble,stable and highly active.[Conclusions]This study lays a foundation for the subsequent preparation of anti-pig GRP antibodies.

Fusion protein of single-chain variable domain fragments for treatment of myasthenia gravis

Single-chain variable domain fragment （scFv） 637 is an antigen-specific scFv of myasthenia gravis. In this study, scFv and human serum albumin genes were conjugated and the fusion pro-tein was expressed in Pichia pastoris. The afifnity of scFv-human serum albumin fusion protein to bind to acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction of human intercostal muscles was detected by immunolfuorescence staining. The ability of the fusion protein to block myas-thenia gravis patient sera binding to acetylcholine receptors and its stability in healthy serum were measured by competitive ELISA. The results showed that the inhibition rate was 2.0-77.4%, and the stability of fusion protein in static healthy sera was about 3 days. This approach suggests the scFv-human serum albumin is a potential candidate for speciifc immunosuppressive therapy of myasthenia gravis.