Human leukocyte antigen and donor-specific antibodies in liver transplantation

In this article,we comment on an article published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology.We specifically focus on the roles of human leukocyte antigen(HLA)and donor-specific antibodies(DSAs)in pediatric liver transpl-antation(LT),as well as the relationship between immune rejection after LT and DSA.Currently,LT remains the standard of care for pediatric patients with end-stage liver disease or severe acute liver failure.However,acute and chronic re-jection continues to be a significant cause of graft dysfunction and loss.HLA mismatch significantly reduces graft survival and increases the risk of acute rejection.Among them,D→R one-way mismatch at three loci was significantly related to graft-versus-host disease incidence after LT.The adverse impact of HLA-DSAs on LT recipients is already established.Therefore,the evaluation of HLA and DSA is crucial in pediatric LT.

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).

Expanding role of antibodies in kidney transplantation

The role of antibodies in kidney transplant(KT)has evolved significantly over the past few decades.This role of antibodies in KT is multifaceted,encompassing both the challenges they pose in terms of antibody-mediated rejection(AMR)and the opportunities for improving transplant outcomes through better detection,prevention,and treatment strategies.As our understanding of the immunological mechanisms continues to evolve,so too will the approaches to managing and harnessing the power of antibodies in KT,ultimately leading to improved patient and graft survival.This narrative review explores the multifaceted roles of antibodies in KT,including their involvement in rejection mechanisms,advancements in desensitization protocols,AMR treatments,and their potential role in monitoring and improving graft survival.

Serological surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among students,faculty and staff within a large university system during the pandemic

BACKGROUND At the end of December 2019,the world faced severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),which led to the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),associated with respiratory issues.This virus has shown significant challenges,especially for senior citizens,patients with other underlying illnesses,or those with a sedentary lifestyle.Serological tests conducted early on have helped identify how the virus is transmitted and how to curb its spread.The study hypothesis was that the rapid serological test for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies could indicate the immunoreactive profile during the COVID-19 pandemic in a university population.AIM To conduct active surveillance for serological expression of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in individuals within a university setting during the COVID-19 pandemic.METHODS This sectional study by convenience sampling was conducted in a large university in Niteroi-RJ,Brazil,from March 2021 to July 2021.The study population consisted of students,faculty,and administrative staff employed by the university.A total of 3433 faculty members,60703 students,and 3812 administrative staff were invited to participate.Data were gathered through rapid serological tests to detect immunoglobulin(Ig)M and IgG against SARS-CoV-2.Theχ²or Fisher's exact test was used to conduct statistical analysis.A 0.20 significance level was adopted for variable selection in a multiple logistic regression model to evaluate associations.RESULTS A total of 1648 individuals were enrolled in the study.The proportion of COVID-19 positivity was 164/1648(9.8%).The adjusted logistic model indicate a positive association between the expression of IgM or IgG and age[odds ratio(OR)=1.16,95%CI:1.02-1.31](P<0.0024),individuals who had been in contact with a COVID-19-positive case(OR=3.49,95%CI:2.34-5.37)(P<0.001),those who had received the COVID-19 vaccine(OR=2.33,95%CI:1.61-3.35)(P<0.001)and social isolation(OR=0.59,95%CI:0.41-0.84)(P<0.004).The likelihood of showing a positive result increased by 16%with every ten-year increment.Conversely,adherence to social distancing measures decreased the likelihood by 41%.CONCLUSION These findings evidenced that the population became more exposed to the virus as individuals discontinued social distancing practices,thereby increasing the risk of infection for themselves.

THE USE OF ANTI-HUMAN GLIOMA MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES FOR TARGETING CHEMOTHERAPY OF BRAIN GLIOMAS(PREPARATION AND CYTOTOXIC PROPERTIES OF ANTIBODY-ADRIAMYCIN IMMUNOCONJUGATES)

Immunoconjugates are antibody-drug hybrid molecules which combine the exquisite selectivity or monoclonal antibodies with the potent toxicity of anticancer agents. A monoclonal antibody SZ39 against human brain gliomas was used as a drug carrier. Adriamycin (ADR) was bound covalently to SZ39 to form a SZ39-ADR conjugate. The cytotoxic activity of the SZ39-ADR conjugate was tested in vitro and demonstrated potent and specific killing of cells derived from a human malignant glioma. 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) for SZ39-ADR to 'target' cells was 8.14×10-9 M. An index of specificity between 'target' and 'non-target' cells was calculated to be 88-fold. These data suggest that the SZ39-ADR may use as a potent and cell type-specific agent and is a likely candidate for the targeting chemotherapy of malignant gliotnas.

Paraneoplastic neurological syndrome with positive anti-Hu and anti-Yo antibodies:A case report

BACKGROUND Paraneoplastic neurological syndrome(PNS)is a rare complication in patients with cancer.PNS can affect the central,peripheral,autonomic nervous system,neuromuscular junction,or muscles and cause various neurological symptoms.Anti-Yo antibody-positive neurological paraneoplasms and anti-Hu antibodypositive neurological paraneoplasms are common,but coexistence of both types has not been described in the literature.CASE SUMMARY Here we present a rare case of paraneoplastic neuropathy occurring in both breast and lung cancers.A 55-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with unsteadiness while walking.The patient had a history of breast cancer two years previously.Chest computed tomography revealed a 4.6 cm×3.6 cm mass in the right lung,which was diagnosed as small-cell lung cancer(SCLC).Blood test was positive for anti-Yo antibodies,and the cerebrospinal fluid was positive for both anti-Yo and anti-Hu antibodies,and the neurological symptoms were considered to be related to the paraneoplasm.The patient was treated with a course of intravenous immunoglobulin,without noticeable improvement.After being discharged from hospital,the patient underwent regular chemotherapy for SCLC and periodic reviews.The patient’s neurological symptoms continued to deteriorate at the follow-up visit in April 2021.CONCLUSION This case suggests the possibility of two types of tumors appearing simultaneously with two paraneoplastic antibodies.The clinical appearance of two or more paraneoplastic tumors requires additional attention.

Monoclonal antibodies as therapeutic agents in oncology and antibody gene therapy

Antibodies as therapeutic agents are mostly used in oncology, as illustrated by their applications in lymphoma, breast cancer or colorectal cancer. This review provides a brief historical sketch of the development of monoclonal antibodies for cancer treatment and summarizes the most significant clinical data for the best-established reagents to date. It also discusses strategies to improve the anti-tumor efficacy of antibody therapy, including antibody gene therapy and exploitation of bone marrow derived primary mesenchymal stem cells as the antibody gene transporter.

Methodological aspects of anti-human leukocyte antigen antibody analysis in solid organ transplantation

Donor human leukocyte antigen(HLA)-specific antibodies(DSA) play an important role in solid organ transplantation. Preexisting IgG isotype DSA are considered a risk factor for antibody mediated rejection, graft failure or graft loss. The post-transplant development of DSA depends on multiple factors including immunogenicity of mismatched antigens, HLA class Ⅱ typing of the recipient, cytokine gene polymorphisms, and cellular immunoregulatory mechanisms. De novo developed antibodies require special attention because not all DSA have equal clinical significance. Therefore, it is important for transplant clinicians and transplant immunologists to accurately characterize DSA. In this review, the contemporary immunological techniques for detection and characterization of anti-HLA antibodies and their pitfalls are described.

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.

Induction of Human Anti-Human Antibody Responses (Ab2) after Application of a Humanized Lewis Y Carbohydrate Specific Antibody (Ab1): Connection of Prolonged Disease Stabilization with Ab3 Induction?

Purpose: Detailed analysis of a patient with epithelial Lewis Y (LeY) positive cancer who received twice 50 mg of the humanized Lewis Y carbohydrate specific mAb IGN311 and developed a clinically significant human anti-human antibody (HAHA) response (Ab2). Results: Clinical stabilization of the disease was assigned to in this patient. The HAHA response consisted mainly of IgG1 and was found to be directed against the IGN311 binding site. Consistent with the induction of the HAHA response, CDC activity against Lewis Y positive target cells was completely abolished at day 8 and could not be restored by the second 50 mg infusion indicating complete neutralization of applied IGN311. The ADCC reactivity was also significantly reduced and anti-anti idiotype-specific antibodies (Ab3) were detectable at day 65. Conclusions: Induction of Ab3 antibodies should be considered as an additional factor influencing the efficacy of humanized antibodies. In this context, the potential threat of induced HAHA responses against therapeutic mAbs might have to be reconsidered because they might actually have also beneficial immunological long-term effects leading to an active immunization component induced by therapeutic antibodies.

PRODUCTION AND APPLICATION OF MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY TO POLYAMINE (PREPARATION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES AGAINST SPERMIDINE)

A monoclonal antibody was first prepared by fusion of mouse myeloma cells (SP2/0-Ag-14) with spleen cells isolated from male BALB/ c mice immunized with spermidine-bovine serum albumin conjugate (SPD- BSA). The hybridoma cell line producing antibody specific for spermidine was cultured in vitro and after i. p. into mice, the ascitic fluid gave suitably high dilution titres (1: 106) by enzyme immunoassay. This monoclonal antibody is of IgG1 class and the bimolecular compleex with molecular weight of 52KD and 27 KD. The monoclonal antibody was clearly specific to spermidine comparing with spermine or putriscine. Monclonal antibody may prove to be useful in the rapid diagnosis and evaluation of patients with cancer.

ISOLATION OF ENDOTOXIN-SPECIFIC ANTIBODIES BY SELECTION OF AN SINGLE CHAIN PHAGE ANTIBODY LIBRARY

Objective: To isolate murine anti endotoxin single chain phage antibody from a constructed library. Methods: Total RNA was firstly extracted from murine splenic cells and mRNA was reverse-transcribed into cDNA. Then the designed primers were used to amplify the variable region genes of the heavy and light chain (VH, VL) with polymerase chain reaction. The linker was used to assemble the VH and VL into ScFv, and the NotI and SfiI restriction enzymes were used to digest the ScFv in order to ligate into the pCANTAB5E phagemid vector that was already digested with the same restriction enzymes. The ligated vector was then introduced into competent E.coli TG1 cells to construct a single-chain phage antibody library. After rescued with M13KO7 helper phage, recombinant phages displaying ScFv fragments were harvested from the supernatant and selected with endotoxin. The enriched positive clones were reinfected into TG1 cells. Finally, 190 clones were randomly selected to detect the anti endotoxin antibody with indirect ELISA. Results: The titer of anti endotoxin in murine sera was 1:12,800. The concentration of total RNA was 12.38 μg/ml. 1.9×107 clones were obtained after transformed into TG1. 3×104 colonies were gotten after one round panning. Two positive colonies were confirmed with indirect ELISA among 190 randomly selected colonies. Conclusion: A 1.9×107 murine anti endotoxin single chain phage antibody library was successfully constructed. Two anti endotoxin antibodies were obtained from the library.

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.

Cloning and sequencing of the variable region genes of anti-human melanoma monoclonal antibody

Reverse transcription-PCR (RT PCR) was applied to amplify the variable region genes of the heavy and light chains of a monoclonal antibody(mAb) from a mouse anti-human melanoma hybridoma cell line HB8759. The two genes were sequenced, analyzed by computer and expressed in E. colt. No genes in EMBL Gene Bank 1995were found identical to the VH and VL genes. VH and VL genes consisted of 366 and 324 base pairs respectively.Both VH and VL genes were open reading frames and had antibody characteristics. The two genes were insertedinto expression vector pGEX-4T-1. The results showed that GST-VH and-VL fusion proteins were of anticipated sizes. VH and VL genes were confirmed as functionally rearranged mouse lmmunoglobulin variable region genes.

High-level secretory expression, purification, and characterization of an anti-human Her II monoclonal antibody, trastuzumab, in the methylotrophic yeast <i>Pichia pastoris</i>

DNA fragments encoding the light chain and heavy chain genes of an anti-human HER II antibody, trastuzumab, fused with an egg-lysozyme signal peptide were synthesized based on the codon bias of the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris. These fragments were inserted into a site between the AOX 1-promoter and -terminator in pPICZ A to be expressed by P. pastoris. The expression vector was linearized, and introduced into P. pastoris GS115 by electroporation. After the checking of several transformants with PCR to ensure a precise insertion, one was selected and cultured to examine antibody production. The level of production reached 10 mg/L in a flask with medium containing 1% methanol. The heavy chain and light chain of the product were assembled to form a hetero tetramer, as detected by dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). N-terminal amino acid sequencing revealed that the signal peptides of both chains were well processed. The mobility of the product in SDS-PAGE after treatment with Peptide N-Glycosidase F indicated the heavy chain to be N-glycosylated. Further analysis of the N-glycans with a mass spectrometer revealed a mixture of Man9-GlcNAc2, Man10-GlcNAc2, Man11-GlcNAc2 and Man12-GlcNAc2, but no hyper-mannosylated glycans. ELISA, surface plasmon resonance, and flow cytometric studies showed the affinity curve and Kd value for the antigen, HER II, and reactivity to a HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cell-line, SK-BR-3, to be almost the same as for the clinically used trastuzumab produced by CHO.

Isolation of mimotopes to the anti-human VEGF antibody Bevacizumab by mRNA display using random peptide libraries and the vaccination of a rabbit

An mRNA display system using synthetic DNA cod-ing for random 10- and 20-amino-acid peptide li-braries was employed to isolate mimotopes that could substitute for the anti-human VEGF antibody Bevacizumab. After six rounds of affinity selection, three clones that bound to the antibody were isolated. Their random-peptide portions were chemically syn-thesized, and further characterized. All of the pep-tides showed clear specific binding to the antibody. Two of them were further conjugated with Keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) to immunize a rabbit. Af-ter five immunizations biweekly, antibodies to the peptides were purified with a column conjugated with the peptides. The purified antibodies reacted specifically to the antibody’s original antigen, human VEGF. mRNA displays could be useful for the isola-tion of mimotopes for vaccines to substitute for ther-apeutic antibodies.

Analysis of Specific Th1/Th2 Helper Cell Responses and IgG Subtype Antibodies in Anti-CD4 Monoclonal Antibody Treated Mice with Autoimmune Cardiomyopathy

The cytokine repertoire of ADP/ATP carrier-specific humoral immune responses and the cytokine-dependent anti-ADP/ATP carrier antibody IgG subclasses were examined in a cohort of ADP/ATP carrier-immunized BALB/c mice treated with anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody. Eighteen male BALB/c mice （6–8 weeks old） were randomized into 3 groups： dilated cardiomyopathy （DCM） group, DCM-tolerance （Tol） group and control group. The mice in DCM group were immunized with the peptides derived from human ADP/ATP carrier protein for 6 months and mice in the control group were sham-immunized, while the mice in DCM-Tol group were immunized with ADP/ATP carrier protein and anti-CD4 McAb simultaneously. Serum autoantibody against ADP/ATP carrier and IgG subclasses were measured by ELISA, intracellular cytokines IFN-γ and IL-4 of Th cells were moni- tored with flow cytometry, and splenic T cell cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-6 were detected by using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The results showed that the autoantibody against ADP/ATP carrier was found in all mice in DCM group, and the antibody level, serum IgG1 and IgG2a subclasses, cytokines in T cells and Th cells were all elevated in DCM group, as compared with those in control group （P〈0.01）. On the other hand, in DCM-Tol group, the autoantibody level and contents of all the cytokines were significantly different from those in DCM group （P〈0.01）, and were close to those in control group. And the levels of IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG3 were influenced, to varying degrees, by anti-CD4 McAb as compared with those in DCM group. All these four types of IgG subclasses were substantially decreased in DCM-Tol group as compared with DCM group. It is concluded that the treatment with anti-CD4 McAb could prevent the activation of T cells, reverse the abnormal secretion of cytokines and the imbalance between Th1/Th2 cell subsets and abnormal production of autoantibody against ADP/ATP carrier, and eventually avoid myocardial injuries.

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.

GENE ENGINEERING EB VIRUS MEMBRANE ANTIGEN IN DETECTION OF MA-IgA ANTIBODY(COMPARISON WITH VCA-IgA AND EA-IgA ANTIBODIES)

With gene engineering EB virus membrane antigen as the diagnostic antigen, indirect immunofluo-rescence (IF) assay was used to detect IgA antibody against EB virus membrane antigen (MA-IgA) in sera from 202 nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients and 315 controls (normal and patients with other tumors). MA-IgA antibody was positive in 96.8% of the pretreatment NPC patients with a GMT of 1:36.3. MA-IgA detection by this method was more sensitive than EA-IgA detection by IE. In contrast, patients with tumors other than NPC were negative for MA-IgA antibody. 9.1% of VCA-IgA positive persons were MA-IgA positive with a GMT of less than 1:5. No MA-IgA positive was found in VCA-IgA negatives. The results indicated that this method was relatively specific. In the treatment group, the positive rate and GMT of MA-IgA antibody declined with increase in survival time and the decline was faster than VCA-IgA. When recurrence or distant metastasis developed, similar to VCA-IgA and EA-IgA antibodies, the positive rate and GMT of MA-IgA antibody increased to its pretreatment level. Therefore, MA-IgA detection might be valuable in the early diagnosis and monitor of NPC.

Isolation of Goose-origin scFv Antibodies Against Goose Parvovirus from Bacterial Display Antibody Libraries

Goose parvovirus(GPV)can cause a highly contagious and fatal gosling plague(GP)disease in goslings and muscoy ducklings.Here,three goose-origin neutralizing single chain variable fragment(scFv)antibodies against GPV SYG-61 were isolated.The genes of scFv antibodies were derived from goslings immunized with GPV SYG-61,and scFvs were subcloned into a pBSD vector for the construction of pBSD-scFv libraries.The pBSD-scFv libraries were screened following three rounds using VP2(protective antigen of GPV)as the bait by flow cytometry(FCM).After screening,the 15 clones with high mean fluorescence intensity(MFI)were isolated and sequenced.These 15 scFvs were expressed by pET-28a(+)in E.coli.The specificity and affinity of the 15 purified scFvs were successfully confirmed by ELISA.In the preliminary neutralization experiment on primary goose embryo fibroblast(GEF)in vitro,three of the 15 purified scFvs(named scFv-10,scFv-11 and scFv-50)showed significant neutralizing capacities.The study generated the first goose-origin neutralizing scFv against GPV and laid the foundation for the appearance of full-length goose-origin neutralizing monoclonal antibody against GPV.